Note from the Chair – March 2020

Dear IEEE SIGHT volunteers,

I realize that all of you have been affected in some way by the ongoing global health situation. Many of you are directly or indirectly engaged in the fight against COVID-19 and its effects on research, infrastructure, communications, and more.  We hope that you, your family, and your community are, and stay, healthy as you follow all federal, state, and local government health and safety guidelines. As of now, the SIGHT Projects Subcommittee has been working with SIGHT groups conducting projects to provide support, and extend grant award timelines as needed. If you are working on a technological solution to address the current situation, write to us at sight@ieee.org to let us know about your efforts.

During this time when many of us are transitioning to new learning and work settings, I encourage those who are able to participate in the IEEE Humanitarian Activities Committee (HAC) Education Forum. The forum accompanies HAC and SIGHT’s free online educational curriculum, “Humanitarian Technology and Sustainable Development at IEEE,” which can be found on the IEEE Learning Network (ILN). If you belong to a SIGHT group or are interested in submitting a proposal for funding in the future, there are fabulous webinars available in the SIGHT Digital Classroom. Organize a virtual viewing with the members of your group!

In the same spirit of “virtual together-ness,” I would like to remind all of you that we will be celebrating the first SIGHT Day on 28 April 2020. Although there will not be any in-person events, we can still take part in the activities planned throughout the week of 25 April – 2 May. This day will highlight the amazing work being done by SIGHT volunteers around the globe to demonstrate how together we are partnering with underserved communities and local organizations to leverage technology for sustainable development. While SIGHT Day activities will be virtual, we are planning to hold a SIGHT week celebration at the end of the year that will allow for in-person gatherings.

This global health crisis is a unique challenge that has impacted many members of the IEEE family. These are difficult times, but we will get through them by working together. Thank you for your support of our shared mission to advance technology for humanity.

Sincerely,

Sampathkumar Veeraraghavan

2019 – 2020 IEEE SIGHT Steering Committee Chair