- Image by caribb via Flickr
Across the globe, people have generously opened their hearts to help the people of Haiti in their hour of need. The images, stories, and personal accounts of tragedy have moved us to act and to give to the relief efforts.
Haiti, slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Maryland is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The low literacy rate, health problems and poverty are unimaginable to those in wealthier countries. Mission groups, aid workers and those who serve the needy have long known of the needs and put forth efforts to raise awareness and resources to make a difference.
- Image by Getty Images via Daylife
Yet, even the best marketing efforts could not ignite the outpouring of compassion that has resulted from this horrible earthquake that has claimed an estimated 100,000 lives.
The Haitian tragedy illuminates the difficulty faced by charities and non profits on a daily basis. How do you “market” the cause of daily human suffering so that people feel connected, and moved to act and to act not once but over a period of time? How do you hold the interest when so many other things fight for our attention?
- Image by Getty Images via Daylife
In the wake of tragedy, there is a collective consciousness of need helped greatly by media attention. Yet, we know from past tragedies that the cameras will soon turn their attention to other stories, the telethons will end and we will resume business as usual. Much like consoling a friend after the death of a loved one, soon we move on even as the person experiencing the loss continues to grieve.
When Haiti is no longer a top trending topic, its people will still need our help. I challenge us all to to keep Haiti on our radar even as it fades from national attention. Let us not tune out the marketing of human suffering but open our eyes, ears and hearts with ongoing love, prayers and support.
How to Help
Electronic Village: Haiti Earthquake: How Can You Help?
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=8b5a7c9a-b931-4662-9381-28d2d074f19b)
Andrew, I completely agree with you! Although, I see prayer as action too. I know that sometimes it sounds trite to say that you will pray but prayer is a powerful action, as you know. Haiti needs both our prayers and our deeds, even if we believe they are too small to matter. God bless you Andrew!
Karen,
The situation in Haiti is absolutely tragic. As you say, the media spotlight may be fading, but by no means should we forget their suffering.
For those who believe in god, there is one thing which we can all do – pray.
Prayer is no substitute for action. All of us should do what we reasonably can to help neighbors in distress, whether we are talking about the person down the street or those on another continent. But there will always be limitations upon the extent to which we are able to help, and beyond these limitations, all we can do is pray to our great, almighty, powerful and merciful god.
Indeed.
.-= ScreenwritingforHollywood´s last blog ..Screenwriting for Hollywood is 2 Years Old! =-.
Jaden, I agree there is so much suffering and while we cannot solve every ill, I hope that we will not turn away from it all either. It’s amazing how little things can help, like the things we throw away are treasures to someone else. Old sheets are bandages for impoverished clinics. No extra cost to us individually simply a change in perspective that what we can no longer use may bless another.
.-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..The Gift of Written Language =-.
So much suffering in the world at all times, in all countries, and in all places; where to start? Where to end? There are no boundaries. Need not look further than a few houses down in one’s own neighborhood to find abuse, illness, neglect, pollution, or poverty.
Gotta do what we can, when we can, where we can.