IEEE-USA and the American Red Cross have signed a national partnership agreement regarding the MOVE Community Outreach program. MOVE provides short-term communications and power solutions after natural disasters and infrastructure failures.
The partners have been working together on disaster relief on a regional basis since 2016. Services include cell
phone charging, communication of real-time information and Internet access for first responders and the public.
The MOVE initiative has responded to eight natural disasters including flooding in Missouri and West Virginia,
wildfires in Tennessee, and Hurricanes Matthew, Irma, Harvey, Hermine, and Maria since it was launched.
“We are excited to enhance our partnership to the national level. Providing disaster relief utilizing advanced
technology is a priority for many IEEE-USA members. When power is lost, people have a difficult time
communicating with loved ones and finding out about what relief services are available,” IEEE-USA President
Candy Robinson said. “Connecting people with their loved ones and needed help are important missions of the
MOVE Community Outreach program.”
Volunteer IEEE engineers and technologists, through a specially constructed Mobile Outreach VEhicle (MOVE),
travel to disaster zones to offer the know-how and technology to provide rechargeable power banks, real-time
survivor information and Wi-Fi until regular electricity and data services can be restored.
“IEEE-USA volunteers are natural problem solvers and are eager to provide disaster relief,” said MOVE Community
Outreach Program Director Mary Ellen Randall. “We also hope to provide consolation and compassion.”
The MOVE unit, which derives some of its power from solar cells and batteries, focused initially on the
southeastern and south-central United States, areas prone to hurricanes and tornados.
When not deployed to a disaster zone, the truck travels to places such as schools, libraries, fairs, conferences and
public events to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and raise awareness
about the social impact advanced technologies can have.
You Can Help
MOVE is funded by donations like yours. Your support is greatly appreciated. Please consider helping the MOVE Community Outreach program by donating to the cause.
Interested in volunteering? Please visit our volunteer information page.