From the Ground Up: Working for a Just Recovery in Haiti

I send you out now, to share yourself with the world
May its promise and complexity set your mind ablaze
May you hold fast to what your life has taught you
May you question everything
And when you have changed the world,
And the world has changed you,
May you return again, to this place,
And share what you have learned with us.

—Rev. Kelly Weisman Asprooth-Jackson, "I Send You Out"

Since the earthquake in Haiti, UUSC has stood shoulder to shoulder with our partners as they work to rebuild their lives, their communities, and their spirits. UUSC members are helping Haitians rebuild through generous donations, hands-on work in Haiti through the UU College of Social Justice, and advocacy to ensure that the U.S. government contributes to a just recovery.

In all our work, we support Haitians on the margins struggling for a voice, agency, and participation in the recovery process on a national scale. And this work is only possible with the activism and investment of our members.

Following the third commemoration of the earthquake in Haiti, please recommit to working with us to help Haitians achieve the just recovery that they deserve. Whether you learn about UUSC's work in Haiti, talk to your legislators about what they can do to help, teach others about this important issue, or join one of the UUSC-UUA volunteer trips to Haiti, help us observe this commemoration with the people of Haiti.

Plan your commemoration activities:

• Watch a UUSC webinar hosted on the ground in Haiti
  During this interactive on-the-ground report from Haiti recorded on January 26, 2012, you'll learn about our partners, hear from participants of a JustWorks service-learning trip, and find out from UUSC staff what you can do to support the recovery at home.

• Learn more about UUSC's work in Haiti
  Our efforts protect women and children, help people cope with trauma, support livelihood development in Port-au-Prince, and facilitate sustainable solutions for displaced people in rural Haiti.

Read about the powerful experience of one volunteer.

• Introduce your congregation to Haiti
  Explore Beyond the Mountain, a five-workshop curriculum on Haiti that highlights human rights at stake in the recovery and UUSC's ongoing response.

• Apply to volunteer on a UUCSJ trip
  Join us on a weeklong trip to work with members of the Papaye Peasant Movement, a UUSC partner, to help former Port-au-Prince residents build new lives in rural Haiti.

• Observe the commemoration in your worship services
  Use the multiple resources UUSC has compiled to honor survivors with a special service.

• Write a letter to the editor
  Make sure to get out the message that we must continue to support the survivors of the Haiti earthquake. Download letter-writing guidelines [PDF] and a sample letter [PDF] about what the international community can do to live up to its promises in the Haiti recovery and rebuilding effort.