Sarajean's notes

Have a look at this pdf file on the japan platform website: Japan Platform (JPF) is taking action for emergency assistance for the victims of North-East Japan earthquake and tsunami that occurred on 3/11/2011 2:46PM. JPF is an international emergency humanitarian aid organization made up of a consortium of 32 Japanese NGOs, the business community, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. (20110325) North-East Japan Earthquake & Tsunami.pdf http://www.japanplatform.org/E/index.html

There will be translation for this event - see below. ◆◇◆◇ 『放射能って何？』さぽうと２１ 緊急講演会のお知らせ ◆◇◆◇ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ━━━━━ ━『放射能って何？さぽうと２１在住外国人向け講演会』━━━━ ━━━━━ ━ "Nuclear crisis in Japan: What we need to know"  ━━━━━━━━━━ ■ DATE April 2, 6:00-8:00 ■ VENUE：TKP Shibuya conference center　Hall 3A http://www.shibuya- kaigishitsu.net/access.shtml ■ Speaker: Okamoto Tomohiro（おかもと ともひろ）氏 ■ in Japanese with translation: Burmese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Chinese Spanish, Persian, English, French (as of March 30 maybe other languages too if you cna help with translation please let them know!) ★ Please send your name and contact infromation to SP21 by email or fax:  FAX 03-5449- 1332 E-mail： info@support21.or.jp ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ━━━━━━ 〒141-0021 東京都品川区上大崎2-12-2ミズホビル5階 TEL　03-5449-1331　FAX　03-5449-1332 Email: info@support21.or.jp HP: www.support21.or.jp

Details of Disaster Information  they have several reports and charts that might be useful for talking about what has happened http://www.adrc.asia/view_disaster_en.php?NationCode=392%E2%8C%A9=en&KEY=1497

have a look - but not for the faint of heart Tokyo Photographers just back from Tohoko 37 Frames : Great Tohoku Earthquake & Tsunami 2011 Japan… The Black Mouth Their photos say more than words ever could http://www.tokyophotographers.com/2011/03/37-frames-great-tohoku-earthquake-tsunami-2011-japan-the-black-mouth-1.html

Did you know ... The nonprofit industry accounts for 5 percent of the nation's entire GDP . The nonprofit sector employs 12.9 million people, or 10 percent of the workforce (larger than the finance, insurance, and real-estate sectors combined) . In 2008, public charities reported $1.4 trillion in total revenue and $2.6 trillion in assets .  Lear more from Guidestar !

To all our clients, supporters and friends as we head into Hanami season 2011, (Japanese Follows/ 日本語は下記に続きます。) The last 2 ½ weeks have been some of the most difficult in recent history here in Tokyo and Tohoku Japan. We know you are all dealing with complicated situations and decisions involving your work, home and future planning. At this time of difficulty and stress we are reminded that the point of celebrating cherry blossom season is to acknowledge both the beauty and the impermanence of life, to celebrate the seasons, the passage of time, and our friends and family and to truly appreciate them while we have them as nothing in life remains the same and nothing is permanent. With that in mind we know many of you who normally celebrate this festive time of year at work or with friends are not sure if it is wise or appropriate given all the stress and in sympathy with our neighbors in the north who have experienced such tremendous loss. But at the same time, we know...

Message from one my readers: Foreigners are welcome to donate and have been for several years. The blood donation guidelines are in English here: http://www.mutantfrog.com/ 2011/03/13/who-can-and-can- not-donate-blood-in-japan/ "> ht tp://www.mutantfrog.com/2011/ 03/13/who-can-and-can-not- donate-blood-in-japan/ and here's a copy/paste from that site: The following categories of people are deferred from donating blood in Japan. Please also note that ANYBODY who has entered Japan in the last four weeks may NOT give blood . BSE/Mad Cow Disease To clarify the below rules, please calculate your TOTAL amount of time spent in ANY of the countries in categories 1~4 during the relevant risk period for that country. If your total period of time in a high-risk country during a high-risk period is equal to 6 months or more than you are banned from blood donations for life. Similarly, if you have spent a total of 5 years total in any of the countries listed in all 6 ...

