This morning a 6.1 magnitude aftershock to last week’s earthquake has struck Haiti.
In the wake of Haiti’s devastating earthquake on January 12th, people around the world have rushed to help in every conceivable way. KooDooZ has been inspired by the collective efforts we’ve seen made by non-profit organizations, brands, schools and families.
In particular, we would like to herald the creative approaches used to involve youth in helping address the needs of people in another country. Here are just a few examples:
- zyOzy Foundation is helping MBA student, Amy Carol Wolff bring the voices of children together in a three-way partnership between Brighter Way, Citizen Effect and Gallery of Carpet Recording Studio by asking kids to record a video of themselves singing “A Brighter Way” for Haiti
- Nickelodeon launched The Big Help: Help Haiti as a resource where kids could learn about the actions they could take to support a relief organization
- GO Campaign, a KooDooZ partner, is encouraging kids to create “We Care!” cards that can be delivered to Haitian kids along with dried and canned goods
- On January 22nd, MTV networks will present “Hope For Haiti” – a global telethon to air commercial-free with prominent celebrity appearances
- The American Red Cross Santa Monica Chapter is encouraging youth to participate in a 2-mile run on January 23rd
- Architecture for Humanity is challenging students to consider how they might improve the living standards of 5 billion people with their Open Architecture Network
Whether in partnership with an organization, or as individuals, there are actions youth can take to help in moments of need:
- Make a Preparedness Kit: Did you know that half of Americas are unprepared for disasters, such as fires, floods and earthquakes? Making a preparedness kit with a family evacuation plan is a simple way to assure your family is prepared. To assemble the kit, gather items that will be essential during an emergency such as clean water, non-perishable foods, first aid kit, flash light, batteries, hand sanitizer, bleach, portable radio, week’s worth of medicine if you take a daily prescription and copies of important documents such as birth certificates and medical records. After the kit is assembled, discuss a meeting place in case your family is separated or if you cannot get to your house, such as a family member’s house, and the location of the nearest medical facility.
- Write to Those in Need: Kids have a unique ability to empathize with those in pain or suffering. Make colorful and cheerful cards as a craft, and then have kids write thoughtful messages to those who have survived the earthquake. Sometimes just knowing someone is thinking of you can be a big comfort, especially in the wake of such devastation. For example, the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots program will be sharing “Messages of Hope,” cards, letters, poems and other expressions of encouragement to the people of Haiti.
- Host a Sale: It seems that every website, every newscast and many other outlets are asking for monetary donations to help the relief efforts in Haiti. Many kids don’t have access to a steady income, so making a cash donation can be difficult. Instead of letting this become a discouragement, however, kids have the power to raise money for the relief effort. Bake sales, lemonade stands, makeshift book stores with previously-loved books, even group garage sales: There are numerous creative, low-cost business ventures kids could undertake alone or with a group of friends all in the name of raising money.
Something to always keep in mind – especially in the face of great tragedy – is that anyone of any age can help. When tragic world events might otherwise leave young people feeling vulnerable or disillusioned, enabling youth to help can lead to a broader worldview and heightened self-esteem. Remember, our kids are digital natives who have online resources and tools to make a difference. Empower KDZ.
