On my previous post about Quake/Tsunami Relief and Resources, Greg, Erin and Gail ask how they might go to Southeast Asia themselves for a few months as volunteer relief workers.
I sympathize. I know how frustrating it is to be living a normal life here while others need help there, wondering how best to help.
In general, the best way to help is to give money to a relief organization that is providing aid in the disaster area. Being an effective international relief worker requires specialized skills, knowledge, and expertise, and every worker deployed requires support that may strain resources that have already been stretched by the disaster.
An answer in the Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding International Disaster Relief document provided by the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) explains in further detail:
Candidates with the greatest chance of being selected have fluency in the language of the disaster-stricken area, prior disaster relief experience, and expertise in technical fields such as medicine, communications, logistics, or water/sanitation engineering. In many cases, these professionals are already available in-country.
Most agencies will require at least ten years of prior experience, as well as several years of experience working overseas. It is not unusual to request that volunteers make a commitment to spend at least three months working on a particular disaster.
Most offers of “another body” to drive trucks, set up tents, and feed children are not accepted. Local volunteers and even disaster victims themselves are available, and benefit from, being actively involved in their own relief activities.
Keep in mind that once a relief agency accepts a volunteer, that agency is responsible for the volunteer’s well-being — i.e., food, shelter, health and security. Resources are strained during a disaster, and another person without the necessary technical skills and experience can often be a considerable burden to an ongoing relief effort.
Aid organizations suggest the best way to get involved as a relief worker is to start locally, and commit yourself as a long-term volunteer. I think it would also be great to put any special talents you have to work raising local awareness and encouraging others to donate money to relief agencies involved in aiding those affected by the disaster.
I would recommend reading the rest of the Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding International Disaster Relief document, and you can also find additional information on the general How Can I Help? page from USAID.
Here is a list of US humanitarian organizations implementing relief programs in Southeast Asia in response to the earthquakes and tsunamis. This list was posted on 27 December by InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based international development and humanitarian nongovernmental organizations. The original document is in MS Word format at http://www.interaction.org/files.cgi/3534_WebPageDated12-27-04.doc.
You can review this list, and see if there are any organizations you wish to contact to help.
InterAction Members Respond to those Affected by the Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Asia
Seven Asian nations have been adversely affected by Sunday’s 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunamis (tidal waves). As of Monday evening EST, over 24,000 people have lost their lives and untold millions have been left without food, shelter and safe drinking water. InterAction member agencies, United Nations disaster assessment and country teams, and various donor governments are working together with the governments of the affected countries to assess the extent of the disaster and to prioritize emergency needs. The agencies listed below are accepting donations for assistance they or their affiliates are providing to those affected by the earthquake and tsunamis:
Action Against Hunger
247 West 37th Street
New York, NY 10018
212-967-7800
www.actionagainsthunger.org
ADRA International
Asia Quake Fund
12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD 20904
800-424-ADRA (2372)
www.adra.org
Air Serv International
6583 Merchant Place, Suite 100
Warrenton, VA 20187
www.airserv.org
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Inc.
JDC-South Asia Tsunami Relief
P.O. Box 321
847A Second Avenue
New York, New York 10017
212-885-0832
www.jdc.org
American Jewish World Service
45 W. 36th St., 10th Fl.
New York, NY 10018
212-736-2597
www.ajws.org
AmeriCares
88 Hamilton Ave
Stamford, CT 06902
800-486-4357
www.americares.org
Baptist World Aid
Asia Tidal Waves
405 North Washington Street
Falls Church, VA 22046
703 790 8980
www.bwanet.org/bwaid
B’nai B’rith International
B’nai B’rith Disaster Relief Fund
2020 K. Street NW
7th Floor
Washington, DC 20006
212-490-3290
www.bnaibrith.org
Brother’s Brother Foundation
1200 Galveston Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
412-321-3160
www.brothersbrother.org
CARE
151 Ellis Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
800-521-CARE
www.care.org
Catholic Relief Services
209 West Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
800-HELP-CRS
www.catholicrelief.org
Christian Children’s Fund
Child Alert Fund
PO Box 26484
Richmond, Virginia – 23261-6484
800-776-6767
www.ChristianChildrensFund.org
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC)
South Asia Earthquake
2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI, 49560
800-55-CRWRC
www.crwrc.org
Church World Service
PO Box 968
Elkhart, IN 46515
800-297-1516
www.churchworldservice.org
Direct Relief International
27 South La Patera Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
805-964-4767
www.directrelief.org
Food for the Hungry, Inc.
