Haiti-One Year Later

Its no longer on the front page of newspapers.
Its no longer the "lead in" for the nightly news.
Its no longer covered as heavily.
The major pushes for donations have stopped.
Resources have dried up.
Cholera outbreaks have claimed the lives of over 3500 Haitian people.
The people still suffer.
Families still mourn the loss of loved ones.


Prior to today, I really struggled with finding a "unique" way to honor the people of Haiti without mimicking the things other websites, blogs, etc. were already doing. It finally donned on me this morning that my focus on wanting to be "unique" was selfish. This day is not about me, or my blog, its about paying my respects to a great people. As one with Haitian friends all of whom I consider part of my extended family, I am ashamed of my self-centeredness. We all have our moments.

The island nation is still fighting the devastation caused by the quake, which killed over 230,000 Haitian people, and by some estimates left some 1.5 million people home. Additionally, the subsequent Cholera outbreak has claimed the lives of 3500 so far and the numbers are still climbing. All things considered, there is but one word that could describe the people of Haiti: Resilient. Resilience is the ability to work with adversity in such a way that one comes through it unharmed or even better for the experience. I found this little blurb about what the word means: "Resilience means facing life’s difficulties with courage and patience – refusing to give up. It is the quality of character that allows a person or group of people rebound from misfortune, hardships and traumas.  Resilience is rooted in a tenacity of spirit—a determination to embrace all that makes life worth living even in the face of overwhelming odds. When we have a clear sense of identity and purpose, we are more resilient, because we can hold fast to our vision of a better future.  Much of our resilience comes from community—from the relationships that allow us to lean on each other for support when we need it."


They have suffered from one tragedy after another but have remained hopeful for better days. Their spirit is inspiring.  What really breaks my heart when traumatic events occur is that after a certain amount of time we stop talking about it. The media stops covering it and we stop checking on the people who were affected. We stop asking people how they are coping with their loss. Its almost as if we believe that as time progresses and people stop talking about something then it MUST have gotten better.

I intentionally allowed the "Haiti needs your help" app to remain high on this blog in hopes that it would remind people that Haiti still needs us. The great thing about anniversary is that people are once again talking about Haiti. My hope is that the conversations turn into generous donations.

Read on for stories I've found so far about the anniversary...

Daily Inspiration from HUSL Today

GREAT morning ladies and gentlemen!! Today is the first anniversary of the day the earthquake devastated Haiti. In honor of the risilience and grace of the people of Haiti, this post and all posts for the remainder of the day are dedication to them. With that said, today's quotes are intended to inspire everyone to be resilient in the face of adversity:

"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

"People who soar are those who refuse to sit back, sigh and wish things would change. They neither complain of their lot nor passively dream of some distant ship coming in. Rather, they visualize in their minds that they are not quitters; they will not allow life's circumstances to push them down and hold them under." -Charles Swindoll

"There exist some evils so terrible and some misfortunes so horrible that we dare not think of them, whilst their very aspect makes us shudder; but if they happen to fall on us, we find ourselves stronger than we imagined, we grapple with our ill luck, and behave better than we expected we should." -Jean de La Bruyere

 

Love!!!

 

Keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers today and everyday.

Wyclef Jean: Haiti is still hurting

Its been six months since the earthquake devastated Haiti. The island nation has had hundreds of millions of dollars in donations poured into it, but it appears the money has not been put to use. Check out what Wyclef Jean had to say about Haiti's progress.

In the six months since an earthquake devastated my homeland of Haiti, on Jan. 12, I have been working with my wife, Claudinette, and with Yéle Haiti, the organization I co-founded more than five years ago, to try to put right some of the terrible conditions that now exist there. Every time I go back, I hope things will be better—and they are, but just a little bit, never enough. We have to keep hoping, for Haiti’s sake, that the world won’t forget how much help is still needed.

We’ve found that for the people in Haiti, who have so little, the smallest things bring them joy. In the care packages we distribute, for instance, the refugee women in tent camps are so happy to have the windup flashlights. Such a minor thing to us, but I’m sure you’ve read stories about the assaults the women in Haiti are suffering, the rapes and kidnappings. Some of the women in the camps we’re working with have told us those flashlights make them feel safer; they don’t have to walk in the dark anymore. So the flashlights actually make their faces light up, too!

