This week, we have been refining our approach to the problem space by focusing on key insights, potential solutions, and setting specific goals.

The major insights gathered are related to existing solutions, such as the AOP (Access and Opportunity Portal) and the Magister Furnd. We’ve identified barriers that we may face, which include the challenge of closed funds and the limited involvement of existing members in Rice Mutual Aid.

We’ve brainstormed several How Can We statements to contribute to one ‘final’ HCW: How can we streamline RMA’s communication and outreach strategies at/in current students and alumni to enhance student awareness in need of emergency assistance? With this HCW statement, we came up with quantifiable short- and long-term measures of success. Additionally, we thought about potential solutions that we can further discuss with the Rice Mutual Aid.

If we don’t have these goals in mind, it could result in continued challenges in raising funds and later providing timely assistance to students in need through RMA, and possibly create challenges with communicating effectively with our Community Partner (RMA).