Food for the Hungry
Asia Quake Relief
1224 E. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
800-2-HUNGERS
www.fh.org
International Aid
17011 W. Hickory
Spring Lake, MI 49456
800-968-7490
www.internationalaid.org
International Medical Corps
Tsunami Emergency Response
1919 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 300
Santa Monica, CA 90404-1950
800-481-4462
www.imcworldwide.org
International Relief Teams
Asia Earthquake/Floods
3547 Camino Del Rio South, Suite C
San Diego, CA 92108
619-284-7979
www.IRTeams.org
International Rescue Committee
PO Box 5058
Hagerstown, MD 21741-9874
877-REFUGEE or 733-8433
www.theIRC.org
Latter-Day Saint Charities
Welfare Services Emergency Response
50 East North Temple Street, Room 701
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84150-6800
801-240-3544
ldscharities@ldschurch.org
Lutheran World Relief
South Asia Tsunami
700 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-230-2700
www.lwr.org
MAP International
P.O. Box 215000
Brunswick, GA 31521
800-225-8550
www.map.org
Mercy Corps
Southeast Asia Earthquake
Dept. W
PO Box 2669
Portland, OR 97208-2669
800-852-2100
www.mercycorps.org
Operation USA
8320 Melrose Ave. #200
Los Angeles, CA 90069
800-678-8876
www.opusa.org
Oxfam America
Asian Earthquake Fund
PO Box 1211
Albert Lea, MN 56007-1211
800-77-OXFAM
www.oxfamamerica.org
Plan USA
Asia Disaster
155 Plan Way
Warwick, RI 02886
800-556-7918
www.planusa.org
Project Concern International
Asia Tsunamis Press List
5151 Murphy Canyon Road Suite 320
San Diego, CA 92123
858-279-9690
www.projectconcern.org
Project HOPE
Asia Tsunami Response
255 Carter Hall Lane
Millwood, VA 22646
800-544-4673
www.projecthope.org
SAWSO (Salvation Army World Service Office)
South Asia Relief Fund
615 Slaters Lane
Alexandria, VA, 22313
800-SALV-ARMY
Save the Children USA
54 Wilton Road
Westport, CT 06880
1-800-728-3843
www.savethechildren.org
Stop Hunger Now
SE Asia crisis
2501 Clark Ave, Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27607
888-501-8440
www.stophungernow.org
US Fund for UNICEF
General Emergency Fund
333 E. 38th Street
New York, NY 10016
800-4-UNICEF
www.unicefusa.org
World Concern
Asia Earthquake and Tsunami
19303 Fremont Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98133
800-755-5022
www.worldconcern.org
World Emergency Relief
2270-D Camino Vida Roble
Carlsbad, CA 92009
760-930-8001
www.worldemergencyrelief.org
World Vision
P.O. Box 70288
Tacoma, WA 98481-0288
800-56-CHILD
www.worldvision.org
Action Against Hunger
(Dec 27, 04)
Action Against Hunger has responded to the earthquake and aftershocks in south Asia by providing immediate assistance to the tsunami victims of Sri Lanka in Batticaloa, Trincomalee, and Jaffna. This includes construction of temporary latrines, trucking in water, and transportation of bodies to hospitals for identification. Assessments of need are under way in Indonesia and Burma, and more staff will arrive in the next few days to assist with relief efforts in the region. A shipment of additional emergency water and sanitation materials (water tanks, pumps and treatment supplies) will arrive in Sri Lanka within 24 hours.
ADRA International
(Dec 27, 04)
ADRA’s initial response has been working with one of the main hospitals in Phuket, Thailand. The situation is also being assessed in all affected countries and additional responses will be coordinated with other NGO’s to prevent duplication of services and maximize resources. Donations for this reponse are being accepted under the Asia Quake Fund.
Air Serv Interational
(Dec 27, 04)
Air Serv has affiliates in the area around Indonesia.
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Inc.
(Dec 27, 04)
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee will work with partners on the ground to provide emergency supplies to victims of the tsunamis in South Asia.
American Jewish World Service
(Dec 27, 04)
For several years, AJWS has partnered with 22 non-governmental, community-based organizations in the region on sustainable community development projects. AJWS is working with these local groups to assess needs and provide emergency relief — food, water, shelter and medicine — and long-term development support.
AmeriCares
(Dec 27, 04)
In response to the earthquake and tsunamis that have devastated South Asia, AmeriCares is mobilizing a major airlift to Sri Lanka and planning additional relief shipments to other affected countries including Indonesia, India, and Thailand. The emergency airlift to Sri Lanka will deliver critically needed medicines and medical supplies, personal hygiene items, and water purification treatments to provide four million liters of clean drinking water to the affected areas.
Baptist World Aid
(Dec 27, 04)
Baptist World Aid is receiving donations of money, preferably by check, to channel to Baptist and other Christian groups in the effected countries. Many of these agencies are already offering immediate relief to those suffering from these tsunamis. Teams of Disaster relief workers, and Search and rescue teams are on stand by.
B’Nai B’Rith International
(Dec 27, 04)
B’nai B’rith International will open its Disaster Relief Fund to assist with the relief effort for victims of the earthquake and tsunami victims in South Asia who have been killed or left homeless. Contributions can be made payable to B’nai B’rith Disaster Relief and sent to B’nai B’rith International, 2020 K. Street, NW, Seventh Floor, Washington, DC 20006 or via a secure served at www.bnaibrith.org.
