I’ve spent most of the day sharing relief events and opportunities in NYC using the hashtag #HelpHaitiNYC and encouraging others to do the same in their cities.  So far #HelpHaitiDC and #HelpHaitiPhilly have events and I hope other cities follow and continue adding as Haiti heals and rebuilds. In general, money is preferred as it is really hard to sort and distribute goods with the roads being in such disarray. And if you are thinking of getting a plan and going to Haiti DONT.  I know we all want to help any way  that we can, but a big part of public service is listening to the needs of those we intend to help.  And if the need is for cash, try your best to oblige, if not by giving yourself than by encouraging others.  Attend a fundraiser or donate via text message.

I have many friends from Haiti and throughout college, as I explored issues of race, identity, and community, Haiti featured prominently.  It was part of my self discovery as I learned about the black diaspora, my history, and my role in this world.  And I, like many others, stopped thinking about the country once I got what I needed.   So now, I’m looking at Haiti not  as a charity case, but as a warning that natural disasters do not just affect those directly involved and expose lingering inequalities that were ignored.

If you want to share stories, information, events, news or photos, please feel free to share them here.  What are your experiences and thoughts?  Members of the Nonprofit Millenial Bloggers Alliance have been tackling how to help Haiti:

Longterm Help for Haiti by @terawozqualls

Haiti: Lessons in racialized language by @telleni

One-off or a way of life? How do we continue giving after the earthquake in Haiti? by @eclawson

Lessons from Haiti: Mobile Giving in 2010 by @cdilly

Haiti: Trying to comprehend by @laurenabele

4 Lies People Tell Themselves About Philanthropy (Why You Shouldn’t Send Canned Goods to Haiti) by @@rosettathurman