Calling for Host families for Earthquake Evacuees http://www.earthdaymoney.org/ topics_dt.php?id=391

・エリア別救済情報サイト　 http://savejapan.simone-inc. com/ Earthquake updates for foreigners in Japan http://t.co/QrfY1WC ・Twitter Disaster info in Multilanguage http://p.diim.jp/ ・Family Links website ICRC （外国語安否確認サイト 赤十字国際委員会） http://www.familylinks.icrc. org/ ・Japan earthquake how to protect yourself　（20 languages) http://nip0.wordpress.com/ ・FM radio WAIWAI （FMわいわい） http://www.tcc117.org/fmyy/ index.php ・震災ボランティアマップ　 http://goo.gl/maps/UAwc ・ボランティア情報ステーション　 http://bit.ly/e46nro ・Calling for Hostfamily for Earthquake Evacuees http://www.earthdaymoney.org/ topics_dt.php?id=391 ・How to donate on JustGiving Japan ① http://bit.ly/gyhQvx ② http://bit.ly/gg7RHc ③ http://bit.ly/gGevkT ・Nippon Foundation http://www.nippon-foundation. or.jp/eng/news/ EarthquakeDonations.html ・List of Organizations for Donation http://rocketnews24.com/?p= 82960 ・WCI参加者（アメリカ人兄妹）が立ち上げた募金PRページ http://www.facebook.com/home. php?sk=group_195845700450420& ap=1 World Campus International, Inc. - Un...

Give Here, Not There A guide to the right way to support Japanese Earthquake relief efforts...

FEW APRIL MONTHLY MEETING 4/14 7 PM Topic: 2011 Disaster and Recovery in Japan- Expert panel on what is being done, what you can do, how we can help and how we can prepare ourselves in the future. we were originally scheduled for our topic this month centered around green business. Given recent events we thought the best to bring in some folks on the front line of relief efforts to tell us what has and is being done, what they have learned in the process and what we can all expect in the coming weeks and months. We hope you will come to this important FEW meeting, we want to share our stories, come together as a community and add our own resources to the relief efforts underway for the immediate, short and long term. Panelist will be on hand from PEACEBOAT, SECOND HARVEST, MERCY FLIGHTS, and perhaps others. Please spread the word to your FEW member friends and interested guests. We will have a presentation from each panelist and then a time for questions. ALSO on thi...

Japan Earthquake Local NPO Support Fund March 18, 2011 The Japan NPO Center On March 11, a devastating earthquake and tsunamis struck the northeast coast of Japan. In its aftermath, an all-out effort for rescue and relief has been under way, where effective mobilization of local and community-based NPOs (Non-Profit Organizations) will be a key for meeting the needs of different local contexts and sustainable recovery processes. With this understanding, the Japan NPO Center, in collaboration with the Civil Society Initiative Fund, has established the Japan Earthquake Local NPO Support Fund . The Fund will be used by local NPOs which conduct much needed relief and recovery efforts. Donations to the fund will be collected from individuals, corporations and foundations in Japan and overseas. Who will benefit from the fund? Needs-based, swift and flexible use is the major feature of this fund. Recipients of the fund will be NPOs which qualify under the following eligibility...

REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS IN TOKYO - If you want to do some hands-on work, I've received a request for volunteers to help catalogue aid that has been collected. We've had trucks driving around Tokyo this weekend searching for specific items that were requested by shelters, but information on available stocks would have saved time and fuel. Please send e-mail to damian at japanrefugee dot org if you can be available during the day this coming week.

