About SIGHT Groups

SIGHT groups consist of at least six IEEE members who come together to learn about sustainable development, build relationships within their local communities, and implement SIGHT group projects that utilize technology to tackle key problems within the community. Non-IEEE members are welcome and encouraged to join their local SIGHT group. Groups can be formed at the professional or university level. Hear directly from existing SIGHT Groups about their experience with SIGHT.

What Makes SIGHT Groups Unique?

  • Local Engagement

    SIGHT groups work on projects within their own communities and are encouraged to form partnerships with established local organizations. Using this local context and direct engagement, SIGHT groups strive to create positive and lasting social impact.

  • Global Network

    SIGHT does not promote members or volunteers from one country solving the problems for another. Instead, SIGHT promotes cross-pollination of ideas, solutions, and partnerships between its network of SIGHT groups around the world.

  • Cross-Sector

    SIGHT groups work in assistive technology, information and communications technology, agriculture, energy, environment, health, sanitation, water, and robotics — as long as technology development, deployment, or policy is part of the solution to the problem.

  • Do No Harm

    SIGHT groups are committed to doing no harm. Therefore, training and professional development of members and volunteers is essential to applying best practices in sustainable development, avoiding reinventing the wheel, and preventing gestural or negative community impact.

Key Elements of SIGHT Groups

  1. SIGHT Project

    SIGHT groups partner with local entities that positively and sustainably contribute to their community. Most SIGHT groups co-create a project with a local entity, but it is also acceptable to make a significant contribution to an existing humanitarian/development project. Learn more.

  2. Humanitarian Training & Professional Development

    IEEE SIGHT has determined key subject areas of training and professional development that are important for SIGHT group volunteers in order to implement sustainable and impactful humanitarian projects within their local community. Learn more.

  3. SIGHT Group Capacity Building

    In order to implement sustainable and impactful projects in local communities, groups need to build various capacities including, but not limited to, building community partnerships, recruiting and engaging volunteers, and securing funding. Learn more.

  4. SIGHT Group Operations & Structure

    SIGHT Groups follow the guidelines in the SIGHT Group Operations Handbook. The Handbook ensures consistency in the operational practices of SIGHT Groups across the world, provide guidelines to help Groups form and operate, and strengthen the resources and support system for members of existing SIGHT Groups. Visit the SIGHT Group toolkit to access the Handbook.

  5. Getting Started

    Interested in establishing a new SIGHT Group? If approved, your Group will join the many others around the globe that are partnering with under-served communities and local organizations to leverage technology for sustainable development. Visit the SIGHT Toolkit to submit a petition. Learn more.

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