A two hour web conference involving CanVOST supporters was held on Wednesday August 1st. The purpose of this article is to provide a few highlights from the web conference to show that good progress is being made in developing the CanVOST concept and to encourage other potential stakeholders and interested individuals to become involved. Details will be provided later in minutes of the web conference.
Key highlights arising from discussion during the CanVOST web conference:
- The CanVOST concept is timely in that it aligns well with initiatives being undertaken by various levels of government, national organizations involved in supporting emergency management and academic and research studies
- These is sufficient energy and resources to start developing a Canadian virtual operations Support Team without first seeking funding to evaluate the concept, issues, support etc.
- In parallel with the above volunteer development of CanVOST, a formal project which involves key emergency management stakeholders will be considered to identify and address policy issues, concept of operations, user support, recommended next steps.
- At an appropriate point in time the above two initiatives will likely merge into one
- Identified CanVOST supporters are well linked into similar projects worldwide which will enable CanVOST to benefit from other's work, best practicves etc.
- CanVOST can benefit significantly from using the communication and collaboration tools provided within PTSC-Online to advance development of the concept and share information with interested stakeholders and supporters through the CanVOST blogs, discussion forums and wiki. PTSC-Online members, viewers and those who follow on its social media channels are a significant resource.
- Integration with other programs such as MASAS, Red Cross social media training, and crowdsourcing initiatives may strengthen the concept
- A multi level approach to security and training should provide required safeguards and still enable participation from a wide range of volunteers
- Key tasks CanVOST can provide includes basic social media listening / monitoring for increased situational awareness, engaging in supportive on line discussion and curating and analyzing social media traffic for better visualization and situational awareness
The above are a few of the highlights. Participants in the web conference are encouraged to comment on the article for clarity and to add resources discussed during the web conference to the CanVOST wiki.
To be included in the CanVOST supporters group please e-mail Bill MacKay if you are a PTSC-Online member. If you are not yet a PTSC-Online member, please join PTSC-Online by filling out the member application form and note your interest in supporting CanVOST on your registration form.
2 Comments
This looks to be a good summary of our meeting Bill. I am looking for clarification on this one sentence "In parallel with the above volunteer development of CanVOST, a formal project which involves key emergency management stakeholders". Does this mean that our paralell study will be only undertaken by "key emergency management stakeholders?" or do you mean via emergency management ~Thank you. :)
Thanks for your comments and question Laura. The statement "which involves key emergency management stakeholders" was not meant to exclude participants other than emergency management professionals but to note that it is important to include them in these discussions. Their input is needed to assess their willingness to use a CanVOST service, identify and resolve policy and security issues and come to a common understanding regarding a concept of operations. There may be other items I have missed but they will be identified as discussions take place.
I hope that clarifies, if not please advise and I will try again as this process is all about coming to a common understanding.
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