Support the People of Japan!! Organizations to give to.
We live in a polarized society, and so often we focus on our differences - differences in race, culture, sexual orientation, citizenship, political views, and other identities. Yet in the face of devastating disasters like the one faced by the people of Japan, we are able to rise above those real and perceived differences to remind ourselves of our basic humanity.
Disasters like this humble all of us, and remind us that at the end of the day, we are all only human. This is not a political issue, and regardless of where you stand in the political spectrum, we urge everybody to do their part in supporting the Japanese people.
There are many organizations doing relief work in Japan and around the world. With so many groups out there, it can be confusing trying to figure out who to give to, and who is actually on the ground doing work benefiting the people of Japan. Below is a list of organizations that the Peace Development Fund has worked with, or otherwise has confirmed their presence and work in Japan. All of the organizations below are accepting donations for their work in Japan, and PDF feels confident that these groups will be able to use your support wisely.
Please do what you can to spread the word and to give as much as you are able to.
Doctors Without Borders
An organization with 40 years of experience sending doctors into hard to reach regions hit by natural disasters, wars, and other calamities. DWB has sent a team of 10 doctors to Japan, and will be sending more on Monday, March 14th.
Save the Children
An organization with a 25 year history in Japan, STC is working to set up resources for children in disaster hit areas. This includes setting up child friendly spaces where kids can be around other children as their parents register for disaster aid.
Second Harvest Japan
An organization founded and based in Japan, Second Harvest works to build food security in Japan by building a network of soup kitchens and collecting "second harvest," post-consumer food that is normally thrown away. They are working to provide food for survivors of the earthquake and tsunami. NOTE: Donations to Second Harvest will be processed in Japanese Yen. As of 3/13, ¥1,000 is $12.21 US.
Easy Ways to Give
Text JAPAN to 50555 from your mobile phone to send a $10 donation to Global Giving. Your gift will show up on your next phone bill. Global Giving is not doing direct relief work, but will be funneling donations to other organizations, including Save the Children.
Text REDCROSS to 90999 from your mobile phone to send a $10 donation to the American Red Cross.
To donate through iTunes, click HERE. Donations given through iTunes will go to the American Red Cross.
To donate through your google checkout account, click HERE. Donations given through google will go to the Japanese Red Cross.
Fraud
Unfortunately, fraud does happen during times of disaster when people are looking for ways to give. If you suspect fraud with any organization claiming to be doing disaster relief, you can contact the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud.
