Information, Computers and Telecommunications

HumaniNet
http://www.humaninet.org

A cooperative United States-based network of over 100 organizations, several supporting technology businesses, and a group of expert volunteers who help with research and analysis, finding the best practices, and sharing field results in global information and communication technologies, or ICT.

The WGET, convened by the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), is an open forum to facilitate the use of telecommunications in the service of humanitarian assistance. It compromises United Nations entities, major NGO's, the ICRC, the ITU and experts from the private sector and academia. The WGET usually holds two plenary meetings a year.

The HDLC discussion forum is a resource for relief and development professionals to communicate ideas, request advice and advocate for various issues within multi-sectoral relief and development environment.

It is a creative mechanism for participants to directly influence the scope and dynamic of vocational training within their particular field or sector of specialty.

Periodically, the HDLC Discussion forum host polls and surveys on behalf of the community for research purposes and conducts "virtual" round table discussions monthly.

It is free to register, so sign up.

For Public Information Officers involved in crisis public information and communication. [140 members; 15 messages / month]

For everyone with an interest in emergency communications, whether you are employed in emergency or disaster planning or management, the emergency services, the military; central, regional, or local government, work for a communications equipment manufacturer or service provider, or are a member of a voluntary organisation providing communications, or whose main activity vitally depends on comms. [100 members]

Space to share, debate and innovate for more effective development communication practice. Regular email newsletter "The Drum Beat" [http://www.comminit.com/drum_beat.html]

includes list of IARU member societies [http://www.iaru.org/iaru-soc.html] (many with web/email presence)

The US national organisation for HF radio operators - provides training and guidance on use of radio communications in emergencies. International membership is also available and includes monthly magazine plus access to Technical Information Service.

GDIN is an active, collaborative association of experts from NGO's, governments, International Organizations, industry and academia, and donor organizations to assist disaster managers find the information they need, particularly when other means have failed, to develop unique information sharing procedures that augment the existing system, to foster the development of new disaster information technologies and to foster professional development.

The e-Development Thematic Group’s (e-TG) mission is to promote the efficient use of ICT in development and World Bank operations by facilitating knowledge sharing on good practices in e-development, and an ongoing dialogue amongst a large and diverse community of practitioners.

As one of the global leads of the emergency telecom cluster, WFP hosts the ICT Humanitarian Emergency Platform website to support the humanitarian community operating in emergencies. The community site includes forums, a document library, image galleries and more.