Brother’s Brother Foundation
(Dec 27, 04)
BBF, working with Operation USA, Sri Venkateswara Temple(Pittsburgh, PA)and others, will be offering to provide requested medications such as pediatric and adult antibiotics and drugs for malaria to those in need in India and SriLanka. BBF is requesting additional medical donations. BBF will accept medical gifts-in-kind.
CARE
(Dec 27, 04)
CARE is responding in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand, mainly through the distribution of critical supplies.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
(Dec 27, 04)
In one of the largest initial responses for emergency assistance in South and Southeast Asia, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has committed at least $500,000 to provide shelter and immediate healthcare needs to thousands devastated by a massive earthquake and tsunamis that hit the Bay of Bengal December 26. CRS and local partners immediately mobilized to the hardest hit areas of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia. CRS response is expected to climb into the millions in order to meet emergency needs and for the subsequent rebuilding and rehabilitation of the region.
Christian Children’s Fund (CCF)
(Dec 27, 04)
CCF is providing assistance in Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia, where emergency teams are on the ground. CCF is distributing blankets, utensils, and food. In addition, CCF will be assessing the special needs of children and will provide additional interventions. More detailed information can be found at: www.christianchildrensfund.org/donate/default.aspx?id=523
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC)
(Dec 27, 04)
CRWRC has released $30,000 to purchase and distribute emergency food, water, and other supplies in Northern Sumatra (Indonesia), Sri Lanka, and coastal India. This response, and any additional future programming, will be carried out through CRWRC’s local partners Eficor (India), the Southernpart Sumatra Christian Church (Indonesia), and the Dutch Reformed Church of Sri Lanka.
Church World Service (CWS)
(Dec 27, 04)
Church World Service (CWS) is undertaking a regional response to this emergency. Initially, Church World Service is responding with efforts in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India. A team of Church World Service staff members in Indonesia will be assessing the affected province of Aceh and CWS expects to provide material assistance to disaster survivors there. In Sri Lanka, Church World Service is planning to deploy an emergency assistance team from its regional office in Pakistan/Afghanistan and will be supporting efforts by the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL). In India, CWS supporting efforts by Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), a long-time CWS partner, which is deploying two assessment teams to travel to the affected coastal areas.
Direct Relief International
(Dec 27, 04)
Since 1948, Direct Relief International has worked to improve the quality of life for people in need. We focus on health by providing essential material resources to locally run health programs in poor areas around the world and during times of disaster. More detailed information can be found at: http://www.directrelief.org/sections/our_work/asia_earthquake.html
Food for the Hungry
(Dec 27, 04)
Food for the Hungry is providing food, blankets, clothing & shelter as a first priority to Asia quake victims. Substantial relief will follow. To donate online: www.fh.org/main_donate To donate via phone: 1-800-2-HUNGERS. More details how FH is responding: http://www.fh.org/12-27-04_asiaquakekills20k and http://www.fh.org/relief_efforts
International Aid
(Dec 27, 04)
International Aid is seeking financial support to ship medical and other relief supplies to help victims of Sunday’s 9.0 magnitude earthquake. Based in Michigan, the health focused Christian relief and develpment organization is responding with emergency and sustainable health care clinics for populations of 10,000. The agency has multiple clinics that can be shipped on very short notice.
International Medical Corps (IMC)
(Dec 27, 04)
International Medical Corps (IMC) is responding to the emergency health needs in Aceh, Indonesia. IMC is conducting an emergency assessment and preparing for the possible airlift of supplies to the region. IMC is coordinating its Indonesia relief operations with national and international disaster authorities.
International Relief Teams (IRT)
(Dec 27, 04)
IRT is accepting funds to help send desperately needed emergency medicines and supplies, and possibly emergency medical teams, to where they are most needed among the countries and communities most severely affected by the recent earthquake in Indonesia and subsequent flooding in neighboring countries.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
(Dec 27, 04)
The International Rescue Committee has been operating relief programs in Northern Sumatra Provence of Aceh since 2001. In response to the recent tsunami, IRC’s staff will respond with emergency water & sanitation interventions to prevent the spread of water-born diseases and provide emergency supplies and materials to people most affected by the crisis.
Latter-Day Saint Charities
(Dec 27, 04)
Latter-day Saint Charities is providing medical and other emergency relief supplies. An assessment team is traveling to the affected countries.
Lutheran World Relief
(Dec 27, 04)
Lutheran World Relief has released $20,000 to local partners for initial and immediate relief from the tsunamis. Funds will be used to provide up to 50,000 people with clean water and food in southern India; we are accepting funds via our “South Asia Tsunami” fund at www.lwr.org.
