Introspection on disaster

Below are thoughts from us at Sustainable Seattle about the disasters in Japan and other areas on the other side of our planet

In two days we are hosting a party. In two days, hundreds more bodies will be found, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends will learn of a greater loss, or will continue to live in uncertainty. I look in bewilderment and grief at the devastation and wonder what I can do to help. In times like this, it is hard to keep going, and sometimes its really important to stop. Should we stop? Yes - and no. To be mindful of what we are doing now and what we do it the future is key. We continue doing the work to create a better future for all. We stop and rethink so we can learn from the past. We stop for a moment and take an action today to show we care and help those in the midst of destruction. S0- at our event we will give a portion of the proceeds we raise to disaster relief. -- Thoughts from Laura Musikanski

More valuable than donating money is donating ones effort and time, but in a disaster like the one that Japan is continuing to experience, distance and sheer magnitude make this all but impossible. If we care enough to donate money then hopefully we also care enough to stay informed as Japan struggles through and recovers from this tragedy. This means reading beyond the headline stories and understanding the situation as it continues long after public interest dictates that it is removed from TV news and the front page of the paper. -- Thoughts from Andrew Cozin

In the Jewish tradition, the groom at a wedding breaks a glass as a symbolic acknowledgment and reminder that even at the happiest of times there is pain and sadness in the world. I hope that tomorrow's party will have some of that ethos to it: while we celebrating all that's worth celebrating, we must never ignore that there are always people suffering. -- Thoughts from Eldan Goldenberg

My heartfelt condolences to all those suffering both passed and alive. I cannot imagine the devastation they must be feeling and I wish there was more I could do. I guess the best tribute I could give is to honor the foresight and prevention planning that the Japanese nation put into place through sound policies and public political will. We all have a lot to learn and in the wake of this tragedy I hope we open our hearts, show compassion and learn from the actions and strength of the Japanese people.--Thoughts from Nathan Jackson

Japan needs our help

I am in pain with what is happening in Japan after the biggest earthquake in recent recorded history. The quake has been upgraded to a 9.0 on the Richter scale and the damage that has been ripping Japan apart has shown once again that our human endeavors can be wiped out with a wave of nature's hand.

Spend time with your loved ones today. Get back to what really matters and love each other. Tell them, show them your heart while you have them close. We never know what is just around the corner.

So what we need to do is act. We need to work together as humans and help each other. We cannot simply hope for things to get better on their own; we have the ability to reach out and help when disasterer strikes.


The best place to start is with the Red Cross. The Red Cross has a long history of integrity and service to those in need and we would do well to emulate them. Please if you can spare any money, time or blood donate to the Red Cross.





Disaster Update: Family Linking for Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

There are several methods people can use to find information about missing family members. The Red Cross is still unable to accept International Disaster Inquiries for Japan. Please encourage members of your community to utilize the ICRC website and to keep calling and to trying to contact other family members who live in the region. Even though communication networks are overloaded right now, the situation may change and access to mobile networks and the internet may improve.

ICRC Family Links Website Available for Japan
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), working closely with the Japanese Red Cross, has
launched a special Family Links website to help people seeking to re-establish contact with family
members and friends.

People in Japan and abroad can register on the website to inform their family and friends that they are
safe and provide their current contact details, while those looking for people can check the list for
information. They can also register the names of family members and friends, encouraging them to get in
touch.

The website is at http://www.icrc.org/familylinks.

Progressive Help for Haiti

The earthquake in Haiti has not only destroyed countless lives and property, but has also exposed the underlying problems that the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere have been battling with since its inception. Haiti is is need of help and the sluggishness of aid is not only a result of an overall lack of humane efforts when there is no economic gain and a poorly run and shattered infrastructure. For those who are drawn to help there are many ways to aid the hurting country.

Be the Change: Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is one of the most effective NGO's operating in developing countries. The organization often is one of the few aid agencies to gain access through its use of partnerships and non partisan outlook on humanitarian aid. Mercy Corp has a campaign to get into Haiti and donations are the best way to get involved.

The following are a few ideas on where your actions can make a difference sent to Sustainable Seattle from Michael Kieschnick, President of CREDO Action from Working Assets.

Give to Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders-a group CREDO members support with their phone bills-operates one of the only free trauma centers in Port-au-Prince as well as an emergency hospital in the capital for pregnant women, new mothers and newborn children. All three of its primary medical centers have collapsed, but DWB has already set up temporary shelters and is offering emergency care on the ground.

Tell President Obama: Grant Temporary Protected Status on Haitians living in the US

President Obama has ordered his Department of Homeland Security to temporarily halt all forcible deportations to the disaster zone, but this falls far short of what human rights groups are asking for. The president should grant Temporary Protected Status to undocumented Haitian refugees in the U.S. Refugees from El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia and Sudan are afforded this status. To refuse to do so for Haitians would be irresponsible and immoral.