Citizen+Corps+for+Community+Preparedness

Possible Projects

-- compelling national need: ??? -- scientific foundation based on theories and research questions: ??? -- computer science research challenges: ???
 * Citizen Corps for Community Preparedness:** The Dept of Homeland Security has developed 2,342 local councils across the US to promote community preparedness for disasters, terror attacks, and other community safety issues. Providing these organizations with thoughtfully tailored social participation tools could dramatically increase their effectiveness by generating increased numbers of participants and greater commitment. A dozen pilot sites during the first year would provide experience and evidence about what technologies and policies are most appropriate for Citizen Corps groups. Evaluation by log analysis and interviews would enable testing of alternate hypotheses of effectiveness. The dissemination would proceed to 50 groups the 2nd year, 250 the 3rd year, 1200 the 4th year and the full set during the 5th year. The high motivation, akin to volunteer fire fighters, makes members of the Citizen Corps good candidates for building effective social structures with strong trusting relationships that will succeed in difficult times. Ambitious testing with simulated disasters would improve skills and build trust.

Possible Projects