Information from the past week has been updated here - please share the link with people in your networks: https://japanvolunteers.wordpress.com/

Ramen relief   http://ivanramen.blogspot.com/ . father and son team cut hair http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2011/03/26/world/jp-26refugee.html

A bunch of things came into my mailbox on Friday --- please share far and wide News from the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre ( APNIC )  Today, the evening meal at the Tagajo Community Centre was potato chips and some Japanese sweets. The roads are open, and this city is only 20 minutes away from Sendai. In support, the Tokyo hooping community is collecting cooking condiments (soy sauce, cooking oil, salt, miso) at their monthly hoop jam this Sunday 3/27 from 12:30 - 4:30 at Yoyogi Park. There is also a donation-based flea market planned. Details here: http://www.spinmatsuri.com On 3/27, there is a Music event at What the Dickens in Ebisu to support both the Tohoku and the Christchurch quake survivors. 6 -11 pm. Details on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/ event.php?eid=192966024070196& amp;index=1 Japan Guide Consortium http://sites.google.com/site/ jgcvolunteers/for_supporters Group mobilizing volunteer interpreters...

if is there a hub in the Kansai or Tokai areas for information like this -  donations of items - please let me know. there are people who want to organize shipping to some of the items or even to support local groups work. orgs outside Tokyo to look into Rescue stockyard in nagoya http://www.rsy-nagoya.com/rsy/ Niigata Saigai (Disaster Volunteer Network)  http://soiga.com/npo/nsvn    Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) http://www.amdainternational.com/english/index.php

Social Media Intern for Nonprofit (Midtown East) Date: 2011-03-25, 5:03PM EDT Reply to: job-pz2dd-2286405582@craigslist.org [ Errors when replying to ads? ] An NYC-based Nonprofit is looking for an intern to help manage our social media networks. Networks include: Facebook Twitter We have 4 accounts that will need to be updated on a daily basis. Intern will be responsible for posting updates, creating content, engaging with group members and helping to develop social media strategies. Please submit a resume if interested. Position available immediately. Compensation: This position is unpaid. This is at a non-profit organization. This is an internship job Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. Please, no phone calls about this job! Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

  a daily bulletin board for several of the affected towns/cities. http://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/Bumon/B00097/K00360/taiheiyouokijishinn/keijiban/keijiban.index.html

Mar 21, 2011 - Updated - Emergency Relief for the Tohoku Kanto Earthquake Peace Boat expresses its deepest condolences to all those affected by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami of March 11, 2011 Peace Boat is now conducting emergency relief efforts for those suffering as a result of this disaster. See the link below for reports and information about how to donate both money and material goods, and how to volunteer.   http://www.peaceboat.org/english/index.php?page=view&nr=19&type=22&menu=62

  Rescue Japan is a non-profit relief effort working to collect and donate supplies for those affected by the 2011 Tohoku Tsunami and Earthquake. This initiative is a great way for you get involved by donating goods to those in crisis. We are collecting items and monetary donations to send collected supplies directly to the evacuation shelters and to support centers setup in the communities where victims have fled for shelter and safety.  While the Japanese government and foreign aid donations will help the survivors with immediate necessities, we hope to also provide the victims with items that will help them rebuild their everyday lives. http://www.rescuejapan.asia/  lots of opps helping out! http://rescuejapanintel.wordpress.com/

Small Camera : 100sets (Ready to deliver) RIDGID SeeSnake micro Inspection Camera allows you to perform detailed visual inspection in hard to reach areas. Its comfortable pistol grip design and forward facing controls make it easy to detect and diagnose the unreachable. The SeeSnake micro Inspection Camera provides solutions whenever and wherever you need them. Cable Reach: 90cm, Weight: 500g Water Proof: Camera & Cable to 3m Lighting: LED is on the top of cable, Display: 2.4" Color LCD ＵＰＳ　（Uninterruptable Power Supply） : 50 sets (delivery date depends upon needs of disaster area) Because battery is installed inside, UPS can be used for avoiding unexpected shat-down of PC caused by sudden blackout. Also, after charging, UPS can be used as a removable battery on the location which has not electricity plugs near by. (Although capacity of battery is limited, it can be used for charging mobile phone.) Emerson provided this type of UPSes for Sichua...