MAP International
(Dec 27, 04)
MAP International staff have begun preparing a shipment of medicines and medical supplies for the communities devasted by the tsunami on Sunday. Initial medical relief will target areas affected in Sri Lanka and Southern India. More information about MAP’s response is available on the MAP web page: www.map.org
Mercy Corps
(Dec 27, 04)
Mercy Corps has deployed several humanitarian aid workers from its Indonesia and Sumatra field offices — in addition to a U.S.-based Global Emergency Operations team member — to visit the devastated areas and assess emergency assistance needs.
Operation USA
(Dec 27, 04)
Operation USA is providing funds and emergency supplies to program partners in Sri Lanka, India and Thailand.
Oxfam America
(Dec 27, 04)
Oxfam is working with its local partners in India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka to distribute food, water, plastic sheeting and other relief supplies.
Plan USA
(Dec 27, 04)
Plan USA is accepting funds for disaster relief efforts in devastated areas of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Project Concern International (PCI)
(Dec 27, 04)
PCI is in a unique situation to respond to the needs of villages in some of the hardest hit areas around Chennai in Tamil Nadu since local staff are there, their families are well-known locally, and PCI has an operational presence in Tamil Nadu about 300 kilometers away. PCI will work closely with its local staff and other development and relief agencies to assess the situation (both needs and resources), as well as to coordinate on a response to the most pressing needs.
Project HOPE
(Dec 27, 04)
Project HOPE will be responding to the disaster in south Asia with appropriate medical humanitarian assistance — initially in Thailand, possibly in other affected countries, as need and resource and logistic questions are answered. We are seeking cash contributions from to support the shipments of medicines and medical supplies. Medical products accepted from the manufacturers as gifts-in-kind.
SAWSO (Salvation Army World Service Office)
(Dec 27, 04)
Salvation Army personnel are based in many of the devastated areas and from the outset Salvation Army teams have been in the forefront of offering aid and relief to the people caught up in this unexpected tragedy. Salvation Army volunteers have been feeding over 1,200 people in the Kanyakumari and Muttom areas and many Army facilities are being used to provide feeding sites and emergency shelter throughout the region. Teams of local Salvation Army assessment personnel have been dispatched to assist the government and other agencies in their efforts to determine what the most pressing needs of the affected communities are.
Save the Children USA
(Dec 27, 04)
Save the Children, which has been operating programs in areas hardest hit by the tidal waves for 30 years, is moving quickly to meet the basic needs of children and their families in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India.
Stop Hunger Now (SHN)
(Dec 27, 04)
SHN will be working to channel aid to several partner organizations throughout the hardest hit regions. As an immediate response, funds will be wired as they are received. If requested by implementing partners, SHN will also coordinate shipping emergency food and needed relief commodities.
U.S. Fund for UNICEF
(Dec 27, 04)
UNICEF is responding wherever help is needed by providing immediate relief and delivering emergency supplies. To help support UNICEF’s emergency relief efforts, please visit www.unicefusa.org or call 800-4UNICEF and please specify Southeast Asia Earthquake Relief.
World Concern
(Dec 27, 04)
World Concern will provide emergency shelter, food, water and sanitation to Tsunami victims in southern Thailand and Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka we are working through local government agencies and churches, and providing medical support.
World Emergency Relief
(Dec 27, 04)
Cash and emergency commodities are being sent to Sri Lanka and Thailand. Commodities include food, new clothing and basic medical supplies. Our assessment team will secure delivery pipelines by New Year’s Day. Gifts-in-Kind currently being accepted are: bulk food, over-the-counter medications, new clothing. ALL must be program appropriate for stricken region.
World Vision
(Dec 27, 04)
World Vision is currently has assessment teams in Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia out in the field. We has already started doing relief distributions of food and non-food items in Sri Lanka and India. World Vision expects to increase the scope of their intervention once the teams have reported back.
Comments (50)
“How Do I Volunteer as an International Relief Worker in Southeast Asia?”
Peter Kaminski blogged about Quake/Tsunami Relief and Resources and got comments from a few people who wanted to go to the area and do volunteer…
Thank you for taking the time to post all of this info–especially the rationale on working to help relief efforts at home.
I appreciate your savvy and timely advice re not being a burden to the relief effort, as I’ve restrained from “throwing myself into the breach”. But perhaps one long range thing that needs to be discussed here is how concerned citizens, with some financial resources of their own, could help during such times. I’d go on my own nickel, and I’m sure thousands more would do the same, just don’t have an org to rally round in such an effort. Will discuss with local red cross, but I’ve been very frustrated by inability to get any innovative thinking going. Thanks for your efforts, keep up the good fight–we’re all in this together. With a heavy heart–David.
