What started out as a test site for an open source software package I was playing around with at PICnet has now become a rallying point for DC residents to help each other dig out of Snowmageddon 2010. Call it the crowdsourcing of shovels.
Since the site, www.snowmageddoncleanup.com was flipped live on Tuesday night, more than 7,000 visitors have come to learn how they can lend a hand in the DC clean up process. Now, with a Facebook fan page and the 72 Hour Snowmageddon Clean Up Challenge, the site has begun to pick up a lot of traction.
The site's goal is simple: connect those in need with those that have resources. Got a car that needs to be dug out? Post it. Got a pair of strong arms that needs a workout after three days of sitting on the couch (most of DC was closed)? Post it.
Powered by Ushahidi, we're excited to see how this site, launched with two hours of work, can be used as a model for other emergency or crisis situations that can be utilized by government agencies and NGOs.
While we don't have enough hands at PICnet DC to clean up the city ourselves, a little bit of crowdsourcing, applied in the right way, just might help us dig out of this mess faster...because snow is only fun when it doesn't get in the way of trying to get food.
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