CNotes

Charity

Philanthropy used to be a uniquely American institution ... that's changed, particularly over the last decade, however we still lead the way in immediate responses to disaster.  The images and stories from the earthquake in Haiti are devastating and leave me heartbroken for those affected. 

Sometimes we don't know what to do to help.

In this case, money is the most important resource to give charitable organizations who can get into Haiti to provide both immediate relief and long-term development assistance. Because, the aftermath of this earthquake will have implications for years.  With the epicenter in Port-au-Prince, the capital city of the island nation, virtually all civil service and infrastructure (such that it was for the impoverished nation) was decimated. 

Know upfront that there will be graft and corruption.  Mean, evil and opportunistic people often seek to profit from others' tragic situations, but you can protect your donations by contributing to reputable organizations, particularly those that already worked in Haiti prior to the earthquake.

When I worked at Heifer International, I came to appreciate the short-term relief and long-term development work that many faith-based organizations do around the world.  There's something to be said for believing in a moral obligation to better the lives of our world neighbors who need help.  After all, "There, but for the grace of God, go I ..." 

It's interesting to observe how social media & mobile marketing have taken off following the earthquake. I spoke with a woman at Komen who tested text giving during Breast Cancer Awareness month at an NFL game (remember the all the pink on uniforms, hats, etc.?)  The response was mediocre and, I believe, Komen was probably ahead of its time. They were going to keep testing/implementing the program. And, here we are 3 months later and Red Cross has raised more than $3 million in text message gifts.

The technology is cool -text "Haiti" to 90999 and you'll be billed $10 on your mobile phone bill. Other charitable groups are offering this service as well, but Red Cross is raising the most this way.

Another social media tool, I've seen used this week by influential bloggers is giving money for each comment following a post on Haiti. Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Womanis giving $.10 for each comment on her Haiti post and EverydayAlice's Sweet Savory Life is giving $1 for every comment, up to $1,000.

Some folks aren't fans of the Red Cross, and if you're one of those, check out another charity. Most importantly, be sure you're comfortable with the nonprofit or NGO (non-governmental organization, the term typically used in the international nonprofit sector) ... its finances, its programs. A few you might consider ...

American Friends Service Committee - the Quakers

American Jewish World Service

Heifer International

Oxfam

The Salvation Army

World Neighbors

NPR has a more comprehensive list, you can find HERE.

Be sure when making a gift for Haiti relief/development efforts to designate your gift in that way. Or, you can give an unrestricted gift and leave the direction of the gift up to the organization to use as they need either for Haiti or to support other ongoing important programs that may lose funding in light of overwhelming response to a horrific disaster.

The people in Haiti, in my opinion, need & deserve our compassion, empathy and support.

Carried Out

There are times where we are fortunate to be involved with a project larger than ourselves and one that provides real meaning to our lives through work. I've been fortunate to have three of those kinds of projects in my working career, each different and each fulfilling in its own way.

One project, though, includes a physical manifestation of the project: the Heifer International Village.  For a little more than three years, I worked for Heifer International. I was initially hired to serve as a development officer for a capital campaign. During my time there, my role evolved and I ultimately became responsible for the capital campaign and major gifts. 

I closed the organization's largest gift from current assets at the time and since my departure in 2005, the Village has been constructed.  In many ways, I hated to leave when I did, but left the campaign in capable hands and with a volunteer chairman in Bill Clark who was completely committed to its success.

The Village includes a HQ building for staff and an education building that holds much promise for educating Arkansans and people from across the country about issues related to hunger, poverty & the developing world. The HQ building is the first -rated LEED building in region.

I believe in the mission of Heifer and the Heifer International Village.

So, visit Little Rock and visit Heifer (there's a great gift shop). There is good work occurring in the US and across the world under the Heifer umbrella. You can find out about it firsthand the Heifer International Village.