OK,
I too have been frustrated by no information on being able to go and help personally. Being retired military, and having spent 2 years in S.America as a child, and 7 years overseas in the military, I do want to go and help. Having a medical background as a Lab tech and surgical assistant, and a managerial background in crisis situations, as well as being a security type for a major part of my career, I am frustrated. At 52, in excellent shape, retired, and able to commit to a long term volunteer effort, I can find no agencies that have any info on how to hook up. Being trilingual, but not in the local languages, is a drawback to be sure. By the same token I’d have it down in a few weeks of immersion.
It is a shame that there are no international agencies screening for personnel when they will need them yesterday. This crisis demands more personnel, or a vacuum where the current personnel are already working.
I am in the US, and could use this kind of a challenge, and have the wherewithal in many areas to team play or manage teams in many various capacities.
Yes, sure, they would have to provide food and shelter. But the tradeoff might be to the victim’s advantage.
I let my passport expire, so will get that going as an expedited one asap, and continue to look for the agency that needs me. In a few weeks I think that they will realize that experienced manpower is also needed.
Hopefully.
Derek
Beyond belief
As the death toll tops 117,000, there’s less and less one can say. ‘Heartsick’ just about covers it.
Donate, donate, donate.
I would like to offer my assistance on the ground at any tsunami location… I am a Principal of a school and have as much time away from the school needed to assist surviving victims get some normalcy back… education may not be a priority, but for children it is a normal part of their life please advise ads to how I can help… I am sure their are agencies that cater to those invilved with education… trying to offer my physical hands on assistance… thanks, mike
I do not have the skill areas you describe but agree with the other comments, I can’t believe that those of us who want to help, hands on can’t be used in some capacity. The devestation that is potrayed makes this hard to believe that we couldn’t be helpful doing something.
I am not in a financial position to give money, but I am 25 years old, and a carpenter with 8 years of construction experience. At what stage of recovery might my skills be an asset to this effort? I find myself compelled to contribute in any way I can.
I am a critical care nurse, have travelled extensively and am desperate to help…I am so frustrated, I can write a check, but I really want to be hands on and physically help in any way I can. I’m from NYC and 9/11 is vivid, the outpouring of support bestowed on us at that time was beyond words. If anyone has any ideas or can point me in the “right” direction, please email me @ redfish66@aol.com.
I would like to valuenteer myself for any project.
Kindly help me in this regard.
Thank you
Yours truly
Subash
Hands, not just wallets
A number of commenters are looking for ways they can lend a helping hand beyond opening their wallets. Some are willing to travel to the affected areas, live in tents, and pitch in. Does anyone know of any groups willing to take them up on their offer?…
I am a junior student major in education and live in New York. I will be traveling to Thailand on 01/05. I like to help certain individual/family directly, particularly the hmong hill tribe. I speak both Thai and the tribe dialect. Inform me if anyone have any info.
Best Regard,
Billy
I have given money to a religious organization and feel confident that it will help. However, I see on the news that they can’t get the resources and donations to the people. I got so frustrated!! I am glad I read this website’s info on people being a burden on already-strained resources. I hadn’t thought of that. I, like many people I’m sure, wanted to rush out and “Help” hands on. I will just continue to pray for the people and give money every month as I’m sure it will continue to be needed in the months and perhaps even years ahead.
Hello, I was raised in Ethiopia with missionary parents where we worked among some of the world’s most needy people. My skills include clothing design and manufacturing. I previously owned a business and managed employees for several years and would be willing to work with a team in any capisity you need. My health is excellent and I am available to travel immediatly. Thank you, Jan
I am an Indonesian, now residing in Perth, Western Australia. I have made a substantial donation to World Vision and Red Cross for the Tsunami Victims. However I am extremely frustrated to learn that supplies are stuck in Jakarta due to lack of coordination, and that the few survivors are without food and water.
I am not donating any more money aw I fear now that little will actually reach the victims.
How can I organize supplies to encure that it will actually get to to the victims – can supplies be brought to Aceh personally. I can financially pay for private transportation to get the supplies to the needed area in Aceh. PLease help give me a contact. Gloria
Hi,
I would like to volunteer my assistance for anything from distributing supplies to specific skills in counselling and case management(I have qualifications and 8 years experience in the health sector)and also in IT (I have experience in project management and database management as well as training). I am currently travelling in SE Asia and am in Cambodia having been to Thailand just 3 weeks ago. I have undertaken a significant amount of travel in many countries including India and 3rd world countries. I am able to go to the countries affected by the tsunamis asap as I am currently in the area.
Regards
Michelle
I am 25 years old and a Registered Nurse wanting to go and assist in any way. I’d leave tomorrow.
i am a student of anthropology, and though i dont speak the local language or have any of the skills mentioned, i find it hard to believe that nobody needs help just cleaning up the destruction… If anyone out there knows of any manual labor volunteer opportunities, please, please, please, let me know… I would leave right now. 301-616-6212
I have backround in this area of the world as a volunteer. I have spent my last two summers in Malaysia and in Thailand. I have all of my shots and my passport- I could get on a plane tomorrow. Do you know of anyone who could take me?
http://www.xanga.com/southrn_bell
I am a registered nurse with 21 years experience. I would love to volunteer with any organization who could use my skills. I would like to make a years committment approximately one year from now.
