Hello community! Today I joined for the first time a meeting and shared my skills with the guests.

Host: Dara,

Attendees: Brazil, Mahjabin, Ralph, Pete, Arnalie, Nicole, Eden, Hawa, Daniel, Franco

Introduction:

The recent HOT community meeting brought together passionate individuals from various corners of the globe, united by a common goal - humanitarian open mapping. Led by Dara, the meeting featured insightful introductions, icebreaker moments, and shoutouts to commendable efforts within the community. As we reflect on the highlights, it becomes clear that the spirit of collaboration and dedication is alive and thriving in the HOT community.

Icebreaker Moments:

The icebreaker question, "What’s your best memory with HOT this year?" revealed a tapestry of experiences, showcasing the diverse contributions and achievements within the community. From memorable mapathons to successful activations, each member had a unique story to share, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie that defines the HOT community.

Shoutouts and Highlights:

The shoutouts section served as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding work within and beyond the community. From successful webinars by the Training WG to the State of the Map Ethiopia event, the community members took a moment to appreciate and recognize the efforts of their peers. Notable mentions included the achievements of Charles Chilufya, Ruben, Kingsley, and Feye, as well as the call for proposals for SotM US.

Community Milestones and Achievements:

The meeting also highlighted significant milestones and achievements, such as the YouthMappers Bangladesh Summit and the commendable work of the Eastern University chapter. Notably, YouthMappers at Eastern University, Bangladesh, was recognized for being one of the first university chapters to have its own website, a development attributed to the efforts of Brazil Singh.

Agenda:

Brazil: Skill share session on designing website.

Pete: Discussion on the ‘open mapping movement’

Record-breaking Dam Activation:

A special mention went out to OSM Ghana and all mappers involved in the Ghana dam activation. The astounding speed at which the project reached 100% validation and mapping was described as a world record, showcasing the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in humanitarian mapping.

Conclusion:

The HOT community meeting was not just a gathering; it was a celebration of achievements, a platform for recognition, and a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines the humanitarian open mapping community. As we move forward, let this blog stand as a chronicle of the dedication, passion, and collective impact of the HOT community.