Of course, we know there’s a lot more to be done to ensure the safety of all the women and children there—provide houses with doors that lock, help shape better economic conditions so that desperate people don’t feel the need to resort to crime and violence—but for now, the simple windup flashlight that fits in one hand gives these women some hope.

Think of this: In the heat wave that’s hitting the U.S. East Coast this month, temperatures are reaching more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It regularly gets that hot in the summer in Haiti, where 1.2 million people are still displaced, still living in tent camps, without enough food or water, or barely any shelter from the sun—and certainly no air-conditioning. Considering the awful conditions in which they live, maybe it’s not so hard to understand why the people are so joyous to accept things that most of us take for granted: care packages with basic items such as clothing, first-aid materials, shoes, canned foods. And water.

Yéle delivers up to 36,000 gallons of filtered water a day to the people in tent camps, with a fleet of 14 tanker trucks. With each day of operation, we’ve been able to help about 7,200 families enjoy the “simple pleasures” of cooking some food, or washing up. And we’ve distributed drinking water, too, first in bottles, and soon in individual 10-ounce pouches—they’re smaller, more portable that way. So again, sometimes it’s the little things that can mean the most.

We want to give the Haitians more, though. We want them to not have to be happy with a small flashlight when really what they need is a house that keeps them safe. We want them to not have to be grateful that they have any water at all when what they really need is better living conditions with a safe water source conveniently located nearby. That’s why Yéle is building temporary housing for the tent camp residents and why we’re including a school, latrines, showers and a water source on each site.

We want the people of Haiti to be able to dream big, not to have to settle for the least they can get by on. Their joy and gratitude are the fuel that’s kept us going in our efforts to bring them some relief in the six months since the earthquake hit, and it makes us want to fight for them, to make sure the world knows they deserve better than to have to live in these dire conditions brought about by circumstances beyond their control. If we would all help, all our small efforts could add up to very great changes. So let’s appreciate the little things, like the Haitians do, but let’s aim for making bigger improvements for these great people.

Despite all of the grim news, Haiti still needs our help. I get so frustrated when the media walks away from natural disasters and Americans with our short attention span. Once the news stops covering a disaster does not mean it has gone away. It does not mean everything is ok. People are still displaced and living in terrible conditions. People are still suffering from the loss of loved ones. Think about it: we dont hear much about New Orleans until the anniversary of Katrina but years later the area is still beyond devastated. Its time that Young Professionals take a stand and become informed on our own.  I do my best to make sure HUSL Today is here to help you stay on top of news stories the media may not be putting an emphasis on anymore. I digress...

You can help Haiti's reconstruction by donating to UNICEF and Red Cross. If you have donated already, are you concerned about the management of funds? If you havent donated, share your reasons for withholding.

Love!

Breaking news: Hundreds feared dead in Chinese earthquake

Source: CNN

 Nearly 400 people are feared dead after a rapid series of strong earthquakes hit a mountainous and impoverished area of China's Qinghai province early Wednesday, state-run media said.
At least 10,000 others were injured, the Xinhua news agency reported, and many victims, including school children, were buried under debris. Rescuers were struggling to clear debris with their hands and save those trapped below.

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake, as measured by the U.S. Geological Survey, struck at 7:49 a.m. local time (7:49 p.m. ET Tuesday), when many citizens were still at home and schools were beginning the day. The USGS also recorded several strong aftershocks -- one of magnitude 5.8 -- all within hours of the initial quake.

The epicenter was located in remote and rugged terrain, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Qamdo, Tibet. Qinghai borders the autonomous regions of Tibet and Xingjiang and the provinces of Gansu and Sichuan.

 Meanwhile, First lady Michelle Obama and Second lady Jill Biden are getting first hand experiences with the devastation caused by the quake in Haiti as well as the results of relief efforts. Released reports claim the US has already given $1 billion in relief and has pledged $1 billion more. Good lawd thats a lot of money. 

On a sidenote I'm not climate expert so can someone tell me if we should be having so many earthquakes? Did one of you do something to tick off Big G?

Keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers. 

L'Union fait la force!

 Hello friends! I apologize about the gap in posting today. Who knew I'd ACTUALLY have to come and do work today? Go figure. Enough about me. Its time to get serious.

First, take a moment to refresh your memory about what happened a little over 3 months ago in Haiti:

The quake that devastated Haiti rocked the island on January 12. It is estimated that at least 1/3 of the population was injured and the death toll was in the hundreds of thousands. One student described the quake as "Haiti's version of Katrina." Any attempt to put the devastation into words would undoubtedly be an understatement. Are we on the same page? Good. Imagine my frustration now that Haiti is no longer in our headlines and the images are slowly fading into the background. Am I the only one that is frustrated? Please tell me I'm not. 