I’m a able bodied, hard working 25 yr old.
I would really love to help out in some way.
I can leave with 2 weeks notice.
Dear Peter Kaminski,
I am a resident of Kolkata, India. I hold a graduate and a post graduate degree in Family Resource Management, which deals with subjects such as Principles of Management, Housing and Residential Architecture, Consumer Education, Financial Management, Fuel and Energy Management, Sociology, Ecology and Environment, Cultural Heritage of India, Computer (MS Office) and a broader idea about Human Development, Food & Nutrition as well as Textile & Clothing. This course has helped me build organizational ability. I can communicated well in Hindi, Bengali and English.
I am very interested in serving the earthquake affected victims. I can extend my support through hardwork and commitment. Could you please let me know how I can be a part of the activity, other than simple charity.
Thank you
Yours’ sincerely
Ushasi Hazra
I could volunteer my flying skills in the asia relief effort. I am an instrument rated pilot & have nothing keeping me from going.
Like a lot of these people i do not have prior experience .I hate sitting here when i could be doing SOMETHING there.Driving a truck or forklift,organizing supplies, clearing a road ,Loading a truck or helicopter, passing out supplies,building something,or even comforting an orphan. I have the money to cover airfare for myself.I can commit for 2-3 weeks.I donated money and i am sure it helped but it’s not the same as going there to help.I am fit,mature, and can rough it.I can work any hours.Anyone else have any luck getting to volunteer ?
I am a Tanzanian Environmental Engineer specialize in Water supply and low cost sanitation. I fill like I can do something there taking into consideration the 10yrs experience in WATER and SANITATION, knowing that there is a danger of outbreak of cholera in the aftermath of tsunami I can be able to offer the range of low cost technologies ie by building the latrines, VIP,Ecological sanitation ,composite depending on the situation in the area,I can work in any situation and at any hour.Let me know how I can be a part of the activity
After reading through all the posts here, I found a website that might be helpful for all those wishing to volunteer in the relief efforts. It’s called “world volunteer web” and found at http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/dynamic/cfapps/news/tsunami.cfm
Praise God for all those burdened to help in some way.
I work for the American Red Cross and over the past week, we have received many calls of people wanting to volunteer during this disaster. The Red Cross does send specially trained International Disaster workers for Disasters such as the current Tsunami. However, these Volunteers must meet certain criteria such as Disaster experience and International Disaster Training. For people who would like to help out, but are not trained, we recommend Financial donations to purchase the supplies and materials and to assist with the cost of sending experienced Volunteers. For more information on donating, you can go to http://www.redcross.org.
Bendy Mann
Health & Safety Coordinator
Another site to explore volunteer opportunity.
http://www.volunteersforprosperity.gov/vol/find.htm
Dear all,
Thank you for your enthusiasm to help out with the after-math of the tsunami.
Please check out the following website. They are accepting volunteers for relief work in the tsunami-affected countries
http://www.thefellowship.info/Global%20Missions/Volunteer%20Missions/Tsunami%20Relief.icm
CBF (”Cooperative Baptist Fellowship”) is organizing relief efforts for several areas devastated by the tsunami.
Volunteers will be needed in affected areas of India, Sri Lanka, and parts of southeast Asia. Workers with the following skills sets are desired: medical, dental, and construction. Volunteers are also needed for debris removal. Travel, food and lodging, and all associated costs will be paid for by the volunteer.
For more information please contact Timothy Wood, CBF Volunteer Missions Program Manager, at 1-800-782-2451.
To contribute to the Fellowships effort to address the needs in Asia by credit card, please go to http://www.thefellowship.info/Landing/Giving.icm. To send your financial gift by mail make your check payable to CBF, indicate “#17016 Asian Reponse” on the memo line and send to Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, P.O. Box 101699, Atlanta, Ga., 30392.
I cannot just sit here and do nothing. I am looking for ANY WAY that I can help. I am 58 and in good health. I am familiar with construction, building design, and human resources with an extensive background in recruiting. I am a go getter and think well outside the box. Just let me know what I can do.
Thanks,
Lauren
I am not in a financial position to give money, but I am graduate 31 years old, and a real estate agent,I had been in indonesia, I had worked as volunteer for Afghanistan refugees with british NGO islamic relief . if you need my help as volunteer for countries affected by the tsunamis please contact me I would like to offer my assistance on the ground at any tsunami location
I am 24 yrs old, fit and healthy, spent some time in Thailand last year. I would like to go and help in anyway I can. I can get myself out to Asia and support myself whilst there. If anyone can help please contact me.