  a team that will make a trip north on Sunday with aid and OTC medicine has been requested (influenza, diarrhea, etc.). if you would be able to assist in sourcing these supplies please contact  Damian asap damian at japanrefugee dot org

Peace Boat is running a relief effort to cook 500 meals daily in Ishinomaki, Miyagi-ken. They are seeking volunteers and donations of goods and money. Details here: http://www.peaceboat.org/english/index.php?page=view&nr=19&type=22&menu=62

The Jewish Community of Japan has partnered with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and NGO-JEN in Japan to help those stricken by the earthquake and tsunami. NGO-JEN has been able to get supplies and relief workers right into the areas of northern Japan most directly affected by the natural disasters. You can read more about their efforts on their website at http://www.jen-npo.org/index.html. The JDC contacted the Jewish Community of Japan within 24 hours of the disaster and was able to mobilize staff and funds immediately. They have already donated $25,000 through the Jewish Community of Japan to assist NGO-JEN in their work. You, your friends and family can donate to the JDC using the following link: https://www.jdc.org/donation/donate.aspx. Money can also be sent to: Japan/Pacific Disaster Relief Attn: JDC P.O. Box 530 132 East 43rd Street New York, NY 10017 USA Please make telephone donations at +1 212 687 6200 You may also donate directly to o...

 Putting things in perspective - a volunteer story to share:  there are a lot of unrealistic expectations about how dearly needed your contribution is, or how fun it might be. One place that's near Tokyo and > that is still accepting volunteers is the Saitama Super > Arena, which is easily accessible from Tokyo via either > the Saikyo Line (Kita- Yono Station) or the > Keihin-Tohoku Line (Saitama Shintoshin Station). > > The Arena has become the primary spot from some of > those evacuated from their homes around the Fukushima > nuclear power plant, particularly residents of the town > of Futaba-machi. The news reports here indicate that > there are about 1200 residents from the town there, > though I was told by one of the local volunteers that > there are hundreds from other towns as well; I didn't > talk to any of the evacuees and haven't done enough > research online to be sure. > > The place is, however,...

Uniken, Japan Universal Design Research Institute:(Japanese only) The information is accurate. Here is the correct link: http://www.npo-uniken.org/shinsai_busshi.html Here is what they are currently collecting: 「食べ物」「飲み物」(すべて完全未開封)：2011年3月25日(金)発送分まで。 Food, beverages (in sealed packaging) until Fri, 3/25 「靴下」「木綿の手袋」「耳栓」(すべて未使用)：2011年3月27日(日)発送分まで。 Socks, cotton gloves, earplugs (unused items only) until Sun, 3/27 「水のいらないシャンプー」：2011年3月30日(水)発送分まで。 Dry shampoo, until Wed 3/30 「女性用下着」「男性用下着」(すべて未使用)：2011年3月30日(水)発送分まで。 Women's underwear, men's underwear (unused goods only) until Wed 3/30 http://members.jat.org/users/Camellia  The non-profit organization Uniken currently has staff and volunteers on the ground in the disaster-affected areas conducting relief activities, launching a project dubbed The Japan Universal Disaster Relief Headquarters.   (1) The Japan Universal Disaster Relief Headquarters, or Japan Universal, has deployed a large number of volunteer...

 Have a look at the Otodoketai and see what you can do to help elders in the Sendai area! http://www.dunamis.jp/otodoketai/

東日本大震災支援全国ネットワーク（ＪＣＮ） website was just launched on March 22: http://www.jpn-civil.net/contact/

ASHINAGA expresses heartfelt sympathy for the tragic loss of life ensuing the massive earthquake and tsunami that devastated Northeastern Japan. As in all emergencies of such crippling magnitude, children who have lost their parents/guardians are the most vulnerable. ASHINAGA stands ready to assist these children in their days of greatest need. We are now accepting donations in support of activities related to the financial aide, education and emotional care of children orphaned from the Tohoku Tsunami disaster.” Website in English http://www.ashinaga.org/e/index.php

FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS JAPAN Foreign (nonJapanese) Volunteers Japan’s project aims to collect food and essential supplies for distributing to the people of Tohoku who have lost their houses, family members, and even some complete villages due to the devastating tsunami which followed the magnitude 9.0 Tohoku-Sendai earthquake.  The initial donation that got this project started was an 8 ton donation of baked beans. Beyond baked beans, the following are also needed:  food, diapers, fuel, blankets, clothing, children’s toys, sweets, toilet rolls, chopsticks, paper plates, water, towels, futons, tents, cardboard boxes, plastic forks, charcoal, etc… You know i hate the word foreign but they seem to doing something good ... 

