NicoMoon
09-04-2005, 05:30 PM
Livewire.fm is a commercial project in development that we suspended for the duration of the urgent needs of hurricane Katrina victims.
Like most Americans, in the aftermath, as we sat watching the unbelievable evolution of events, we suddenly felt the fire to get moving and do something.
We realized that we had an available resource at hand and got busy.
As of this writing, we are in our fourth day online, and what is happening is truly astounding. We know what the media might not know, and what other countries might not be aware of either. Americans in droves are rising to the occasion. We might not be fully focused, but we are moving!
We have a lot to do. In these few days we've been working steadily to find our niche, the place where we can have the most impact. Circumstances are changing rapidly, groups and organizations are emerging who are leading the way in getting grassroots organizing up and running. This is definitely very much needed!
Despite the heroic or sometimes chaotic efforts of our government, and the usual disaster relief organizations, there are still so many unanswered questions and unresolved problems that must be addresses. And that is what we are primarily wanting to do here.
Americans need to take the bull by the horns, and start resolving as many problems on a local level as possible.
States, cities and towns in the areas neighboring the disaster zones are becoming overburdened. The shelters of first refuge are unacceptable as long term solutions. The survivors have suffered and are suffering indignity upon indigity with grace and gratitude, just to be alive, just to have a place to get cleaned up, fed, and maybe get some rest. Their suffering is unfathomable, and their dignity in the face of incomprehensible pressure and loss is stunning.
We, the safe, clean, fed, and provided for must find our way to get these people into permanent and acceptable locations. They need everything, because they have lost everything. They are facing new lives, and yet undefinable futures. We must pull together and offer these people hope and relief.
Currently, independent volunteers are not having an easy time connecting with government, relief agencies, hospitals, or organizations. We need to build our own agencies and organizations with forethought and care that can accomodate both the long and short term needs of survivors. It isn't going to happen by magic. When we have credibility, we can apply for the endorsements and support of the larger agencies, and they will hear us.
We must take care to note that the opportunists are out and about. It is our belief here at Meeting of Minds that volunteerism is free. It should not be solicited with strings attached, and if it is, we need to have full disclosure on what those strings are, be they solicitations for cash donations to support the organization, or political, or partisan solicitations for support of organizational agendas. We are working hard on providing that kind of disclosure on all groups and organizations that are soliciting your support. At least we need to know what we are signing on for and why.
We need volunteers and coordinators to help with this and other projects.
Because Livewire.fm is a part of our plan for future financial security we will eventually return to development. We are, however, committed to maintaining this part of the site for as long as it's needed. It will never be a part of any commercial enterprise.
Another resource that we have in development is a blog or personal website area, which we will also be making available to those who need that kind of a resource for purposes of volunteer organizing or coordinating projects. Those sites will also be available for the duration with as much functionality as we can afford to host at no charge, and will be available in the next few days.
We will no doubt need volunteer technical support people for that project as well, as we are still in beta test mode on that technology.
That's it for now, we'll update this information as needed.
Many, many thanks to all who have contributed, especially to our growing group of truly amazing moderators who stepped up and just got busy doing what needs to be done.
That's what it's all about here, just stepping up, and doing what needs to be done. Please consider what you can do, and use this resource to make it happen.
Nico and Franklin Moon
Like most Americans, in the aftermath, as we sat watching the unbelievable evolution of events, we suddenly felt the fire to get moving and do something.
We realized that we had an available resource at hand and got busy.
As of this writing, we are in our fourth day online, and what is happening is truly astounding. We know what the media might not know, and what other countries might not be aware of either. Americans in droves are rising to the occasion. We might not be fully focused, but we are moving!
We have a lot to do. In these few days we've been working steadily to find our niche, the place where we can have the most impact. Circumstances are changing rapidly, groups and organizations are emerging who are leading the way in getting grassroots organizing up and running. This is definitely very much needed!
Despite the heroic or sometimes chaotic efforts of our government, and the usual disaster relief organizations, there are still so many unanswered questions and unresolved problems that must be addresses. And that is what we are primarily wanting to do here.
Americans need to take the bull by the horns, and start resolving as many problems on a local level as possible.
States, cities and towns in the areas neighboring the disaster zones are becoming overburdened. The shelters of first refuge are unacceptable as long term solutions. The survivors have suffered and are suffering indignity upon indigity with grace and gratitude, just to be alive, just to have a place to get cleaned up, fed, and maybe get some rest. Their suffering is unfathomable, and their dignity in the face of incomprehensible pressure and loss is stunning.
We, the safe, clean, fed, and provided for must find our way to get these people into permanent and acceptable locations. They need everything, because they have lost everything. They are facing new lives, and yet undefinable futures. We must pull together and offer these people hope and relief.
Currently, independent volunteers are not having an easy time connecting with government, relief agencies, hospitals, or organizations. We need to build our own agencies and organizations with forethought and care that can accomodate both the long and short term needs of survivors. It isn't going to happen by magic. When we have credibility, we can apply for the endorsements and support of the larger agencies, and they will hear us.
We must take care to note that the opportunists are out and about. It is our belief here at Meeting of Minds that volunteerism is free. It should not be solicited with strings attached, and if it is, we need to have full disclosure on what those strings are, be they solicitations for cash donations to support the organization, or political, or partisan solicitations for support of organizational agendas. We are working hard on providing that kind of disclosure on all groups and organizations that are soliciting your support. At least we need to know what we are signing on for and why.
We need volunteers and coordinators to help with this and other projects.
Because Livewire.fm is a part of our plan for future financial security we will eventually return to development. We are, however, committed to maintaining this part of the site for as long as it's needed. It will never be a part of any commercial enterprise.
Another resource that we have in development is a blog or personal website area, which we will also be making available to those who need that kind of a resource for purposes of volunteer organizing or coordinating projects. Those sites will also be available for the duration with as much functionality as we can afford to host at no charge, and will be available in the next few days.
We will no doubt need volunteer technical support people for that project as well, as we are still in beta test mode on that technology.
That's it for now, we'll update this information as needed.
Many, many thanks to all who have contributed, especially to our growing group of truly amazing moderators who stepped up and just got busy doing what needs to be done.
That's what it's all about here, just stepping up, and doing what needs to be done. Please consider what you can do, and use this resource to make it happen.
Nico and Franklin Moon