They say the ground shook for only twenty or thirty seconds. But it was enough to cause houses and buildings to crumble to the ground, burying alive more than 200,000 men, women and children. More than 250,000 were seriously injured. Countless thousands of children who had families a few days ago are now orphans.
Catastrophic damage inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince has left tens of thousands of people sleeping in the streets or under plastic sheets in makeshift camps. Medics and relief workers who are treating the survivors are warning us that the next big challenge is to save as many as three million hungry, injured and homeless people from deadly infections and diseases.
The sense of despair is so overwhelming. You probably think there isn’t much you can do, right? But I have news for you. It doesn’t matter how powerless or helpless you may feel, or how broke you may be, or how busy you are…
Because there is something important you can do right now that can help these people who so desperately need us.
Yesterday, we paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Many of us (who aren’t self-employed) got the day off from work. Some even took a few moments to contemplate his life, contributions, and ultimate sacrifice. The events in Haiti this past week, along with something Dr. King once said really got me thinking:
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is:
What are you doing for others?”
I wondered, what, if anything, can I do to help the people of Haiti? Sure, I could (and did) donate some money. But what else? While I don’t have the skills of a trained surgeon, or the means of a billionaire philanthropist, I do have this little blog I recently started. So I figured, if I can get through to just one person – hopefully, you – then I know I will have made a difference, no matter how unsubstantial it may at first seem.
Although better than nothing, a $10, $20 or even $100 donation won’t make much of a dent by itself. But what if we multiplied that by a thousand, ten thousand, or more? If videos can go viral on the web, why can’t donating money and helping people?
I believe it can.
That’s why I’m asking you to help me, help them. Here’s what I’d like you to do. It’s just two simple steps that won’t take more than a minute or two…
1. Make a small donation
Wait! Before you click away, please hear me out…
I know why you may be thinking of not making a small donation right now. It’s OK. I felt the same way:
“I’m afraid the money I donate will be wasted, stolen, misappropriated, etc.“
Yes, some of the money collected by well-meaning charities may not find its way to those who need it. But some of it will, and that’s what matters.
Below, I’ve provided a list by the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) of top-rated charities involved in Haitian earthquake relief efforts. They’re a charity watchdog group who issues a letter grade (A+ to F) ratings of nonprofits. These charities received at least an “A” or “B” grade based on the portion of their budget which goes to program services, as well as their their fundraising efficiency.
But maybe you’re thinking…
“I really don’t have any money to spare right now.”
I know times are tough. But your donation doesn’t have to be sizable. Skip your daily cup of Fourbucks coffee, and give it to a good cause instead. No matter how small, a monetary donation of any kind will make a difference. (There’s another option, too. I’ll explain more in a minute.)
Finally, perhaps you simply think it’s too complicated and time-consuming to send in a donation. Not true. It’s so easy, my six-year old can do it (video coming shortly). It won’t take you more than a minute, I promise.
2. Tell a Friend
Once you’ve made a donation, come back here and use one of the links below to invite someone else to visit this page. You see, people are more likely to take action if someone else they like and respect has already done it. Just imagine the incredible difference you’re making, simply by donating a few bucks and then telling a few people about it. Your friends then come here to see how easy, yet powerful this concept is, and they donate a few bucks. They then tell other people, who in turn donate a little money, etc..
OK, let’s get started…
First, make your donation. Here are your options:
Giving Option 1: Send a cell phone SMS text message to one of numbers below. The donation will then be added to your cell phone bill:
- Text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief efforts
- Text “GIVE10″ to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief
- Text “QUAKE” to 20222 to donate $10 to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
Really – it doesn’t get any easier than this.
Giving Option 2: Choose an organization from the list below, visit their web site, and make your donation by submitting the form on their site. Here is the list of organizations which have been highly rated by the American Institute of Philanthropy and are helping those in need in Haiti:
- Action Against Hunger (A)
- American Jewish World Service (A)
- American Red Cross (A-)
- American Refugee Committee (A)
- AmeriCares (A)
- CARE (A)
- Catholic Relief Services (A)
- Church World Service (A)
- Doctors Without Borders – USA (A)
- International Medical Corps (A+)
- International Rescue Committee (A+)
- Lutheran World Relief (A)
- Medical Teams International (B+)
- Mennonite Central Committee (A)
- Mercy Corps (A-)
- Operation USA (A)
- Oxfam-America (A-)
- Project Concern International (A)
- Save the Children (A)
- Salvation Army (A)
- UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) (A+)
- World Concern (Program of Crista Ministries) (A)
- World Vision (B+)
NOTE: UNICEF has issued the following statement: “Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them.” UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF. Save The Children has launched an emergency relief effort for Haiti. Donate to their fund to provide medical attention and clean water to children and families.
Giving Option 3: Sell something on eBay, and donate 10-100% of your final sale price with eBay Giving Works. I love this idea. This is the internet at its best. Who doesn’t have a basement or closet filled with stuff they don’t need? Put it to good use by selling it online and donating the proceeds to people who do need it.
If selling isn’t your thing, go buy something on eBay where a portion of the proceeds go to nonprofit organizations you support. Current charity auctions include Stephen Colbert’s interview table, a meet and greet with Scarlett Johansson, and a Rush Limbaugh Voodoo Doll (if only it worked). Good stuff. Bid now!
Your Call to Action
Once you’ve made your donation (or bought/sold something on eBay), remember to come back here and use one or more of the links below to share the news with at least one other person:
Spread the word via Google Bookmarks
Spread the word via Yahoo Bookmarks
Spread the word via Yahoo Buzz
We’ve all seen the devastation on TV. We’ve heard the horror stories. But unlike like the suffering people of Haiti, we are not helpless victims. We have a choice. We can choose to act. We can make a difference. All it takes is a few dollars, and the willingness to encourage just one other person to take action.
Don’t think about it. Please, just do it – now…
Thank you,
-joe
“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead
Picture Credits: Boston.com