A new org to me at least! CRASH volunteers http://www.crashjapan.com/ some info from their site Questions About Volunteering   When can I go? We will be ready for relief volunteers by early April.  We are prioritizing our resources and volunteers in a database and will contact you when we are prepared to place you.  (For teams overseas, it will likely be at least April before we are ready to receive you.) How much time do I need to commit? Because of the immensity of the need and the inefficiency created in constantly rotating volunteers, we are asking for a time commitment of at least two weeks. What can I expect to be doing? Teams will be largely involved in clean-up and rebuilding.  The needs of communities are varied, and our response depends on those needs.  We review all the information you send us and match our volunteers to the needs that arise. Why haven't I heard from someone yet? Our team has been in contact with a large number of pot...

Currently, Second Harvest Japan (2HJ) is using all of its personnel power to work on the disaster relief activity for the people in Tohoku area affected by the Pacific earthquake. Here are what we are working on now: 1) establishing the network to recruit all kinds of items we need; 2) establishing safe and secure routes to deliver needed items to the disaster victims; 3) collecting information about what exactly the disaster victims need. With your support, we will engage in the emergency disaster relief and the reconstruction assistance that will follow the emergency action. Basic Plan * 2HJ set up the Disaster Relief Office in Sendai city. The office is working to establish the logistics network of donated items for agencies and evacuation sites in Miyagi prefecture. The office also collects information about food and supplies the disaster victims need and we will keep updating the information on our website. * 2HJ sends two large size 4-ton trucks (one non-reefer truck and on...

震災支援のための食品・物資寄付のお願い セカンドハーベストジャパンでは、現在震災被災者支援のための食品・物品寄贈を受け付けています。具体的には、以下のものをお願いしたいと思っています。どうか、皆さまのご支援をよろしくお願いいたします。 食品については、賞味期限の切れていないもの。未開封のものでお願いします。食品や物資を優先的に送るため、現在、衣類、靴、帽子や玩具は受け付けておりません。お送りいただく場合、送料のご負担をお願いしています。着払いでの送付はご遠慮ください。 お送りいただくものの一覧表を添付ください。作業が大変楽になります。 現地での使い勝手や仕分け作業の軽減から、できるだけ同じ品物をたくさん集めていただけると非常に助かります。また、個人での寄付もありがたいですが、なるべく地域、職場、学校など団体でとりまとめて送っていただけるとなお嬉しいです。 海外在住の方へ 海外からは募金にてご協力いただいた方が迅速な支援につながります。募金はこちらからお願いします。http://www.2hj.org/index.php/get_involved_j/donate_money_j 随時集めていただきたいリストを更新しております。 最終更新日時：　3月　20日　10:48 下記の物を必要としています： ——————————————————————————————- 最優先食品・物資 ・ 米、缶詰、レトルト食品（賞味期限内のもの） ・ カセットガス、電池、ホッカイロ ・ 赤ちゃん用紙おむつ、粉ミルク、離乳食、高齢者用紙おむつ（未開封のもの） ・ 生理用ナプキン、トイレットペーパー、ウエットティッシュ、マスク、簡易トイレ（未開封のもの） ・ 消毒薬、絆創膏などの外用薬（未開封のもの） —————————————————————————————— 食品、飲料（未開封で賞味期限内のものでお願いします）： 非常食、哺乳瓶、カロリーメイト、飲料水用ポリタンク、など常温で保存できる食品すべて 衛生用品、医薬品（未使用、未開封でお願いします）： 耳栓、イヤホン、アイマスク、浄水器、ティッシュペーパー、生理用品、応急セット、うがい薬、石鹸、水のいらないシャンプー、など 炊き出し用品（未使用、未開封でお願いします）： 紙皿、紙コップ...

this site has some interesting and useful maps showing which organizations are active where, which roads are open, damage etc. if you have more information - please contact them! They are working with undac but also hoping to work with others as well. http://www.mapaction.org/deployments/depldetail/200.html Great work!

