Earthquake survivors gather at a diaper distribution point in Hatay, Turkey, on February 7, a day after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit the southeastern part of the country.
Bulus Kilic/AFP via Getty Images
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Bulus Kilic/AFP via Getty Images
Earthquake survivors gather at a diaper distribution point in Hatay, Turkey, on February 7, a day after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit the southeastern part of the country.
Bulus Kilic/AFP via Getty Images
The devastating range of death and destruction caused by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6 continues. And people all over the world are happy to help. How do you ensure that your contribution will make the most difference?
These are guidelines recommended by three humanitarian aid experts.
Start with diligence.
Immediate giving is important for immediate needs, say Ruth Messinger, a social justice consultant who previously headed the American Jewish World Service. But, she emphasized, “Never donate to a brand new charity with no achievements.” To learn more about an organization’s achievements, there are several resources, including Charity Navigator (posted on the organization’s website). a dedicated list of highly regarded charities ready to help during the current crisis), Disaster charity center And Charity watch.
Also see an organization’s annual report. It should be found on their website (and if not, ask why not). The report will tell you how they responded to past emergencies and crises.
Make sure the charity is located to help in this urgent.
“First and foremost, prioritize donations to established organizations and nonprofits that were in the area before the disaster so they’re ready for action,” advises. Amanda MorganSave the Children project staff raises private humanitarian funds.
And whenever possible, go local, more Cindy Hoang, senior fellow at the Center for Global Development, who previously worked at Refugees International. Do so by contributing to local organizations staffed or supervised by people in the affected area — or to larger organizations with a history of working and working closely with communities and groups in the live area. “Established presence is more than simply having an office in the country; it’s about established relationships with local organizations and community trust,” she speaks. Partnerships between local and international groups should be highlighted on the group’s website or annual report.
Huang’s experience working in previous humanitarian crises, she said, has shown her “the importance of enhancing local leadership in the response. It’s the people who will stay and build.” rebuild and work to create resilient communities now and in the future.”
Any red flags to look out for before donating?
Perhaps the most obvious is that you will receive a receipt for your donation for tax purposes; If you don’t receive it, something is wrong. Also, beware of potential scams: asking you to deposit money into a personal bank account; sketchy social media campaigns; websites appear incomplete, lacking budget lists or essential information about how the organization operates and what it does.
Can or should you donate your donation to a particular type of aid?
For humanitarian disasters like this, giving flexibly is the best way, says Morgan of Save the Children. There are no funds tied to any particular area of activity that allows the organization to respond to immediate and changing needs. “And that’s the point. Things change hour to hour and that’s why those amounts need to be flexible,” she said.
If you want to provide aid of a particular type – such as medical or food aid – look for humanitarian organizations that specialize in those areas.
What if I want to send physical goods like clothes or toys?
All three experts insist: Give cash! Messinger said: “Especially after an earthquake, there is no reliable way to get any [specific items] for everyone. You’re checking to make sure that the organization you’re sponsoring is effectively using the money to provide essentials to people who need the food, clothing, and help they need.”
How can I help in the long run?
“There was a humanitarian crisis for many of these communities before the earthquake, and this crisis has pushed them into a deeper crisis,” Morgan said. That means recovery will take a long time, she said, with long-term needs for shelter, health, education, protection and what’s known as “WASH” - water, sanitation and hygiene. Psychosocial support is also needed for the various traumas experienced by the population. That’s why it’s important to “make sure you’re looking at organizations that will stick around for the long term,” she says.
“Giving usually increases when there is news of a humanitarian event or disaster,” she said. But the need for help won’t go away when the earthquake disappears from the headlines. In the weeks and months to come, aid will still be needed — and donations.
Diane Cole writes for many publications, including The Wall Street Journal And washington articles, and is a book columnist for Network Psychotherapist. She is the author of a memoir After Great Pain: A New Life Appears. Her website is DianeJoyceCole.com.
