Thursday, March 24, 2011

Giving for Thought: JAPAN

I recently posted a comment to Mashable’s article (http://pilarstella.blogspot.com/2011/03/commentary-on-mashable-31611.html) on 7 Simple Ways to Help the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (http://mashable.com/2011/03/13/japan-earthquake-tsunami-help-donate/).

I also have been asked by many, where is the best place to give? So I thought I would write a quick blog with my recommendations.
First, some thoughts to consider when choosing where to give:
- Before texting to give, do your homework and make sure it is a quality texting company and be aware that many texting solutions have high overhead and take time to get to the nonprofit.
- Before using social media, like with texting, make sure you check out the organization and source as it might be easier and more “simple,” but it might not be the quickest, most effective or efficient way to get your funds to the need.
- Choose a nonprofit that is established and has been on the ground in the country/location you are giving to.
- If it is important to you to designate where to give do so. Otherwise, general operating or unrestricted grants allow the nonprofits and people on the ground determine their most urgent needs.
- In general, just be careful to do your homework on the organization you give to. Don’t respond quickly/emotionally to a plea for money before double checking the source and validity.


Now, here’s a couple of organizations worth checking out:

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ MSF is an international humanitarian organization that provides aid to in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. MSF received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999. Here’s a note on their efforts in Japan: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news/article.cfm?id=5098&cat=field-news

AmeriCares
href="http://www.americares.org/">http://www.americares.org/ AmeriCares is a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs – and supports long-term humanitarian assistance programs – for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion. Since its founding in 1982, AmeriCares has delivered more than $9 billion in aid to 147 countries. Historically, for every $100 donated, AmeriCares is able to deliver more than $3,500 in humanitarian relief to people in need, including medicines, medical supplies, nutritional supplements and other vital aid. Article about their efforts in Japan: http://www.americares.org/newsroom/news/americares-helping-to-send-supplies-japan-shelters.html

Mercy Corps
http://www.mercycorps.org/ Mercy Corps is dedicated to alleviating suffering poverty and oppression by improving health and promoting economic and educational growth. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1.7 billion in assistance to people in 107 nations. Mercy Corps incorporates entrepreneurial strategies with a deep knowledge and commitment to local context and culture to create self sufficiency and sustainability. MercyCorps’ worldwide team is in 36 countries is improving the lives of 19 million people. Article on their Japan efforts: http://www.mercycorps.org/japanearthquake

International Rescue Committee
http://www.rescue.org/ The International Rescue Committee is a global leader in emergency relief that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. IRC is on the ground in over 40 countries to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted by providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives. Article about Japan efforts: http://www.rescue.org/news/irc-helps-3-japanese-aid-groups-respond-quake-disaster-10393

Relief International
http://www.ri.org/ Relief International is a humanitarian non-profit agency that provides emergency relief, rehabilitation, development assistance, and program services to vulnerable communities worldwide. Relief International is solely dedicated to reducing human suffering and is non-political and non-sectarian in its mission. Relief International was founded in 1990 with programsin health, education, community development, agriculture, food, income generation, shelter construction and conflict resolution. Efforts for Japan relief include: http://www.ri.org/newsroom/news-article.php?ID=10

Thank you for your donations, healing and support! Thank you for BEing the change!


You can find me on Twitter @pilarstella and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1

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