We got a request/offer that requires people in Tokyo that are at bilingual (Japanese/English).  Or at least an English speaker that is good at Japanese, or visaversa. That said, we need other Tokyo based errands: http://www.facebook. com/pages/ Japan-Earthquake-Ani mal- Rescue-and-Support/2078352 2922 8979

【１】ユナイテッドピープル基金 協賛企業の東北関東大震災 緊急支援クリック募金 ------------------------------ ------ 1クリック1円が、災害救援のプロフェッショナルでもある 公益社団法人シビックフォースに寄付されます。 開始から、6万人の方にクリックしていただいております！ ありがとうございます。引き続き、 ご協力をよろしくお願いいたします。 http://fm.msgs.jp/v31/f/?p= 1000000381/ac01/8796/5247155 【２】クレジットカードによる寄付 ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------ 緊急支援のため、医療支援・物資の提供・ 避難所での子どものケアなど 20団体から応援したい団体に寄付できます！ 国内のNGO/NPOが11日から活動を開始しています。 リンク先から各団体への支援ができますので、 どうかご協力お願い申し上げます。 ▼東北関東大震災への緊急支援のお願い（募金・寄付） http://fm.msgs.jp/v31/f/?p= 1000000381/ac01/8795/5247155 【３】東北関東大震災　被災者の皆様への応援メッセージ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------ 東北関東大震災で被災された方に応援メッセージを届けませんか？ 物品の支援ではありませんが、この応援署名をご覧になった方への 少しでも精神的な心の支えになったらと思い、始めます。 http://fm.msgs.jp/v31/f/?p= 1000000381/ac01/8797/5247155   ────────────────────────────── ────── ◎イーココロ！アクション：チャリティ商品、 募金で被災地をサポート！ ────────────────────────────── ────── 地震から一週間。 多くの企業やショップが早くも復興に向けて動き出しています！ イーココロ！からのお買い物なら、ダブルで募金ができますので、 ぜ...

Here's a list of charity concerts that have been put together around the country:: http://askswinds.com/c_live.html

Japanese translation to follow.　 日本語訳は英文の後に続きます。 This drive is open to non-members as well. The Tokyo American Club is holding a food drive to support the humanitarian efforts under way for those affected worst by the devastating March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunamis. The food drive will take place between the hours of 10:00 - 15:00 on March 22, 23 & 24. Donations should be dropped off on the B1 family side. Volunteers will assist in moving them to the collection location in the Women’s Group classroom, “Gordon Suite” (adjacent to the B1 Member Services Desk). Food items most needed are rice, miso, nori, canned foods (vegetables, fruit, fish & meat) and noodles (soba, udon, ramen, spaghetti). The items must be undamaged, non-perishable and with ample time remaining on the expiry date. Non-members may also donate food items. Non-members should advise the staff of their purpose at the main entrance gate, and then proceed down the ramp to the B1 family si...

CouchSurfing - Japan Crisis Housing CouchSurfing is a worldwide network for making connections between travelers and the local communities they visit. www.couchsurfing.org Good for visits but may also be good for people from Tohoku needing a place to sleep for a while.