 A few weeks  of coverage and a few million in funds is not what Haiti needs. While I dare not speculate about how to eradicate the complacency that Americans have once natural disasters are no longer thrown at us 24/7, I would bet my last dollar that it will take YEARS to rebuild Haiti. Just because the media has become more concerned with Ricky Martin coming out of the closet *side eye* it does not mean that Haiti and its people have recovered and that everything is under control. If you don't believe me, or if you somehow believe that throwing money at the situation will make it better then you haven't been to New Orleans in the last five years. Hurricane Katrina devastated the crescent city over 5 years ago, how often do you hear stories about areas that are still devastated? What is unfortunate is that we're only 3 months out and I've read stories of people complaining when we do talk about Haiti. To those people I say the worst thing we can do is to stop talking about it. I can't imagine going through life as though these things never happened. YES there are other people suffering and I understand we cannot help everyone, but if you have been blessed I strongly encourage you to share your blessings with the less fortunate. Whether you volunteer for the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps or Doctors without borders, take time to step away from your comfort zone to support someone else other than yourself.   I know you can feel my passion and I hope it moves you into action.

Check the footage, its self-explanatory.

Let me make it clear that I'm not big on shock campaigns to get people to act, nor am I a support of guerrilla (some charities go THAT hard) tactics to get people to donate. However, I do believe that everyone has a social responsibility to help when our brothers and sisters are down on their luck but rich in their faith. 

Here are some facts about Haiti you may or may not have already known:

Haiti is a small country about the size of the state of Maryland in the West Indies that covers the western third of the island of Hispanola, which lies between Cuba and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea. (The Dominican Republic covers eastern Hispanola).

1492-Christopher Columbus named the island Hispanola. By 1697, the Spanish recognized the French's control of the western third of the island, and named the island Saint Domingue.

In 1792 Toussaint L'Ouverture, a former slave, took control and wrote a constitution

In the early 1800s Haiti became the first black republic in the world

Haiti was the first black nation to win an Olympic bronze medal

The first automatic telephone system in the Western Hemisphere was installed in Haiti.

In 1974, Haiti became the first Caribbean soccer team to win the Concacaf Cup, breaking Mexico's 30-year strong hold. Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were the first black republics to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in the 20th century.

Haitian Creole is the second most spoken language in Cuba after Spanish

There are still several ways you can donate. While you're here go ahead and scroll up to the icon at the top right of the page and donate. Every little bit counts. Donate $5 if that is all you can afford to donate, but please continue to lend Haiti your support.

Haiti and its people are resilient. I have no doubt that the nation will rebuild itself and become stronger than ever. However, we must all stand up and become invested in Haiti's success.

Feel free to share you thoughts, comments and information on how you've helped Haiti in the comments section...

They survived slavery, they will survive this

Jacked Saw this and thought I'd share it:

At this time, [five weeks ago], the earth opened up its deep crevasses and let out a large yell that knocked down the people of Haiti. The devastation and destruction of Port Au Prince and its surrounding areas was heartbreaking, heart wrenching and at times, almost unbearable to even look at. The sadness in the faces that appeared on television and in the newspapers touched me to the deepest of my core. I humbly did everything in my power to help and will continue to support the Haitian people in all of my capacity. While the earthquake might have knocked down these beautiful people, with history at their back, I know they will rise again.

Since the slaves of Haiti rebelled triumphantly against their French occupiers in 1804, becoming the first free black republic in the world, Haiti has since been the subject of harsh policies, U.S. military occupation (1915-1934) and a pawn in the cold war. After Haiti’s liberation, for sixty-two years America refused to recognize Haiti and then organized an embargo and blockade against them. Later, the United States along with France threatened to re-invade Haiti unless they paid France 150 million francs in gold as reparations for defeating the French, which took until the mid 1940s to pay. Just to put it in perspective, 150 million francs in gold in 1804 is equivalent to approx $1 trillion US dollars today. This began a long history of Haiti being in debt to the world.

