Hosting a Mapathon

A mapathon allows volunteers the opportunity to digitally connect and map the most vulnerable places in the developing world. As Microsoft employees, our work with Missing Maps helps local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) get the data they need to better respond to crises affecting these areas. Up to date maps are important for the success of many humanitarian organizations around the world in responding to disasters. Your time spent volunteering with Missing Maps can have a real impact on the delivery of healthcare in the field.

Get Started

As a mapathon host your role is to plan and execute the event. You will be the one to choose the date, time, and location, invite attendees, invite a facilitator, and follow up with volunteers after the event.

Planning Checklist Event Day Checklist Post Event Checklist Materials
 

Planning Checklist

  • Choose a date and time for your event
  • Recruit volunteers to help plan and facilitate
  • Book a space or Skype call
  • Invite employees and remind them to bring their laptops (required) and mice (optional)
  • Establish registration method (ex. S+, Outlook Voting, Forms, Badge Scanner)
  • Establish method for capturing who attended the event (ex. Setup a registration table using a log sheet)
  • Pick a task from the Microsoft Missing Maps Partner Page
  • Identify a group hashtag to track event progress
  • Print mapathon resources including step-by-step mapping guide and project number and hashtag handout
  • Order snacks (optional)
 

Event Day Checklist

 

Post Event Checklist

  • Send recap, thank you mail to attendees
  • Include link to match time for participants who didn’t log at the event
 

Training & Event Materials

Mapathon Support

Please reach out to your contacts at the American Red Cross for help with task selection, in-person mapathon facilitation or if you have any questions.