Words fail us when it comes to fully expressing the suffering and pain felt today by the Haitian people. The unimaginable tragedy in Haiti is best captured by the photographs and videos that continue to spill across our newspapers, computer screens and into our living rooms.
 
There is a popular expression, especially among African-American churchgoers, that goes like this: “There, but for the grace of God, go I...” It is an expression used to indicate a sense of “connectedness” to those that suffer greatly, be they homeless, starving, poor, in prison, or wracked by a natural disaster. Even though I may be gainfully employed, driving a nice car, and living in a nice home – but for grace and providence, “that could be me.”
 
I suppose it is tempting to dismiss the devastation of Haiti as some far-off, dislocated event, but we cannot because of two enduring realities that grow stronger with the passage of time. The first is that no one in any corner of our planet is immune from the specter of natural disaster, war, or terrorism. Through this lens, we are all vulnerable, and we are all at risk.
 
Secondly, advances in travel, migration, and technology have all conspired to shrink our global community. We can feel and experience the joy and pain of other people with a heightened sense of acuity – even if they are on the other side of an ocean or the planet.
 
And although some may view this event as not about “us” as an American people, let’s not forget that there are about 900,000 Haitians living in the U.S., and it is heartbreaking to hear them plea on television broadcasts for information about missing loved ones still in Haiti. We are a nation of immigrants, and we are Haiti, too.
 
I have no doubt that citizen, corporate, and philanthropic America will respond to the pain and hurt of the Haitian people. We must act with urgency, and with the highest degree of compassion within us. The horrific devastation didn’t just happen to “them” – it happened to us.
 
Haiti – you are in our thoughts and in our prayers. May God keep you during this period of time.
 
If you wish to respond or give to assist the Haitian people, please consider joining in the philanthropic efforts already underway. The Council on Foundations has organized descriptions and links to fundraising efforts across the nation at http://www.usig.org/disastergm/earthquakehaiti2010.asp.

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