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Frequently
Asked Questions
Why
is HumaniNet important?
The need for reliable communications and information sharing among
humanitarian relief teams and organizations in the field is severe
and worsening, as the number of responses to natural disasters,
wars, civil conflict, and displaced populations increases. Relief
and aid workers lack basic communication tools that are needed
to coordinate action in complex international emergencies. This
degrades their ability to assess the situation, communicate needs,
ship the right supplies to the right place, provide medical and
health assistance, and provide basic security for field personnel.
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Isn't
this need already being addressed?
There are many initiatives and studies that have examined this
problem, and there are some very successful projects that are
limited to specific locations or solutions. However, we have found
no initiative that is currently:
- Providing
practical assistance to a broad spectrum of humanitarian NGOs
and teams, including smaller organizations,
- Helping
these teams to find affordable, reliable communications in any
geography,
- Enabling
the exchange of useful information among NGOs and field teams,
- Working
with qualified service providers to determine which information
and communications technologies (ICT) will result in the greatest
efficiencies and economies, and
- Utilizing
the skills and time of experienced technology volunteers.
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How
does a nonprofit organization join the HumaniNet network?
Any nonprofit humanitarian or mission organization that endorses
accepted principles of humanitarian work is invited to contact
HumaniNet to discuss participation. As an informal alliance of
nonprofit organizations, we do not have membership criteria or
membership fees. We simply ask that in exchange for our assistance,
participating organizations share their observations and field
results in global information and communication technologies,
or ICT.
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What
form does this assistance take?
- We
offer considerable information on communications and other subjects
on our ICT
Information Service. This is our recommended "first
stop" for people who have questions or need assistance.
It is open to all viewers, and it is free.
- Our
e-newsletter, the Global ICT eUpdate, alerts subscribers to
new developments, best practices, and opportunities for better
cost effectiveness. We publish the eUpdate every 4-6 weeks.
It will alert you to new technology developments that are important
to humanitarian and mission organizations. Simply email us at
info@humaninet.org and
write "Subscribe" (one word only) in the subject line.
- We
provide information and consultation by email and phone, on
a limited basis, at no cost. Send inquiries to info@humaninet.org.
- For
specific inquiries requiring research and analysis beyond our
standard time allocation for responses, we will discuss a defined
project at discounted rates. These projects may be as small
as two hours for limited research, to several days for more
extensive analysis.
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Can
HumaniNet help me find the right satellite phone or portable email
solution for remote areas?
Yes. Our ICT
Information Service is the best place to start. If you still
have questions, email us at info@humaninet.org
or call 503-957-2960.
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Does
HumaniNet conduct installations of satellite systems?
No. We are an information-driven initiative, and we do not have
the resources to install VSAT systems or similar communications
systems. However, we have technology partners, both for-profit
and nonprofit, who have excellent experience in this area. We
would be happy to introduce you to them.
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Are new volunteers needed in the work of HumaniNet?
Yes. We welcome inquiries from individuals who are willing to commit time and talent to our projects. Please click here to see volunteer opportunities.
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Will
HumaniNet form partnerships with technology companies and other
businesses?
Yes. HumaniNet seeks these partnerships. We understand that
communications and information management technology is dynamic
and complex and that NGOs are not staffed or resourced to keep
up with trends, services, and products. Participation of businesses
and technology experts is vitally important to this initiative.
We think of these partnerships as an "active reserve"
of dedicated people who want to help alleviate the serious conditions
that afflict populations in crisis.
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How
did HumaniNet begin?
In 2001, in response to the September 11 attacks and the humanitarian
work beginning in Afghanistan, a group of volunteers from the
technology sector formed a Task Force to support Northwest Medical
Teams, in Portland, Oregon, with several communications and Web
projects. These volunteers, led by the Director of Technology
at Northwest Medical Teams, realized that the work they were doing
should be leveraged to other humanitarian NGOs. To plan and structure
this model of shared information and services, HumaniNet was formed
under Northwest Medical Teams' sponsorship. In October of 2002,
HumaniNet began to pursue a broader strategy and establish a new
organization under the sponsorship of several NGOs.
For more information,
please see www.humaninet.org
or email info@humaninet.org.
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