HAITI'S FUTURE
A sustainable development approach has been a necessary goal in Haiti throughout its dark and troublesome history. Following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake centered in Port-au-Prince, the destruction has reached unimaginable proportions. In response to the devastation there has been an overwhelming desire from concerned citizens and organizations to help in this time of crisis, and help they have.
Yet during this period of increased global attention, funding, and action, it is also important to appreciate the broader context. Unfortunately, the dominant frame in the mainstream media has often not provided the world with a fuller background into Haiti's current social, economic, and political circumstances. We all have a responsibility to dig deeper into the structural inequalities and outside influences that have long impacted this island nation, leaving the Haitian population so dependent on the goodwill of humanitarian workers, human rights groups, and faith-based organizations.
Even prior to the disaster, Haiti has one of the highest numbers of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) per capita in the world. This can be an advantage following a disaster. Nevertheless, one immediate consequence is that the range of options can be overwhelming for those who would like to contribute—in one way or another—to the current relief efforts in Haiti.
The long-term goal, from many perspectives, should be to empower the Haitian people to run their own affairs. The list below, while not exhaustive, comprises organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to this more empowering, liberating, and solidarity-focused approach. Each has demonstrated an authentic approach to working alongside the Haitian people, with a comprehensive vision for the future of the nation and its people.
Links and Resources for Taking Action
Human Rights
The Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti is engaged in working with Haitians to advance human rights conditions through pursuing legal cases, distributing accurate information regarding human rights abuses, and cooperating with other solidarity groups in Haiti and abroad.
Social Health, Justice, and Well-Being
Partners in Health has been providing comprehensive live saving services to the rural poor in Haiti for over 20 years. Their model that all individuals have a human right to health care is uncompromising in its dedication to quality in all aspects, and is radically changing the field of global health.
Fonkoze is Haiti’s alternative bank for the organized poor. Their model of microcredit and community development is sustaining communities and reducing poverty daily.
Climate Change and Sustainability
Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods (S.O.I.L.) is an organization that turns waste into resources by protecting soil, empowering communities, and promoting a "liberation ecology."
The Haitian Sustainable Development Foundation takes a community empowerment approach to development that does not depend on foreign aid, but instead creates a democratically-conscious approach.
The Lambi Fund of Haiti takes its lead from the peasant and women's organizations with which they collaborate. They focus on sustainable development, community micro-credit, animal husbandry, environment, and organizational & leadership training.
Media
HaitiAction.net is a leading news source for the breaking news in Haiti, and has been providing a grassroots lens to counter the corporate media and tell the story from the streets.
Democracy Now! is a well known independent radio/video broadcast led by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. Their reporting on Haiti has been consistently unflinching in its dedication to human rights, advocacy, and justice for all Haitians.
Rehabilitation
Handicap International is a worldwide specialist in disability rights, fighting the use of landmines and cluster bombs, physical and mental health, social exclusion, and rehabilitation of the most vulnerable members of society.
Education for Social Responsibility
SOPUDEP School is a community school for the most vulnerable and poor children of Petion-Ville, Haiti. One of their main programs was to extend a hot lunch program for school age children, which for some was their only meal of the day.
Honor and Respect Foundation is a non-profit based in Idaho to raise awareness and financial support for grassroots groups based in poor communities in Haiti dedicated to achieving social justice, universal education, participatory democracy, and economic self-sufficiency.