Though the Haitian earthquake struck thousands of miles from AU, its effects have rippled through the campus community and incited an especially strong showing of support among students. The Caribbean Circle Club has already organized various aid events, including a clothing and food drive, and the yet-unrecognized AU chapter of the Global Haiti Initiative, though in its infancy, has also pledged additional support.
The students and organizations responsible for orchestrating these advances should be commended for their initiative and drive to improve the lives of those struck by this terrible tragedy. During the coming days and weeks, students should stay attuned to practical ways in which they can help — both within and outside of the AU community.
The D.C. area is also laden with opportunities for students to help out, often in less typically thought-of ways. These options are copious if students keep their eyes and ears open. Consider going to a “concert for a cause.” Think about texting “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross. There are plenty of ways they may offer assistance without necessarily donating clothes or running a food drive. These events can be fun, especially if they become social outings.
The most important thing to remember is this: the next few weeks will be full of opportunities to offer assistance, but given the nature of the crisis and the lack of infrastructure in Haiti, recovery will be more of an odyssey than a sonnet. Campus community members should do their best to maintain their support past the point of daily news headlines and continue to donate their time and effort when the opportunities arise in the future.
