A breakthrough

I really have no idea how anyone got anything done without the internet.

I was convinced someone in this small town would be doing something and I was determined to find them. I got on Facebook and Gmail and started messaging everyone and anyone who does anything activistish with the question, "Who do you know that knows about disaster relief? What's going on with Haiti relief." The vast vast majority replied that they didn't know and that I could txt donate the money that I don't have.

The breakthrough came when I gchatted my former psych grad advisor. (I honestly have no shame when it comes to asking favors of people who I haven't talked to in years. I recently got some incredible feedback from the chess champion of my 4th grade class.) He told me all the work he has done was in India, but he knew someone that did disaster relief.

"My name is Emily Sha, and I'm interested in coordinating some relief efforts for the disaster in Haiti. I spoke with Karl and he pointed me to you, and expert with very little time. I'm working at this moment to secure some bulk medical supplies for Doctors without Borders. I am also working on a fundraiser but I would like these efforts to be sustainable as well as efficient. If you could spare any of your valuable time or expertise i would be eternally grateful.

Sincerely yours,
Emily"

Thanks to FB she replied in 20 minutes letting me know that she focuses on long-term recovery rather than disaster relief, but put me in touch with Melissa who I immediately got in contact with.

We decided to meet the very next day, and thus began my work with C-U for Haiti Relief.