We only need to watch the news for a second or read the reports from our State Department to be reminded that the situation in Haiti is dire. RISD is an institution with strong local, national and global ties, and our own community is joining together to respond. There are many ways that we can provide important support for the people of Haiti, whether that is for the Haitian community here in Providence or for Haiti itself as it faces incalculable challenges in the earthquake’s aftermath.
Over the weekend I spoke with Providence Mayor David Cicilline, who has established a civic priority to mobilize efforts for Haiti. Other global networks in which RISD plays an important role are also galvanizing around this cause. I have connected with the presidents of the California College of the Arts and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and we are leading an effort with our sister AICAD schools to share ideas about how we artists, designers and citizens might best offer our assistance.
More broadly, Cameron Sinclair’s Architecture for Humanity group is connecting architects, designers and artists who want to pledge their creative support in the eventual rebuilding of Haiti. And the Davos World Economic Forum (of which I am a member) is refocusing its main themes to address how we all might support Haiti during this crisis.
The response has truly been inspiring, both internationally and here on our own campus. As one example, our Residence Life student staff organized a fundraiser where students raised $1,000 in 40 minutes through $5 contributions. Students who wish to participate in ongoing efforts should contact the Office of Student Life in Carr House. There is also an active conversation for the entire community on two.risd.edu (note: you must have a RISD login to access this site) about ways to participate. Finally, the first meeting of the Local/Global Engagement Working Group (part of our Strategic Planning process), led by Dean Patricia Phillips and Museum Education Director Sarah Ganz, will also discuss our response to the situation in Haiti.
Another role individuals may want to play, as part of this global community of engaged citizens, is to make a monetary contribution to help fund relief efforts. There are several links listed on this site for international organizations like the Red Cross and Partners in Health, which are leading the relief effort on the ground. Mayor Cicilline has also suggested we direct support to two local Haitian organizations, The Elmwood Church and La Providence.
As the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminds us, our own individual efforts can create a meaningful impact in what is sure to be a long-term endeavor. I continue to be inspired by RISD’s long-standing tradition of humanitarian action, and know that it will help us make a real difference for Haiti and its people.
