Ways to Help

Please don't forget about Haiti.

Sign this petition asking for FULL debt relief!! I did and they send you an email after signing. Sign here.

Idealist.org is also in need of help. They've helped me find jobs, communities of practice, and peace of mind. If you can please consider giving. Please also spread the word!

Hug someone you love.

Take time for yourself because you are loved, missed, and needed.

Remember These Items Are Needed In Haiti Too

People often forget these sexual and reproductive health care need during times of distress, terror, confusion, natural disaster, etc. If we don't learn from what people needed during 9/11 then we surely need to learn from what people needed during Hurricane Katrina. If you are sending items to Haiti please remember the following:

-Sanitary Napkins
-Tampons
-Condoms
-Spermicide
-Morning After Pill (Plan B)
-Napkins/Paper Towels/Toilet Paper
UPDATED
My homegirl Prof. Susurro (who has also made a comprehensive list of places to give) reminded those of us with access to meds:
-HIV medications
-Hormone medication

Folks may not want to recognize that often when people are scared, confused, and needing something tangible in their life, sex is often one of the most accessible forms of affection and touch that can be experienced. When 9/11 happened I was at NYU and students were evacuated from downtown housing. Those students were placed in the NYU arena/gymnasium. They had to distribute condoms to students because in that time that was the one thing that they found comfort in: one another's bodies. Please help the possibility of infection and unwanted pregnancies by remembering condoms, spermicide and plan b.

Also, people may be menstruating and needing various products to help them from experiencing any more frustration and discomfort than they already have. Please make sure that if you are sending items to Haiti to remember these items. I have yet to see a list of what Haiti needs that includes these items.

I've heard (but can't find confirmation) that FedEx is shipping anything under 50 pounds FREE of charge to Haiti. UPDATE neither FedEx nor UPS are offering free shipping at this time. Please take the time to remember all the things people lost and need and how reproductive and sexual health intersect with coping and healing.

Ways To Help Haiti

Many of you don't know this but growing up in the DC/MD area there is a HUGE contingent of Haitians and I grew up in a very Caribbean space while in High School. One of my best friends since high school (that's over 15 years!) is a Haitian woman, Flo, who has loved me and supported me for all that I am and all that I'm becoming. My first friend in NYC when I moved back was a Haitian man, T. When I got the flue last year and was dripping from every orifice it was him, not my other "friends," who came to help me. He also has helped me with local daily necessities (like making sure no mice get into my apartment (we are still working on this one). T. and Flo are my family. My family has lost family and therefore I have. We have.

Please check out VivirLatino's links on how to help Haiti at this time.