News & Events / Events ¬

MLK Days of Service: Missing Maps Project

Jan
18
The Center for Community Engagement is partnered with Volunteer Memphis for its MLK Days of Service events this year. In particular, due to its virtual nature, we are seeking volunteers for the American Red Cross Missing Maps Project.
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online
Leslie McAbee
 
 

Additional Details

As part of MLK Days of Service, the American Red Cross is looking for virtual volunteers on Monday, January 18 (Martin Luther King Day) from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.  Those who sign-up will be asked to search for buildings on OpenStreetMap as part of the Missing Maps project, an online collaborative that asks volunteers to search for areas that are “missing” on any maps.

Think of it as an hour of exploring something similar to Google Maps and identifying buildings.

Step 1: Remote volunteers trace satellite imagery into OpenStreetMap. Step 2: Community volunteers add local detail such as neighborhoods, street names, and evacuation centers. Step 3: Humanitarian organizations use mapped information to plan risks reduction and disaster response activities that save lives.

Because of missing online information, the people living in these areas are vulnerable when natural disasters arise but, thanks to volunteer work on OpenStreetMap, first responders can have a better understanding of where to go when immediate help is needed. Instructions on setting up an OpenStreetMap account, training videos, and a Zoom link for the event will be provided before January 18.

As it is a virtual event, volunteers will need to have access to wifi, internet, and a computer. The online sign-up sheet is hosted by Volunteer Memphis — SIGN UP HERE. The deadline is January 17.

Please contact Leslie McAbee at lmcabee@cbu.edu with questions or to find other opportunities to serve during the MLK Days of Service.

Back to events