Our relationship with Haiti dates back hundreds of years, where Haiti even sent 900 soldiers to Savannah, Georgia to aid America in its war against England for our independence. Not only did they help us gain our independence, their rebellion against the French helped us obtain the Louisiana Territory, which makes up one-third of the United States. However, once Haiti liberated itself from the French, our relationship with Haiti changed dramatically. Although we recognized Haiti as a free nation in 1862, it was largely because President Lincoln wanted to have Haiti as a place for the Africans in America to go to. Later the US government, according to many historians, was complicit in the rise of the brutal dictatorships of Francious Duvalier and his son Jean Claude with their secret police, the Tonton Macoutes, which many believe was done because of fear that the USSR would try to bring communism to the island like they had done in Cuba. Although this never happened, the connection between the United States and Haiti has been forever intertwined, and has only gotten more complicated and more one-sided as time went on.

The Haitian people were the first to be free of slavery, but they have been paying a price ever since. As the United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Permanent Memorial to the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, I feel it is important to address the lingering effects of slavery that the Haitian people have endured. We, as a nation, have drained this beautiful island, but now we have the chance to repair the past. Although throughout our history, our government has at times made horrible choices, in the end, it is the people of our great country that can stand up and inspire the world once again. We have the chance to help re-build this country as a model for the 21st century, full of innovation and sustainable technology that is healthy for their and our environment. The wealth of giving that has out poured from our nation to theirs’ since this horrendous tragedy is the right beginning, but let us not stop there. Let’s continue to exude the love that is in the hearts of all decent Americans. It is this love that makes us great givers, as we know those who are in need the most, need not ask for any help. The ability to give is the greatest gift we have from god, so let us give all that we have, and smile when the people of Haiti rise again.

-Russell Simmons
United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Permanent Memorial to the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Founder, GlobalGrind.com

Follow Russell on Twitter @UncleRush

Flashback to HUSL Today's coverage of the quake here and find out how you can help here.

L'Union fait la force!

*Update* How you can help Haiti

The photo above has been facebook'd, twitpic'd and posted several hundred times since the quake in Haiti a little over a week ago. It has slowly become a symbol for the pain caused by the quake. Reports have increased the projected amount of deaths to 200,000 and some areas are reporting 10,000 new bodies everyday. The pictures are heartwrenching and the images are enough to make the toughest person become overwhelmed with sorrow. Concerns about violent behavior and looting as a result of a lack of resources are reported daily. Those who have already donated are baffled by the fact that authorities in the island nation are still having difficulty delivering food and supplies to the people of Haiti. Nonetheless, there is still a dire need for aid in Haiti and if you are blessed to give you are encouraged to do so.

Have you donated to relief efforts in Haiti? Still wondering how you can help?

Text 'HAITI' to '90999' and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill. Your donation will be confirmed AFTER you pay your bill.

OR

Text "Yele" to 501501 and you will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund.

OR try one of these:

Starbucks
Participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada will enable customers to make monetary donations at store registers, with no purchase necessary, to benefit the American and Canadian Red Cross organizations for a limited time. The Starbucks Foundation will also donate $1 million (U.S.) from The Starbucks Foundation to the American Red Cross efforts to help Haiti.

Visit your local STARBUCKS store to donate! You know you're going to get a cup of coffee anyway!

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is working with its partners in the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network, including the Haitian Red Cross, and other partners to assist those affected by the earthquake. Your gift will support emergency relief and recovery efforts including deploying personnel, sending relief supplies, and providing financial resources.

http://www.redcross.org/ (click Giving and Getting Involved)

Lakay Pam
On February 12, 2010 Victoria Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio will be hosting a fundraiser at the Opera Gallery in NYC for Lakay Pamin order to raise money for the orphans of Haiti. The orphanage is receiving new children at their doorstep every day and needs help to provide them clean diapers, food, water and much more.

http://www.lakaypam.org/ (Click Donate to help the children of Haiti)

PSI
PSI has been working in Haiti for more than 20 years and had 100 staff on the ground when the earthquake struck. Its top priority now, beyond ensuring the safety and security of all staff members, is to make certain there is an ongoing supply of clean drinking water for those in need.

http://www.psi.org (click Support PSI and you choose the donation amount!)

Doctors Without Borders/MSF
Doctors Without Borders/MSF has been working in Haiti for 19 years, most recently operating three emergency hospitals in Port-au-Prince, and is mobilizing a large emergency response to this disaster. They are currently reinforcing their teams on the ground in order to respond to the immediate medical needs and to assess the humanitarian needs that MSF will be addressing in the months ahead.

