Haiti inspires hope in humanity
“The moment we stop fighting for each other, that’s the moment we lose our humanity”, was my favorite quote from movie ‘2012’. Well, uncross your fingers, for there is hope for humanity. Few retain faith in the benevolence of humankind, but if there’s ever a time to believe again, it is in times like now.
I have always been amazed by micro-efforts made in the face of broad objectives- especially when human suffering is concerned. This belief has only been reinforced by the coordinated efforts by individuals for Haiti in the University of Indianapolis community.
The United Nations is working to rebuild Haiti and to minimize the sufferings of its people, after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12. The U.N. launched a $562 million dollar appeal to the world community to assist Haitian victims. Enormous sums of money were raised by governments, humanitarian organizations, small-scale charities and individuals across the world.
I have monitored the efforts at UIndy on behalf of the Student Alliance of the United Nations Association of the United States of America, and I have seen the benevolence of our UIndy community.
The huge donations from very capable institutions and individuals across the globe have not gone unnoticed, but I have been moved by the smallest donations, from small institutions, groups and individuals.
The $221.51 donation UIndy’s Circle K gave to UNICEF, the $443.35 the combined efforts of Catholic Students Association and United Methodist Student Association raised for Haiti, the $300 raised by the Association for Operational Management, and the ‘Loose Change Drive’ organized by Student Athletic Advisory Committee, is where I draw hope for humanity.
As the spirit of care and concern swept through all hearts and nations, even poor nations like Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda offered lands, houses and monetary support to Haitians.
Yet there are still cynics among us who think there is no goodwill in humanity.
The altruism towards Haiti as shown across many communities and institutions, from UIndy to the basket weaving community of Namibia, can be embodied in the words of former U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell, “The United Nations is us,” and in the words I wish I had coined: We are the United Nations.
Now, if you couldn’t help Haiti with a billion dollars, like I couldn’t, that’s fine, but did you care? Did you feel for them? Did you feel the need to help?
Did watching the devastation bother you? The hope for humanity lies in these answers, and upon the subtle sequel to the UIndy insignia: ‘Education for service,’ which is, ‘Service to humanity.’
