Never before have I read a report as balanced and factual regarding disaster relief as MSNBC published in the aftermath of a Haiti’s horrendous natural disaster. Disaster do-gooders can actually hinder help. Do read it for yourself for a nonbiased insight into how do-gooder interventions hinder systemic disaster programs in giving aid to disasters relief. I especially appreciate the part described by the byline, “Uninvited volunteers, useless donations can cost money, time -and lives.”
The article goes on to describe how there will be tons of old clothes, etc. goods arriving in Haiti
which will seem to demand “volunteers” to sort through them. People, listen…Haiti doesn’t need or want your garbage even if it is washed and packaged nicely.
WANT TO DO GOOD? HERE’S SOME IDEAS
1. Recycle through burning your garbage, old furniture, coats, and high heel shoes and use or send the remains to the dump. Our world has more garbage (stuff) than it knows what to do with already. Please do not pack up the old stuff you’ve been rat packing away for years now that you see a chance to “help” out the poor Haitians. Take that to Goodwill or any other charity equipped for the donation and give a monetary donation to a trusted relief agency.
2. Write a blog, article, or give your favorite forum ideas to help the Haiti disaster or disaster relief systems and programs.
WHAT AC IS DOING
As world attention turned to spotlight the earthquake in Haiti, Associated Content responded through its daily calls for content writers to write on particular topics. This week the following offer was made by AC.
“We’re donating $5 to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) for every piece of content submitted through this assignment. Claim this writing opportunity and help AC raise money towards this important cause! Your content should generate awareness for Haiti and general disaster relief, or focus on making an impact in your community via volunteering.”
“AC will donate $5 for up to 500 approved submissions, and will also match performance payments (at a $1.50 PPM) based on PVs for the rest of the month. That means you should be sure to share your content far and wide once it has been published! “
$5 for 500 approved submissions means AC’s offer is going to donate, at the very least, $2500 to funds for Haiti. Already, as I write this, there are 1,129 piece of content on site in support of Haitians in need. That will certainly grow as the days pass as the written/published word has an incredible amount of influence throughout the world. Hopefully, those responding will not add to the problems Haiti is already experiencing.
And, folks, some writers (do-gooders and all) have a very widespread reading audience and love to share!