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ (click Donate to donate $1 or more)

CARE
CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. They are deploying additional emergency team members to the devastated city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti.

http://www.care.org/ (click Donate Now and give as little as $1)

MTV's concert
MTV will be airing a "Hope for Haiti Now" benefit concert which will feature performances by superstars such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, U2s Bono and The Edge and many more. The concert will air on Friday (1/22) at 8pm. Beginning Friday, iTunes customers will be able to exclusively pre-order the "Hope for Haiti Now" full-performance album ($7.99) and the full two-hour video telecast ($1.99). All donations will benefit Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF and Wyclef's Yele Haiti foundation. The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and United Nations World Food Programme will also benefit from the telethon's efforts, as aid will be split evenly among each organization's relief programs for the ravaged island. Other artists scheduled to perform during "Hope for Haiti Now" include Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Sting and Wyclef in New York. Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Steve Wonder and Taylor Swift will be in Los Angeles, with Kid Rock, Keith Urban and Sheryl Crow joining forces for a group performance. The marathon will air commercial free on Friday at 8pm.

In light of recent reports about miraculous rescues 6 days after the quake, there are people still holding out hope that they too will locate their loved ones. Please keep Haiti in your hopes and prayers.

Feel free to share your concerns, prayers and opinions in the comments area. Are you concerned about your donations? Are you concerned about accountability in the midst of the tragedy? If you haven't donated what are your reasons? What factors did you take into consideration? Your 2 cents is appreciated :)

Video: Clinton on Haiti, the aftermath AND more ways to help

Candlelight vigils. Late night phone calls. Neighborhoods gathered in prayer. Missing children. Broken Families. Tears of sorrow. There is no doubt that the quake in Haiti has devastated the island nation. That is no longer a question. However, questions still remain about how we can help. Feelings of helplessness, strife, and fear have swept over people around the world. As reports pour in about a possible 50,000+ deaths, miraculous stories of survivors, and the unfathomable amount of damage people are wondering how they can help.

Although the images are graphic and the videos are grim, perhaps the sight of the devastation will move people who may be on the fence to decide to help. You can view aerial photos of the damage here.

To add insult to injury, scam artists have targeted people ready to donate. If you are concerned about the legitimacy of the relief efforts, CNN has composed a valid list of legitimate charities here.



The good news is relief efforts have intensified and donations have poured in. The demand level for aid is described by relief workers as "overwhelming." Search and rescue efforts are a top priority but there is still a need for basic supplies like food, water, blankets, clothing, toiletries, and medical supplies. Authorities admit they have been unable to transport a decent amount of already donated supplies due to a fallen trees, damaged communication networks and debris covered roads.

You can also text donations for Haiti relief from your cell phone. In addition to your donation amount, standard text messaging fees will apply.

Red Cross: Text HAITI to 90999 ($10 donation)
Yéle Haiti: Text YELE to 501501 ($5 donation)
United Way: Text HAITI to 864833 ($5 donation)
Intl Medical Corps: Text HAITI to 85944 ($10 donation)

Still looking for news on your loved ones? The U.S. State Department has set up a hotline for information on family members who may be in Haiti: (888) 407.4747. NOTE: This number is for information on U.S. citizens in Haiti only.

My heart is heavy with sympathy and concern for all people affected by this tragedy. As one personally affected, consider this my plea that all of you do what you can to help the people of Haiti in what is quickly becoming a nationwide catastrophe. Stand up and show that our generation is not as self-involved as we are portrayed. Organize efforts in your neighborhood. If you do not have money donate non-perishable food items and clothing. Find out more info about Red Cross donations here.

Check out previous posts about the quake in Haiti here and here.

For news updates click here.

Beautiful people of HUSL Today the devastation is too great to be ignored! The time is NOW to stand up and lend a helping hand to Haiti.

Are you looking for a loved one in Haiti?!?

Are you searching for a family member or friend in Haiti? Upload his or her photo and any relevant information here. And if you're in Haiti or know anything about the situation, please take a look through these photos and share in the comments any information you may have.

Additional resources:

If you're worried about a family member who may have been in the quake, contact the U.S. State Department Operations Center at 1-888-407-4747.


Our thoughts and prayers remain with those affected by the quake in Haiti.

Wondering how you can help the people of Haiti?

