Update on Supporting Haiti Relief Efforts

I wanted to share an update with you about the disaster in Haiti.

The State Department continues to say that the best way to help the people of Haiti is to give money. They are now requesting that we direct people to InterAction, a large coalition of US-based international nongovernmental organizations, to do so.

Volunteer opportunities in Haiti continue to be limited to people with specific skills. If you have the expertise needed, you can register your skills and experience for a possible volunteer opportunity at the Center for International Disaster Information's registration page.

A number of you have asked for a web banner (widget) for your website directing people to more information on how to help Haiti. To upload a widget go to: http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/help-for-haiti.

We have been asked whether it is permissible for national service programs to participate in fundraising and other community outreach efforts in support of Haiti earthquake relief. Within certain limits to be discussed with Corporation program officers, it is generally permissible for national service participants to support this activity as supplemental to the core program activity. We are putting together more detailed answers to frequently-asked questions for programs considering ways to contribute to the relief effort, to be posted and updated as needed. Please forward any questions you have to your program officer so that we can provide specific guidance.

In addition, we would like to hear from you. If you have information to share about what you are doing, please email us at OEM@cns.gov.

We will continue to communicate with you as we learn more about the needs and the best way for national service to assist in the recovery effort.

Nicola Goren
Acting CEO
Corporation for National and Community Service