Hello
I would like to volunteer my assistance for anything. My background is 24 years of critical care nursing with a diverse background in nursing. I am young and healthy and am willing to bury their dead if necessary. Please contact me so I can put these necessary skills to good use. If anyone is gathering an independent group we could raise the money and go to were the help is needed. Thank you and God Bless. Sue
if God has lay it in your heart to donate in helping the people affected by the terrible disaster, do contact our donation office in london +44-7040116719 or USA by sending us fax +1-636-246-9962 worldwide. our officers will direct you on how to make your donation.
thanks and God bless.
Mrs Agness Samuel.
CEO.
I am currently stationed as a medic in South Korea. What steps do I need to make to volunteer my services to help out in the tsunami disasters?
>>> I am currently stationed as a medic with the U.S. Army in South Korea. What steps do I need to make as a soldier to volunteer my services to help with the tsunami disasters?
I am a 3rd year nursing student here in Philippines. I was a Rotary Exchange student to Ontario, Canada aroung 1999-2000.
Exchange student experience really changed my life… I am very humanitarian.. and I really would love to participate in any volunteer works all over the world. Esp. the Tsunami disaster here in South Asia. How can i be of help??
I have lots and lots of friends at Indonesia, and i really would love to go there and help out those in need.
Just as Susan Smith posted earlier, I really would love to Bury their dead if necessary.. Please contact me at my home its 63.63.221-7591
thank you so much!
Or… Please email me at darkaye@hotmail.com. Thank you….
These people are looking for volunteers
http://www.globalcrossroad.com
Understand the need for disaster relief training prior to being accepted as a volunteer. Where, how? Thanks.
I am a 35 year old truck driver. I also know how to build and rebuild homes.i’d love to help any any possible way .I dont want to sit here in my home knowing so many people over there are without homes and shelter.food.and other neccesities .Please contact me if i can help
Sure would be nice to help out. It appears as if some agency should take the opportunity to begin a constructive program to train volunteers for such events. All of us can help if properly trained. I am a retired Navy Seal Captain, a general contractor and I have served overseas in both combat and on exercises. My experience in survival and construction is excellent yet I am not able to help. I plan to write my Senator about this and see what can be done for future events. Thanks to all for wanting to help. Ron
i can’t believe that there is no need for skilled tradespeople in the affected ares right now. i am a carpenter and have also spent several years in the army reserves, i am willing to help in any way i can… anyone who knows a way please contact me.
Hello !Im sweety from Philippines. Currently work in an internetcafe as cashier. I finished a 6 months live in caregiver. Id love to offer my self to the needy… and i believe the training i gain greatly help them.. I am single and free anytime..Sweety
Hi, I have just finished my training as a Nursing assistant and would like to help in any way, We all need to come together in this time of Crisis and anything I can do I would love to lend a hand. yours truly Daylene
i am 26 years old and have been a student all my life in london, i am Pakistani born but bred in britain. I am well versed in Urdu as well English. i humbly offer what i can..
I am registered nurse and midwife and would like to care for pakistani earthquake victims esp.mothers and young children or any nursing services in the area.
Terrorist Attack in Somalia (Baidoa) February 2nd 1994
________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF THE BOMBING
I am a Nutritionist and Dietitian with a Master of Science in Public Health and a Diploma in Management of Natural Disasters, Refugees and Displaced Persons.
In July 1993 when I was in Chicago, I had an offer from WORLD VISION INTERNATIONAL that does relief around the world) to join them as Health Officer in Somalia (East-Africa) for 1 year.
Although the security conditions at my duty station in Somalia (Baidoa) were very bad at that moment (gunshots at night, looting of goods, attacks on vehicles, etc.) we continued our daily activities.
We planned weekly our activities and with a military escort from UNOSOM (The United Nations forces in Somalia) and we traveled to isolated towns and villages 3 to 8 hours per day in order to implement immunizations of children under 5 years old, care of high risk pregnant women, health and nutrition education to community health workers, education of birth attendants and distribution of essential medicines.
The international staff of our agency at Baidoas Office were: a North American man in charge of food, commodities and agricultural tools distribution, an Englishman which was the engineer and handy-man, an administrative officer (a North American woman) and the health team: a North American Nurse Practitioner and me. There was also a part-time Country Director (Indian), who served half the month in Baidoa (Somalia) and the other half in Nairobi (Kenya).
On December 24, 1993, all the international agencies working in Baidoa were invited to a Christmas party at the GOAL (an Irish agency working in Baidoa). At 10:00 PM a bomb exploded in the compound, destroying several walls and damaging some vehicles. Fortunately, Irish Officers from the United Nations were with us, they took preventive and offensive measures to protect us; meanwhile we waited 2 hours for United Nations tanks to escort us to our houses. Later, the same night another bomb exploded at Catholic Relief Services compound (in Baidoa).
On December 26, members of our agency, found in the local market in Baidoa, a letter (one side hand-written and the other side typed) in which the authors were warning all the international agencies in Baidoa, not to celebrate any Christian or religious holidays; if we did, they would retaliate against us.