I have been overwhelmed with a desire to do whatever I can to help the people of Haiti. I carry a heavy heart as my experiences with hurricanes give me an inkling of how they must feel to be without power with nowhere to turn. Among reports of the devastation, I feel nothing but the deepest sympathy for those affected by this tragedy. For that reason, I will focus the remainder of my posts today on updates from the quake; regular posting will being tomorrow. While I understand Haiti is not the most developed country in the world, I do not feel the need to dwell on this as much as we should focus on a request to help Haiti in its relief, recovery and rebuilding. On the other hand, it is worth noting that Haiti is a country that lacked resources to begin with which undoubtedly places an even heavier burden on the administration. Some people have cell phones which are sure to die and there is no central medical facility to care for the sick and injured. Air traffic control centers are down which makes it that much more difficult to get aid to the devastated island country.

At this point, I know the feeling of helplessness is setting in. The death toll will continue to rise and the number of broken families and missing loved ones will reach cataclysmic numbers. So what does this have to do with you? Ever talk about wanting to make a difference? Well here's your chance! We may not be able to solve every problem, but we can take strides to make an impact. It has been said that on any journey, the most significant step we take is the first one. Consider this step 1...

The following is a list of legitimate charities and organization in need of donations to help with the relief efforts underway in Haiti.

American Red Cross International Relief Fund:

http://bit.ly/7pChi9

Canadian Red Cross:

http://bit.ly/12cR1n

MercyCorps:

http://bit.ly/4nyB0q

International Medical Corps:

http://bit.ly/89W696

Medical Teams International:

http://bit.ly/4wxkal

AmeriCares Help For Haiti:

http://bit.ly/5bz7a9

Doctors Without Borders:

http://bit.ly/4Yp1aN

UNICEF:

http://bit.ly/8RT4CQ

Partners in Health:

http://bit.ly/7bsUly

International Organization for Migration:

http://bit.ly/66Ul9m

Catholic Relief Services:

http://bit.ly/4OdwPp

Yéle Haiti:

http://bit.ly/8966PE

Hope for Haiti:

http://bit.ly/4EYFIH

Beyond Borders:

http://bit.ly/7RMCN8

Haitian Health Foundation:

http://bit.ly/4BcsRr

Childcare Worldwide:

http://bit.ly/6hCvtv

Friends of the World Food Program:

http://bit.ly/7aEjXm

Madre.org:

http://bit.ly/8bEgZy

Samaritan’s Purse:

http://bit.ly/5D9N3D

Operation USA:

http://bit.ly/8qOqNc

Save the Children:

http://bit.ly/7EL3MB

Meds and Food for Kids:

http://bit.ly/5V778s

Direct Relief International:

http://bit.ly/8gLP7P

Salvation Army:

http://bit.ly/4YmC2j

Operation Blessing International:

http://bit.ly/GkW4N

World Wide Village:

http://bit.ly/5GRwph

International Relief Teams:

http://bit.ly/8qKk2f

CARE:

http://bit.ly/8VLrDr

World Vision:

http://bit.ly/5MMv0T

World Concern:

http://bit.ly/5lRt12

Do not forget you can also donate $10 to the Red Cross by texting the word 'HAITI' to 90999 and the amount will be charged to your phone bill. I know it sounds cliché but at a time like this, every little bit helps!

Read through our previous posts for more information about the quake and its aftermath.
Be Young;
Be Professional;
Be Great!

**UPDATE Video: The aftermath of the quake and Wyclef Jean's plea for help

 

Stay tuned for more of our coverage of the quake in Haiti

Out the door...Inspirational quote to start your day

In light of the earthquake yesterday in Haiti, I dedicate this post to all of those with friends, family and loved ones on the island. Instead of a motivational quote it seems more befitting to share a poem that has gotten me through rough times. Again, I send my thoughts and prayers to all of you.

When you're up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it's vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!

Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don't let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!

Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you're beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don't give up, what've you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!
By Edgar A. Guest

Tragic situations remind us of what is really important. I encourage all of you to remain conscious of not only what is going on in America, but to become more aware of the situations people face around the world. A Young Professional is not only one who seeks success in his/her career but a YP is also one who is concerned about the well being of others. Again, I ask that every set of eyes reading this will take a moment to hope for the best in Haiti as the death toll rises along with the number of missing people. I encourage all of you to SEE IT THROUGH! Trouble does not last always and neither does pain. On this hump day, be inspired to see it through.

A moment of silence for those who have lost their lives in this immense disastrous and devastating event.