Haiti Relief

January 2010 Dear Friends and Supporters: As the scale of suffering in Haiti comes to light, people around the world are coming together to respond. We feel a calling to act, but many of us are unsure of how best to do so. Rotary Peace Fellows at the Duke-UNC Rotary Center for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolutionwould like to offer three brief recommendations to those wanting to contribute to relief efforts. 1. Donate money to a reputable organization. We have compiled a short list below of some that we feel comfortable recommending in addition to information about The Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, established by The Rotary Foundation. Cash is a more effective immediate response than donations of clothing or supplies. Relief professionals are best placed to procure exactly what is needed, ensuring that responses are culturally appropriate and don't tax scarce resources in-country. 2. Use your voice to call for strong government responses. Many people are not in a position to offer much or any financial assistance, but all of us can tell our political representatives that we support our governments' commitment to significant and long term support for Haiti. 3. Remember that although Haiti deserves the attention it is receiving at present, there are always countless people suffering outside of the spotlight cast on the immediate aftermath of disaster. If you are making a donation to an international non-government organization or UN agency please consider allowing them to direct funds to where they are most needed, rather than earmarking your donation. We thank you for your time and consideration, and join you in hope and prayer for Haiti. The Rotary Peace Fellows of Duke University and the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill