(Photograph ©2019, Josh New, and used with permission.)

Virtual reality, plus humanitarian goals, may equal a better world. 

And that's the vision with which International Reacue Committee Emergency Accountability Coordinator Elena Chopyak is working.  She's creating a new pilot program which uses VR to accomplish IRC's training goals.

Nonprofit International Rescue Committee has been responding to the world's worst crises since the 1930s.  The organization began with an idea from Albert Einstein.  His goal: to provide humanitarian aid to refugees fleeing Nazi Germany.

Almost ninety years later, IRC continues to provide resources, empowerment, health services and education to people whose lives have been upended by war, unrest and natural disasters.

Elena says that she first had the idea of worldwide mixed-reality training a year ago.   The pandemic, with its restrictions on travel, made the use of VR seem much more viable.

Elena talked about her background, gave an update on her pilot program and projected the directions in which she'd like to see it grow.
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:


How Elena first became inspired to use her talents in humanitarian work;


How she began working for the International Rescue Committee;


The story of Elena's implementation of the pilot program;


Which applications proved most workable for IRC's workshops and remote conversations;


The obstacles to overcome, since IRC serves more than 40 countries worldwide;


Some of the ways IRC might collaborate with others to make this program a reality;


An update and timeline on the pilot program's progress;


What a trainee will experience, in one of the simulations in this particular program;


Where Elena would like to see the pilot program grow, in the next five years;


How you can get involved, if you'd like to help!;


One favorite experience Elena has had, involving VR;


Elena's advice to anyone who'd like to make a difference with virtual reality in their area;


AND, several resources she recommends!