I realize that this is completely off topic from the Web Strategy blog, but I’ve a loud voice, and there’s many well to do readers of this blog, so this is one of the best ways I can apply my resources.
I’ve got earthquake supplies in my closet and garage, I know the ‘big one’ is going to hit us someday in Silicon Valley and it’s going to be pretty bad, I’m expecting at least a week without proper aid or food. I’m sure that things are much worse in Burma and China, so I’m somewhat sensitive to this disaster.
Death Toll:
Cyclone at Burma: Over 34,000 dead, Updated May 13th
Earthquake in China: Over 12,000 dead Updated May 13th
Update Wed: Over 60,000 are missing, death toll could rise.
I donated some money, although not enough to turn the tide. I’m curious, what are you doing out there? Leave links to organizations that are helping, in particular those that are using the internet to do good.
You can start by donating to the American Red Cross, or World Vision.
Update: over 1000 students are injured, not good.
Update 2: Yo Scoble, I see you’re talking about Twitter and the earthquake, why not do a blogpost pointing to the redcross or some other org that can help? You’ve got 3 times the juice I got. Do something with it!
🙂
Update 2.5: Scoble came through and told 22,000+ people on Twitter, thanks!
Update 3: Eric Gonzales, who I’ve known since 2000 has donated and is spreading the word. Daniele has posted that he donated as well, thanks. Eric of CN reviews is posting up pictures, videos, and live reports, staggering. Len Devanna, EMC’s Web Strategist has also donated, he’s someone worth knowing, I’ve met him several times.
Update 4: Tuesday morning, I feel a snowball effect happening, this is great
Update 5: Wednesday Morning: Damon Billian of the mint (and someone I’ve known for a few years) has donated $100, see comment 34. Elliot Ng has put together a list of ways you can donate, not just to the Red Cross.
Update 6: Wednesday Morning: Alright, now we’re getting traction, Sarah Lacy has donated money too!
/PD – I believe Jeremiah simply requested a more productive post … Not I covered it first because … I’ve > 20K followers on twitter.
It’s the quality and intent of the post. For coverage and community response
The thing is, sending money to the many orgs that want to help doesn’t mean it gets to those in need. In Burma for example, the Junta is blocking aid and people are dying.
I agree, people like Scoble and all of us who are involved in social media can use our collective weight to try to get things changed so these people do get aid.(Just as you are doing here)
Here’s a link to more about the Myanmar/Burma crisis, and some people that are getting through.
http://pistachioconsulting.com/blog/?p=222
As for China, they have openly requested aid and the Red Cross is the best bet there. They are better organized than most aid orgs and are first on the ground working.
Awesome post! Although there are probably a ton more out there, Red Cross & MercyCorps are the ones I donated to for both Burma & the earthquake. They both have existing programs in the area, and according to Charity Navigator they have very high percentages of donated dollars going directly to the emergencies, instead of fundraising/admin costs. And they both let you specify exactly which emergency/program you want the money to go to (for Red Cross, you have to phone in your donation in order to specify.) But even if it goes into the general fund, its helping someone. God bless everyone for having such a heart to help!!
I cannot stress enough the unbelievable work that Mercy Corp does when horrible disasters strike.
http://www.mercycorps.org/
Jeremiah:
I applaud you taking the time to use your blog to go for the head and the tail of donation opportunities. Everyone can make a difference. If everyone donated $5 – $10 today just because of this post…then the impact is so much more significant than if you had kept it to yourself.
What about local charities as well? Going forward, why not donate some social media “air” time (once a month perhaps) to our local not-for-profits? For those looking to experiment with social media techniques or build your resume or portfolio, go to your local charities and try it out there. The folks who struggling to make every donation dollar count would welcome any help we could provide.
Mary
great post. i am a regular reader of your blog and find your advice very useful. i am a charity worker and think its great that you used your blog’s platform to promote the disaster in Burma and China.
Islamic Relief are doing some great work around the world and have already got a sizable team on the ground in Burma helping those who need it.
you can donate by clicking here
http://www.islamic-relief.com/submenu/Appeal/cyclone-nargis.asp
All of us with even a small amount of influence online should use it for good. Good on ya Jeremiah