As a recent participant on the response to Haiti I find the idea of a
virtual community pulling together to help the disaster survivors
commendable. 

But the sad fact is that, 2 months after the earthquake struck, most
conditions for most survivors are below international standards. There are
many reasons for this, but the lack of information about the problem or what
needs to be done does not now appear to be an important one. It may be a
unique case, but Haiti seems to be a case where we (the outsider relief
providers) know more than we can use. 

While I encourage Facebooking and twittering and similar social and
technical networking (which is, importantly, accessible to some of the
disaster survivors), I am not clear on how these efforts deliver more
latrines and portable toilets, or minimally adequate shelter, rapidly,
appropriately and effectively. 

Knowledge of what can be done may be less of a problem than the means to
just do it.

Regards, 
Kelly 

-----Original Message-----
From: Natural hazards and disasters
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Twigg
Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2010 3:38 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: social networking tools for disaster relief

The "Global Disaster Relief on Facebook" group 
(www.facebook.com/disasterrelief) set up after the Haiti earthquake is a
recent 
example of how social networking tools are being used in disasters (see its 
mission statement below). It already has more than half a million 'fans' and
the 
recent postings after the earthquake in Chile show how busy it can be in an 
emergency. This suggests we all need to take social networking more
seriously 
as a medium for solidarity and support efforts by those who are not 
professionally engaged in disaster risk management.


(mission statement) In January 2010, a devastating earthquake struck Haiti
and 
the response in the days and weeks after has underscored the Internet's 
critical role in connecting the world's population in times of tragedy.
Facebook 
launched the Disaster Relief on Facebook Page where millions of people could

educate themselves and find out how to help not only in Haiti but wherever 
disaster and misfortune may strike.

We want Disaster Relief on Facebook to serve as a collaborative resource for

individuals, non-profits, governments and industry to raise awareness for
those 
in need around the world. We're inviting relief organizations to be part of
this 
effort so they can further highlight their needs during times of crisis.
Most 
importantly, we hope all of you will join us by becoming a fan of Disaster
Relief 
on Facebook and by continuing to support relief efforts along with your
friends.