Let’s just kick ‘em while they’re down.  It is no secret the people of Haiti have struggled for decades to gain any semblance of a dignified existence.  Haiti is listed year after year as the poorest (or one of the poorest) nation in the world.  And now this.

You’ve heard the news.  Surely you have seen the images of death and destruction further crippling the people of Haiti.  The 7.0 magnitude earthquake leveled a capital city and left tens of thousands of Haitians dead. 

We Must Do Something

Regardless of your perspective on Haiti’s history, or your perspective about people living in chronic poverty (I figure most of you are fairly well-educated folks, and most of you are at least middle class), regardless of your perspective about the causes of poverty, this is different.  If we are at all human, surely we must do something for the people of Haiti.

Let’s leave the historical analysis and criticisms to the pundits for now.  For me, I want to do something.  Anything.  There must be something I can do.  There is.

• First, dust off my sense of powerlessness.  Sitting here in pleasant Virginia, surrounded by comfort and gentleness, I must become confident that there is still something I can do.  Even if it’s a tiny contribution, I can do it.
• Second, if I am a praying person (it’s OK, not everyone is), start praying for God’s mercy.  For me, this is a good and necessary step.  But prayer is only the beginning.  If we don’t do more, who will?  We are living in the most prosperous nation the world has ever known.  I happen to believe there is a reason God has blessed all of us with so much.  If you are reading this you are probably fairly well-fed and probably have at least one car.  We know you have access to a computer.  We have lots of stuff.  So, the way I see it, praying to God for mercy is a necessary first step, but it should not be the only step, because we have lots to give.
• Third, become annoying to my friends and family about why and how we can do something for the people of Haiti.  Even if you’ve never done anything like this before, even if you’ve never mailed a check to help others before, even if you’ve never done anything but watch helplessly as others struggle, this might be different.  This could be a new beginning for you.  Pester the people around you about it.  This should be different, and that’s a good reason to annoy your friends and family about giving something or doing something.  Besides, giving even a tiny amount will change you (as well as help the people of Haiti).
• Fourth, pick one relief organization to support.  I think its a good idea to focus your giving through one organization.  Choose carefully.  Pick an organization with a name you recognize and trust.  If you prefer a secular organization, give to the American Red Cross, for example (http://www.redcross.org).  The important point here is to pick an organization with which you are comfortable, and stick with it.  There are plenty of good organizations out there¹ .  If you are comfortable with a religious relief organization, its best to connect with a mission effort associated with your religious group or denomination.  This will help you stay connected longer.  There are many good faith-based relief organizations.  I am partial to our United Methodist Committee On Relief (http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor).  UMCOR has a reputation for consistent service as early responders, as well as a commitment to remain on location for ongoing follow-up support long after other organizations (and the media) leave the troubled area.  Another reason I like to support UMCOR is their Advanced Special Program.  If you give to the Haiti Emergency Advance #418325 (http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/donations/umcor/donate.cfm?code=418325&id=3018760) , 100 percent of your gift will be used for direct services and supplies for Haiti relief.  An Advance Special gift is never used to cover administrative costs.  It’s a good deal.
• Fifth, go.  Get off your butt and go.  Perhaps you can go to a relief organization in your local community that is receiving donations to be shipped to Haiti.  Go, help them pack, help them sweep, help them answer the phone.  Clean their bathrooms.  Just go.  It won’t cost you a dime, just your time.  Maybe you want to go to Haiti.  Slow down — don’t expect to go right away because in the next days and weeks Haiti does not need the average volunteer like you and me.  They need professional emergency workers now (If you’re one of those — go now!).  The rest of us will get our chance.  Soon, the rebuilding efforts will begin.  Consider joining or forming a mission team.  In the United Methodist Church we have what we call UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers In Mission) teams (http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/us/mv/) .  Find one near you that is forming and volunteer your time or money.  Or check out the mission relief efforts of your own faith community.  Here’s the thing:  Go!

At times like this we ask: “There must be something I can do.”  Yep.  There is plenty I can do — even if I have never done anything like this before.  First, realize that I can do something.  Then pray, annoy my friends and family about getting involved, give money carefully and generously to an organization you trust, and go.

© Copyright by Jeffrey Y. Harlow, Ph.D (2010).

1. The Wall Street Journal just released a good article about smart giving for Haiti: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/make-sure-you-donate-to-haiti-relief-not-scammers-2010-01-14?reflink=MW_news_stmp