January 01, 2005

• It takes about a day and a half to travel to the affected countries...so factoring that in, with your time constraints, I really don't think it is worth your effort to go. Perhaps there are other things you can do such as help fundraise...not to mention those areas will be in need of some kind of help for an extended period of time, so after the semester you may still be of use.
• You may find Tsunami Help website useful. I doubt if such an arrangement can be done within a week's time though.
• They're going to need help for months if not years to come. Drop out for a year and do something monumental with your life by helping. (excuse me now as I go back to the couch)
• I have to say I'd love to read a journal from anyone who goes over there (whether that's in blog format or long after-the-fact). If anyone does, please keep us updated.
• I don't know about US charities or organisations, but the BBC has been reporting that British charities are refusing to take any new volunteers; it's not willing hands they need, it's expertise and reliability. Simply, they don't have time to train anybody new, even in the basics. As such, I'd think carefully about why you want to go, and how you can best contribute. If you have specific skills that may prove useful, even vital, then get in touch with a charity or organisation that deals specifically with that area. Contact them by email, giving your details, credentials, and how much time you can spare - most charities are keeping their phonelines reserved for logistics and donations. Even then, be prepared to be told that there's nothing you can do right now. As Argh said, the area will need help for a long time (while it will fade from the headlines and public consciousness far faster than we may imagine). Perhaps try to arrange to help with long-term reconstruction - maybe in the summer this year, maybe take a whole academic year out (this one or next). In the meantime, given the amount of time you have available, offer to man the donation pledge phonelines, or organise fundraising in your local area, or (if apropriate) offer logistical help in co-ordinating the relief from your country. I suspect that may be a more valuable use of your time. The feeling of impotence, and the desperate desire to do something, anything, to directly help these people is understandable and very powerful. I don't mean to discourage you in that. But think very carefully about why you want to go, exactly how you can best help (and how, potentially, you could be a hindrance), and what the best time for you to help would be. And the best of luck, whatever course of action you take.
• We're in Hawai'i. It'd take half a day to make it to Indonesia or Thailand. I don't no how long it would take to get from the airport to the affected area(s). Upto a week of school can be missed. Even with two weeks though, it doesn't look likely that this'll happen. On preview: good point, flashboy. I don't have any specific skills to offer. I can pick up stuff and move it, that's just about as far as my expertise goes. (I do know a little medical, but still)
• Nice thought, Mr. K., but as Bunnyfire pointed out, a long-term fundraising commitment from you might be the best decision. Combine that with a campaign of media awareness (keeping the disaster in the news/on people's minds in a week or a month or in six months) in order to help fundraising not slow to a trickle, and your efforts could be very effective. I've served on volunteer boards for a few charities/not-for-profits, and they often need help in many areas, in times of obvious crisis and in times when the trouble they address is under-reported. Promising to volunteer diligently for a year or two, and holding that promise would help a lot of people. Your skillset could be just what a relief organization might need, even if you don't know it yet. Even if all you think you can do is 'pick up stuff and move it', that might be of use if a charity is relocating to a new office or they require items to be hauled for a fundraiser or they've just got a messy, disorganized office -- you never know.
• I understand Knickerbocker's desire here; it's certainly been one of mine. A big crisis draws one a tidge more than small ones. But Flashboy's right about expertise for this situation. Knickerbocker, there's tons of causes that can use your enthusiasm. Are you a young person? Try peer outreach to homeless youths in danger of sexual exploitation and HIV. Are you a feminist person? Volunteer to get clothes for shelters; maybe specifically for a purpose, such as women needing professional-looking clothes for their first job interviews. Are you good with words? Write resumes for those that don't have a clue how to spark up their experiences and get into the economy. Try idealist.org for a bunch of other ideas and occupations. Hope you do it.
• I certainly appreciate the sentiment behind the idea, but I don't think it is very realistic to go there and help. Instead, think about what can you do where you are with the time you have to help? (and as others have said, let's not forget that help is help no matter where you give it or to whom it is given).
• You might try contacting the Peace Corps or UNICEF, both organizations use volunteers. These are both very worthwhile organizations.
• Also, the UN now estimates mending the trunami damage in these countries is going to take up to ten years, so you have time to arrange/plan/train to go there and be truly useful to the folk of these ruined communities.
• Trunami (variant of truenami): noun. Yet-to-occur, yet oft predicted wave of destruction which will occur if media outlets worldwide suddenly decide to cut the bullshit and tell the truth for once. See also: authentapocalyse, candorlamity.
• See also grandparitis, which gets a cramp when young folks have a possibly naive but solidly generous inspiration.
• Well, my pal did find an organization that'd take us for a two-week period, with no experience, just as labor. But the lodging provided is $200 a week (which is more than I pay rent here in Hawai'i), Along with ~$1000 plane ticket. If we had more time, we'd fundraise in front of the supermarket to raise the money to go. We still might for the summertime.
• That's good news, Knick - the best of luck if you do go! Keep us posted too, won't you? In other news - rent in Hawai'i is less than $200 per week? *weeps*
• In all honesty, you'd probably be better off waiting until they've got some semblance of an infastructure back in place in some of those areas. My ex just got back from there after surviving the whole thing (and then staying to help in the initial cleanup) and from what she's told me, what they need now are people with solid experience in the medical, civil engineering and other associated relief fields. I wanted to volunteer as well, but seeing as I'd probably not be more useful than someone they point in a random direction and tell to dig this or that up or move something somewhere else, It's better for all involved that I stay here for the time being and just donate what money I can. And yes, I'm still alive. Thanks Wolof. =)
• Mr K, your friend is amazing to have found an opening so soon. Wish you folk all the best in this endeavour, and very much respect and honour your wish to be there to help.
• Good to see you again, surlyboi!
• Good to hear from you again, surliboy.
• *waves at surly*