That day (December 26), I expressed during lunch to our staff and the Administrator of the Office (the Country Director was not present), that I was worried about the location of my bedroom, because it was on the outside wall of the compound near a gangway-like corridor, it had communication to the street and did not have any kind of security.
The administrator said that she would look at that problem.
Two days later, the staff expressed to me that there was not a problem, and that they had talked to the landlord and that he put some shrubs in the passage to deter anyone from entering the corridor behind my room. Again I expressed my discomfort that day and 3 or 4 days later. No further security measures were taken despite my verbal protests of the situation.
In the last days of December 1993 and the first days of January 1994, there were a lot of public demonstrations in the streets from the general population against United Nations troops and foreign agencies working there.
The explosion occurred February 2nd, 1994, 5:45 am. I got up as usual and I went to take my shower, and then returned to my room that was the last thing that I remember.
Later, (I dont know at what time) I regained consciousness on the patio of the compound where Nancy Jed (the nurse, my c-worker) was administering life saving first aid. She told me that a bomb had injured me and that I was going to the UNISOM hospital. I was transported by truck to the United Nations hospital in Baidoa (a tent hospital) where military Indian doctors, treated my shock, they gave blood transfusions, administered pain killers, cleaned the wounds and did X- rays (all the X- rays were not usable because the machine was very old and in poor repair). The next day, I was airlifted to Nairobi (Kenya) and was treated at Nairobis Hospital.
This is a general description of the wounds I suffered:
Loss of consciousness
Large blood loss
Chin broken in 3 different places
Inferior gum cut in 2 places
Big wound in the left side of the face and neck under the ear, resulting in lost tissue and muscle on my face and neck
Pneumo-thorax (air in the thoracic cavity) a piece of wood from the door or window frame entered my left lung.
Big wound with loss and damage of muscular mass and other tissues in the left arm, that required several skin grafts to close and caused much disfiguration
Fractures of the left wrist
Deep and extensive puncture wound to the left thigh.
Many of my ribs had multiple fractures.
Extensive burns and injuries to my back
At the Nairobi hospital I was in intensive care for 2 weeks after those 3 plastic surgeries were performed to begin repairing my face and arm.
February 22, 1994, I was air-transported from Nairobi to Chicago (under the medical care of Nancy Jex).
February 23, 1994 I was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.
February 24, 1994 Dr. Thomas Mustoe a reputable plastic surgeon performed plastic surgery on my face left thigh, left arm, and my jaw.
I was discharged from the hospital March 3, 1994.
After my hospitalization, I received physical therapy for my left arm and leg to help recover flexibility and strength. However, I have not fully recovered.
Since that time I have been under the care of several physicians from Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Both Dr. David Hanson (Department of Otolaryngology) and Dr. Timothy Hain (Associate Professor of Neurology and Director of Vestibular Testing Laboratory), treat me because I have lost hearing capacity in my left ear due to damage to my inner ear. This damage has caused continued problems with dizziness, lost of balance, vertigo, and disorientation and ringing in my ear.
I dont have an official report of the incident from the UNISOM investigations in the field, but I know through unofficial sources that 15 to 30 kilograms of dynamite or a plastic explosive were put in the wall of my bedroom on the side that faced the gangway, that was accessible from the street.
1996
Marco Meneses
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International Health
Marco Meneses
Resume
Discussion Group: International Health
International Health
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Send E-Mail to: marcomeneses@msn.com
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Copyright © 2005 Marco Meneses. All Rights Reserved
I am the president of Society for Community action Network working in kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh,India. We are working in this area sincse 1998. We are doing some activities like AIDs Awarenee,Health Camps,Child Labour rehabilation,Handicappoed welfare and ;women Empowement programmes with available ;funds. We need ;;funds for our society development, It is necessary to sustanable of our targset poor people we request to provide funds to our organisation.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Ramakrishna Reddy
Society for community action network
kurnool
E-mail:scanknl_service@yahoo.co.in
The Gift of the Givers Foundation South Africa was one of the first to arrive Sri Lanka with humanitarian aid following the Dec 2004 Tsunami disaster.
In a post Tsunami effort they built 50 houses in the form of a little village, in Pottuvil, in Arugambay in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka.
The receipients of the houses are still getting over the trauma and still need help.They don’t have water and electricity as yet, though the government has in principal agreed to make it available soon.
Though we have closed our Sri Lanka Country office the coordinator Hameed Karim has pledged to take care of the village.
We would like to invite people who are able to strive with their self and resources to visit this village, stay as long as they like, work on and with the people to assist and help.
The people need help on how to make a living, health, education etc.
We believe that donor participation is more fulfilling than just donating cash or kind.
Arugambay is one of Sri Lanka’s hot tourist spot and an ideal location for holiday too.
The coordinator Hameed Karim is contactible by email hameed@slt.lk or mobile +94 777 306474 or visit
http://www.giftofthegivers.org
for further information.