Get Involved
Your experience matters. Help us build something better for rural communities.
The need for this work became clear during the response to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, where communities, first responders, and grassroots organizers were often operating with limited visibility into what was open, where resources were available, and how to coordinate support in real time.
In the absence of reliable local information, neighbors stepped in to help neighbors. While those efforts were powerful, the experience highlighted how much stronger and faster response and recovery could be with better local information systems in place before a disaster ever happens.
Here’s one way to help us get it right. Whether you lived through a disaster, stepped up to help, sent supplies, gave what you could, or are just a neighbor who cares, tell us what you saw. What worked, what didn’t, and what was needed most. What you share shapes what we build.
Who We Are Looking to Hear From
We are currently inviting participation from:
- Residents and community members
- First responders and emergency response professionals
- Local government and public safety officials
- Grassroots organizers and mutual aid leaders
- Volunteers and community connectors
What Participation Looks Like
Involvement during this phase may include attending a listening session, sharing firsthand experiences from past disasters or emergencies, providing feedback on early prototypes, or helping identify local needs and gaps in your community.
Participation can be one-time or ongoing. There is no cost and no obligation. Your involvement can be as limited or as hands-on as you choose.
Your Input Shapes the Work
The systems we are designing are only as good as the real-world experiences that inform them. What you share will directly influence how local information and disaster readiness tools are built for rural communities across the United States.
Volunteer Submission Form
Your responses are used only to inform our research and design process. We do not share or sell personal information.