Voicing Disaster: Responding as Global Citizens to Natural Disasters
Due to the interconnectedness of our world these days, the global response to natural disasters is becoming an important key to mobilizing humanitarian relief aid. From the recent tsunami in Japan, to earthquakes in Haiti and Indonesia, to flooding in Pakistan and China, to hurricane Katrina and the 2004 tsunami, natural disasters seem to be happening not only more frequently, but also with increased severity. But unlike natural disasters of the past that garnered little international media attention, today’s natural disasters are featured front page, and touch the lives of people watching the six o’clock news all over the world. And with these images of destruction comes an overwhelming desire to support these communities affected, although most of us are unsure of how we can really best help the situation.
Informed by the work of local organizations like IDEP Foundation, Indonesian Women’s Coalition for Justice and Democracy, PKBI (Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association), WALHI- Friends of the Earth Indonesia, and Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari, this project delves into the question, “How can we most effectively respond as global citizens to natural disasters around the world?” We examine the different roles that local and international organizations play in responding to natural disasters, and document survivors’ accounts of what kind of relief aid programming has been most effective for their community. We want to share with global audiences what really happens on the ground after natural disasters, and most importantly, how each of us can most effectively contribute to the relief efforts.
Since its publication in June 2011, this film has already reached audiences in roughly 45 countries, and will be a part of PSP’s big screen debut at the National Film Board of Canada in April 2012. An accompanying curricula guide will soon be available for educators, with activities for students in Gr. 1 through to postsecondary. Click here to join our newsletter, and receive updates about PSP’s forthcoming curricula!
In accordance with our mission, this film has also been given to participating NGOs for them to use as an educational fundraising and campaigning tool. To learn more about these and other organizations working with PSP, check out our Grassroots Community page.
