Dear HANDS members,

As you may know, I started "HANDS Across Haiti" in 2008 to be a tool of connection for people working in Haiti. "Why aren't more people working together?" That was the question that kicked it off. That's why I started HANDS, to make a way where there was no way.

In the beginning, it was meant to connect people and resources . . . and it did that for a while. Sadly, since its initial launch, HANDS has become bloated and largely ineffectual. Folks hardly log in anymore and it seems the usefulness has faded.

That is not what I wanted HANDS to be. As such, I am preparing to destroy HANDS 1.0, effectively putting it out of its misery. What will replace it is HANDS 2.0.

I cannot really divulge what HANDS 2.0 will look like just yet; that is still being drawn up. What I can say is that the number of members will decrease substantially at first and the expected quality of the tool should notably improve.

I am writing today as a courtesy to tell you that RIGHT NOW would be a good time to go through and archive any important information (blog posts or telephone numbers or addresses) that you may have stored away here. I say that because HANDS 2.0 will be built on a different set of criteria. At first, HANDS 2.0 will be populated by invitation only. Memberships will be distributed less-liberally and it is possible that you may not be allowed back in.

Please know that this is about improving the tool and not about attacking anyone. I invite your reactions and feedback but will not acknowledge angry or mean-spirited attacks. If you are eager to be a part of HANDS 2.0 and wish to be included in the first wave of invitations, simply email me at lrenner@firesideinternational.org with a message that says something along those lines. I would also suggest that you give me some reason (one sentence or so) about why you belong in the ongoing conversation. While your importance may seem obvious to you, there are so many folks currently signed in, it's hard for me to keep track of who is doing what. That one sentence will really go a long way in setting up the first wave of invitations.

Ultimately, I am really very grateful that HANDS 1.0 was able to connect so many people and accomplish so many great things. In fact, it is my gratitude that pushes me to see HANDS improve. I know that good tools matter and that sometimes, advances can only be made by taking a step back.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Luke Renner
Founder - HANDS Across Haiti

To add your "pin" to the map, you will need a free GMAIL ACCOUNT. Also, please ZOOM using the '+' and '-' buttons on the map controls. I am trying to figure out how to force a default "zoom level." Right now it is zoomed in VERY CLOSE. Try this: - Click "View Larger Map" to go to the Google Maps page.

DIRECTIONS FOR PLACING YOUR PIN:
- Beneath this map, please click "View Larger Map" to open Google Maps.
- LOG IN to your GMAIL account (you MUST have a GMAIL account).
- After logging in, the "Edit" button should appear (left hand column, mid-way down). If it does NOT appear, please close the page and re-open from the HANDS site. Now you should see the "Edit" button.
- Once there, click the "Edit" button.
- After clicking the "Edit" button, the tools should appear along the upper edge of the map.
- Grab a pin and drop it where you are, then fill in the appropriate information.
- When finished, click the "Save" button where the "Edit" button used to be.
- You're finished!

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