Peace Boat ピースボート UPA 国際協力プロジェクト　 Mar 18, 2011 - Updated - Emergency Relief for the Tohoku Kanto Earthquake Peace Boat expresses its deepest condolences to all those affected by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami of March 11, 2011 (Friday). Peace Boat is now launching emergency relief efforts for those suffering as a result of this disaster. While collecting information about the damage, we now have two advance teams of experienced staff in the affected areas investigating potential support. Following the advance teams' investigations, Peace Boat plans to also send volunteers to assist in rebuilding the lives of those affected. Details of this relief and further campaign information will be published on this page as soon as confirmed. Peace Boat is now also accepting donations for this emergency relief fund from both within and outside Japan. We thank you kindly for your cooperation. http://www.peaceboat.org/english/index.php?page=view&nr=19&type=22&menu=62 ピ...

Good Neighbors Japan グッドネーバーズジャパン Online donations in Japanese http://www.gnjp.org/campaign/emgcy_2011tohoku.html 新着情報（ 2011 年 3 月 17 日） 物資の配布を開始 3 月 16 日、 岩手県釜石市 にて支援物資（歯ブラシ 200 、マスク約 1,600 、 T シャツ 327 枚）を被災者の方々に配布しました。 14 日夕方に東北地方に向けて出発したグッドネーバーズ・ジャパンのスタッフ一同は、山形県を経由して秋田県にて支援物資を調達。 16 日の朝に秋田を出発し、岩手県北上市に到着しました。道路は交通規制が敷かれていましたが、緊急車両通行証を取得し、夕方には岩手県釜石市に入る事ができ ました。 GNJP スタッフは物資を調達し、被災地へ。 支援現場へ向かう道路。被害の大きさが覗えます。 釜石市は吹雪に見舞われ、氷点下の寒さでした。 グッドネーバーズ・ジャパンは、まず約 250 人が避難している 釜石中学校避難所 、続いて約 450 人が避難している 旧釜石商業高校避難所 の２箇所で、物資を配布しました。 避難所にて、支援物資を配布。 今後、他のエリアの避難所でも支援を行う予定です。 http://www.gnjp.org/reports/2011/rpt_2011tohoku_earthquake01.html (this summary is mine) News from March 17, 2011 Started with the distribution of supplies March 16, => relief supplies distribution in the city of Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture 200 toothbrushes,1,600 masks, 327 T-shirts distributed to the victims The Good Neighbors Japan (GBJN) Staff set off for Japan's Tohoku region on the evening of March 14 First...

At this time many people here in Japan are suffering and need someone to talk to, and   TELL & いのちの電話 are here to help! TELL (Tokyo English Life Line)  is providing information and support for the English speaking community across Japan. This new page they have added has links, data and other resources helpful for people here and those overseas who are concerned about their relatives in Japan and http://www.telljp.com/index.php?/en/news_article/for_people_overseas_concerned_about_relatives_in_the_tokyo_area/ STRESS-REDUCING TECHNIQUES : http://www.telljp.com/index.php?/en/news_article/helping_coping_after_the_earthquake/ Need to talk? TELL is here to listen: 03-5774-0992 いのちの電話 For anyone in need of support in Japan, please visit http://www.find-j.jp/zenkoku.html to find the nearest Life Line service. いのちの電話 では、自死遺族への支援活動を行っております。 一般社団法人 日本いのちの電話連盟へのお問い合わせは、 TEL:03-3263-6165 、 FAX:03-3511-7508 まで 上記電話番号は事務受付専用です。 電話相談 は 全国いのちの電話 からお願いします。   http:/...

I have been putting some groups at the top of my list for several reasons but the main one being --- they are active on the ground now and i strongly believe in direct designated giving. To make it simple - there are many different types of funds or ways to give and there are also many different types of action to take. 1. Giving directly to the groups doing work on the ground * This is based on the idea that orgs need money NOW in emergency situations and that they do not have a lot of extra money to play with. * When we give directly to a specific funding campaign, the org is also expected to use the funds for that purpose and that purpose only. they should be be shifting money to other accounts or needs.  2. Giving to affiliates overseas: * In this case the org getting the money may or may not be active in the country where the disaster has happened. Mercy Corp has stated clearly that funds are being collected in the US for Peace Winds. some other organizations are co...