Last weekend three US-based members of the Ushahidi project team were able to get together for two full days of planning for the upcoming Net2 conference. (Photo proof exhibited... Erik, David and Juliana)

Our goal is to ensure that the next time a crisis happens, like it did in Kenya, that there is a tool available to map and visualize what is going on. The next level of Ushahidi is transferring what we learned from the situation in Kenya to creating a mapping and visualization tool that can be used by others all over the world.

If the mobile phone is the lowest common denominator for interaction in the developing world, then you had best make sure that your activist program has a mobile component. When trying to work that into a broader understanding of what's going on in any region, nothing works quite like a map visual. So, how do you marry up these two components in a useful, usable and compelling way?

Those are the thoughts and questiongs that we have - and we need your help answering them.

It's a big goal, and something we're committed to. In the midst of creating database schemas and other technical domcuments, we keep asking ourself how we're going to get it all done.

That brings us to you (or someone you know)! We're looking for open source developers, mapping gurus and people who know how to work on open source projects to help us out.

Next week I'll be in the San Francisco area at Where 2.0 and then WhereCamp. If you're in the area let's talk!

If you're from elsewhere, still please get in touch. We already have commitments from programmers and designers in Kenya, the US, South Africa and Malawi - we'd love to add you to this international mix, even if it's only for a small role!

About Ushahidi

We started with the Ushahidi mashup of post-election violence in Kenya at the beginning of the year. We've learned a lot of important lessons on usability, security, authentication and verification since January, standby for more information on that. We are finalist in the NetSquared Mashup Challenge, and are REALLY excited to be coming to the N2Y3 Conference in just a few weeks.