Last week was the annual NetHope Summit. It was also the US election. I think that juxtaposition merits a closer look. As humanitarians and conservationists we have learned to deal quickly and constructively with crises. Here are three things we practice:
1) We go to where the crisis is. When a disaster strikes, many of us are on planes heading to center of the storm within hours. We carry equipment and know-how and are ready to help. Running for safety, shelter or solitude is not who we are. We go to the fire.
2) We work together. We know the strength of collaborating. We do this with each other and especially with the the local people we serve. We also work with a strong sensitivity to the local culture. Context matters to us.
3) We restore communications. Connectivity is in our DNA. People's need to communicate often rises above their need for food and shelter. They need to know their loved ones are safe and to tell them they are safe. They want to connect and help, and we help them do that. We restore the voices of the broken and the lifelines of data. We do not rest until citizens and responders alike are able to rejoin the conversation.
Imagine if we applied these principles at home, right now. How might we behave differently?
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