Giving Compass' Take:

• Ewan Morrison explains how NetHope partnered with Cisco to reconnect Purto Ricans to the internet, allowing nonprofits to function better and normal life to resume. 

• How can companies use their industry expertise to help communities in need, as Cisco has in Puerto Rico? 

• Learn about conducting strategic CSR for social good and financial gain.

A year ago, after Hurricane Maria battered the United States territory of Puerto Rico, much of the island’s infrastructure was damaged, making rescue and relief efforts difficult and leaving most residents with no way to communicate with anyone beyond their immediate community.

But in the immediate aftermath of the storm, just when things seemed the most hopeless, many volunteers, businesses, and nonprofits moved in to help. One of these was NetHope, a nonprofit organization that aims to empower underserved communities by providing crucial technology and connectivity. Partnering with the Tactical Operations (TacOps) team from international technology company Cisco, as well as additional Cisco employee volunteers, NetHope was on the ground in Puerto Rico within a week, working to re-establish connectivity and communication lines.

“One of the first things you want to do is get [emergency responders] connected ... because they are the ones who are going out there and distributing aid,” said Rami Shakra, NetHope’s field operations director.

After helping emergency responders and relief workers to get connected, NetHope and Cisco started to reconnect remote communities. They focused on gathering places such as town squares and community centers, eventually establishing public Wifi in more than 70 locations throughout the island.

Read the full article about reconnecting Puerto Rico by Ewan Morrison of Cisco at Global Citizen.