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Mobilizing Aid for Haiti on the Web
By Neil Peterson | February 3, 2010
It has been three weeks since the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti in early January, reducing much of its capitol city of Port-au-Prince to debris and claiming over 170,000 lives. Hitting just 16 miles west of the capitol, the quake destroyed much of the impoverished nation’s infrastructure – leveling entire blocks of commercial and residential buildings – trapping tens of thousands inside, and significantly damaging communication networks, hospitals, and all transport facilities.
Arcade Fire – Haiti
Within hours of the initial quake, relief organizations around the world raced to organize the delivery of essential food and medical supplies – while coordinating a massive multi-platform social media campaign to raise funds for the Haiti relief effort. In the wake of one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent history, we have learned some intriguing truths of the power – and the shortcomings – of using new technologies to rapidly respond to a community in need.
User-generated Philanthropy
Using simple, widely-available technology, the American Red Cross was able to successfully raise over $21 million – and counting – with a text-messaging campaign that allows cell phone users to text monetary donations directly from their phone using a special numeric code. Rather than using traditional media to proliferate the message, the Red Cross leveraged social media networks – relying on single users to share the necessary information with their personal, online communities.
Technology in a Crisis
Although much of the communications infrastructure was destroyed by the January 12th quake, cell phones still played a significant role in the aftermath. Survivors trapped underneath the rubble used their phones to text or call for help, facilitating the efforts of volunteer search and rescue workers. Dan Woolley, a visiting American filmmaker who was injured during the collapse of a Port-au-Prince hotel, relied on an iPhone first-aid application to treat a head wound and fractured leg while waiting to be rescued. Others used their camera phones to share images of the devastation via Facebook and Twitter – acting as a de facto news network until alternative methods of communication could resume.
A Community for the Future
While social media has proven to be a willing partner in emergency response, can it prove its value in the months – and years – to come? In response to the challenges Haiti will likely face in the rebuilding effort, WIRED magazine has created a Ning network dedicated to finding ‘better answers to the difficult questions.’ The creators of the site are encouraging large-scale collaboration – hoping to attract infrastructure and technology specialists, as well as concerned global citizens. Members are encouraged to publish their thoughts, via blog posts, on Haiti’s future, as well as use the site’s forums and live chat options to share ideas.
For the small, impoverished nation, the earthquake was a disaster of staggering proportions – the results of which will be felt for decades to come. It will take much more than blog posts, or status updates, or tweets to heal the wounds of this catastrophe – but social media has proven itself to be a valuable partner in an overall relief effort. Not in place of, but in partnership with. Perhaps the Haitian motto says it best, ‘L’Union Fait La Force’. Unity Creates Strength.
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