Feb , rev c Our mission: assisting humanitarian field teams Information and communications technologies (ICT) Practical assistance for relief and development Volunteer- intensive

Feb , rev c Our results Since founding in 2002: Have assisted organizations 250+ humanitarian teams Communications assistance in Afghanistan, Iraq, Liberia, Darfur, Niger, South Asia tsunami, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, many other emergencies

Feb , rev c Our work Help Desk for humanitarian teams Information service for field teams, primarily in communications Both disaster relief and aid missions (capacity building) Online resources: Satcom Center (Plone based) Research VoIP Solar Power Mobile computing WiFi, WiMax networks NGO user community Other ICT resources In addition: Loaner satellite phones for emergencies

Feb , rev c Observations and lessons from Katrina 1.Lack of preparedness All levels of government Lack of coordination “Disasters start and end at the local level” a 2.Communications: massive failures Loss of power Poor interoperability Essential for command and control and situational awareness 3. Situational awareness Authorities and NGOs could not get actionable reports Volunteer-based programs were enormously helpful a. A Failure of Initiative – Final Report of the House Select Bipartisan Committee on Hurricane Katrina Preparation and Response

Feb , rev c An initiative for the Summer of 06 Geek Action National Guard (GANG) Providing an infrastructure and methodology for Engineering involvement in the communication needs of humanitarian relief operations. Three elements 1. Providing pre-certified “feet on the street” assistance for satellite and wireless communications. 2.Open-source software application development targeted to the humanitarian aid workers needs. 3.Administrative infrastructure to provide deployment assistance and training for deployed engineers.

Feb , rev c Deployed in the field engineering teams (GANG) Pre-certified and trained in Satellite and wireless communications Database allows for customized invovlvement with opt in/out Time frames Geography Type of conflict (natural disaster versus complex (civil war) emergencies Administrative team coordinates communications with host gov or state agencies, legal, financial support, insurance, evacuation planning etc

Feb , rev c Software Application Development …GIS initial application Open Source Focused on aid worker needs (not home office) Developed in conjunction with the aid worker community Heavy emphasis on security as well as social needs GANG Software development group

Feb , rev c Gang Admin support services Coordinates with immigration and host government Procures equipment Oversees medical authotization Legal, insurance Evacuation planning and contracting Arranges travel, accomadation and expense budgets Coordinates with NGO partners Katrina, 2005 “Communications and coordination were lacking, preplanning was lacking. We were not prepared for this.” Federal Coordinating Officer in Louisiana, before U.S. Senate hearing

Feb , rev c Katrina, 2005: why the Geek Action National Guard (GANG) is possible People are ready and willing Tech skills are needed A “triple win” for business, employees, and relief teams: 1.Business: cause-based marketing And a skilled team ready for local emergencies 2.Employees: pride in being part of the relief effort And a motivational factor: working for a company that cares 3.Relief teams benefit from capable, committed tech assistance And lives can be saved!

Feb , rev c How the Geek Action National Guard (GANG) will work Team model Volunteers grouped by corporate sponsorship when possible Pre-emergency training GANG team concept Basic preparedness (Red Cross) Communications (satphones, wireless, voip) Certification by training cadre press releases Periodic exercises and recurrency training Recognition within company and through

Feb , rev c How the Geek Action National Guard (GANG) will work Individual model Volunteers assigned to teams or in an augmentation pool Pre-emergency training GANG team concept Basic preparedness (Red Cross) Communications (satphones, wireless, voip) Certification by training cadre Periodic exercises and recurrency training

Feb , rev c Near-term target: a simulation Sept – Oct 2006 One-day training event Realistic scenario Fort Ord/ Moffett Field Security situation Satcom + WiFi + network + solar Demo by a GANG field team Rapid install Field test of software Support team in the scenario Invited observers from NGOs, State of California

Feb , rev c Current volunteer opportunities Research VoIP Solar power Mobile computing WiFi, WiMax networks NGO user community Field partner support First-level response to inquiries “Native guide” to our online Satcom Center and other resources General Database management Conference planning

Feb , rev c What you can do this month GANG concept Give us your feedback Consider it! SEEKING CORPORATE FOUNDING SPONSORS!!!!