I know there is too much going on in the world.
I work for an organization that would not survive without the support of generous donors. Regular people, who believe in the work being done, pay my salary.
In the wake of so much damage due to Gustav and Ike, it saddens me to learn the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services is practically broke. This is an organization whose entire purpose is to provide aid to those stuck in impossible situations. After Katrina, The Red Cross provided hot meals, financial aid, water, and comfort to those who had little left. They were the first on scene in flood-ravaged St. Bernard Parish.
I'm not asking for much. But if you are considering making any sort of donation for disaster relief (and do consider even a small amount, for even if it's not good karma, it will make you feel a little better about yourself), please consider this worthy organization. This link takes you straight there!
Have a good day.
Europa Missions
3 days ago
11 comments:
Disaster Fatigue is right. And even more is the constant stream of political stupidity and individual con-artist who make people reluctant to help out. I've sent my five dollars to the red cross via your link. It's not much, but every bit helps. I've also tried to send $5 to Bitch, who's on the brink of closing, but I might be too late as the links won't work.
The only way for me to avoid becoming a victim of disaster fatigue is to set up regular payments direct from my bank account (they are called "direct debits" over here) to charities.
Oh, found a working link over at Bitch. So they get $5 too.
The link in my sidebar that says "I am a Feminist" is a link to Bitch.
I too am doing whatever I can to save Bitch. That zine saved my sanity 10 years ago when I discovered it.
Added a banner...
My husband and I sent in $20 last Friday to the Red Cross. It sounds like people are really going to need help in the aftermath of Ike.
Thanks for the link to Bitch!
Not to belittle the suffering of those Americans who have been affected by the hurricanes, I feel terrible for the people of Haiti, who had 4 hurricane hits in 3 weeks. Probably they would usually get US help, but I doubt anyone's helping them now.
Val - while I would agree with you, I know there is a lot of assistance going into Haiti (though the ARC as well as others), but the difficulty lies in the infrastructural damage that isn't allowing that aid to spread to the worst-hit areas.
The ARC link provides the option to provide help "where it is most needed," which is what I chose, assuming some of that would be used internationally.
I agree that we should help other countries when we can, but we have to take care of ourselves before we're really able to take care of someone else -- does that make sense? It's like as much you may want to help a family member or a friend, if you don't have the means to take care of yourself then you aren't ready to help them.
Plus It's not really fair to focus on helping foriegn disaster relief or feeding starving children in Africa when we have people here in need as well that aren't getting the help they need. It's kind of like the blind leading the blind -- i'm over simplifying I know...so i'll just stop.
Thanks for links to the Red Cross and to Bitch -- i needed to know that zine existed.
Lynnez - I agree that there are enough problems in our own country. However, Haiti is the poorest country in the world. I cannot ignore that their government doesn't have a FEMA to provide governmental assistance (however shoddily managed) to its citizens. Though, in my own giving, I tend to focus on sustainable development and creating self-sufficiency (as the organization I work for does), rather than the blanket term "aid" (even though that is necessary as well, I believe, in the short term).
And don't feel you have to stop. Word it out until you feel comfortable!
And I am ecstatic to have introduced someone to the mighty Bitch.
I think it's great to help other countries get back on their feet -- as long as it's just that and not trying all out to westernize them with our own agenda.
I guess my problem is not us helping other countries, but the fact that some people refuse to see the ugliness within our own country -- the poor, homeless, the displaced, the numerous "minoirty" children who will spend most of their lives in the system because they are not popular on adoption lists.
A lot of the rich white people in this country seem to live with the idea: if i don't see it, it doesn't exist...unless it's in another country...then it's okay.
Maybe that's a little clearer. There are generally greys in my head, very little black and white, so sometimes it's hard to sort out what i actually think. :)
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