161. Where to Donate After the LA Fires and Other Natural Disasters

This week it has finally started to rain in LA and the fires are almost completely contained. As we think about how we can help, please consider supporting the most vulnerable and least supported populations affected by the fires.

If you are still considering where to give, here are 8 specific places to consider: https://www.progressivepockets.com/p/la-fires-where-to-donate/ 

In today’s episode, let’s talk about giving after a natural disaster at four different phases, including: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

ICYMI another episode you might enjoy:

Episode#127 How I Screen Charities Before I Donate

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Transcript

Hey y’all! Before the episode officially begins and we get into the good intro music and I tell you who I even am and what this podcast is about, I wanted to jump on here and talk about the LA Fires. I have been waiting to share some resources on where to donate, and it is time. So, I am coming on here to give you a heads up that I’m going to be sending a newsletter about that in the coming days. If you don’t want to miss that, go to progressive pockets dot com and sign up for the newsletter so I can send you these recommendations.

Today’s episode was recorded some time ago, after the big earthquake in Turkey, and in the episode I offer you a way to take a step back and really think about how we give after a natural disaster, in general. Thinking specifically about the LA Fires, I would encourage you to consider giving the most vulnerable populations that have been affected. For example, I’m thinking about the most vulnerable populations. I will include more detail in the newsletter and you’ll get specific links if you want to donate towards displaced Black residents or undocumented residents, unhoused residents. I have a suggestion if you want to donate to a small but mighty charity, or if you prefer to donate to a larger partnership between a foundation and the local government services, I have a specific recommendation for that too. I also have information if you want to volunteer your time or donate physical items. This list has very specific recommendations depending on the type of support you’re wanting to provide. Go to Progressive pockets dot com to sign up for the newsletter and that is how you will receive that information. Now let’s get into the episode and talk about giving after a natural disaster.

Welcome to Progressive Pockets! I go by GG, that’s short for Genet Gimja. This is a show exploring a hunch that I have, that we are leaving some of our power on the table to create the world we want. When we talk about changing society, I think the conversation naturally goes to voting and pushing for policy change and all of that is critical. 

But, in the meantime, as we push for greater reform, I wonder if there are some subtle shifts we can make with our wallets that can reinforce those other actions. Can we spend in line with how we vote? Can we bank in line with how we show up as an ally in our communities? Can we invest for retirement in line with our desire for the planet?

We talk a lot about climate change and today’s topic absolutely is tied to the way our planet is warming. We are going to talk about disaster relief. The thing about it is, we know that more of these natural disasters are coming. And they are getting worse. Wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, so let’s talk about it.

On this show we talk about the power in our money to create the type of world we want. I was talking to someone about the show recently and he summed it up by saying “put your money where your mouth is.” And I agree, that’s what we’re here to talk about. So when it comes to disaster relief, there are generally, 4 different phases where you might want to help. I’ll link the JP Morgan article on this.

Phase 1: Mitigation: this is about future planning. Analyzing the possibility of future disasters and planning out what we can do now to lessen the suffering as a result of a natural disaster.

Phase 2: Preparedness: this is when you know that a natural disaster is about to happen, what can you quickly do to prepare in the days beforehand. Depending on the type of natural disaster that is expected, it might mean making sure there are sandbags in place, there is enough food and water in reserves, making sure that hospitals have the right PPE and staffing levels.

Phase 3: Response: this is the immediate aftermath of the natural disaster. Looking for survivors, for example.

Phase 4: Recovery: Building homes and other infrastructure that were damaged. Maybe making changes to how that is done to lessen the impact of potential future disasters.

When it comes to donating, I think most of us think about that third phase, which is the Response, or the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster. Most donations are given within 8 weeks of a natural disaster. That is according to research by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and Candid.

But what’s ironic is that spending more on the first phase, mitigation, where we try to see what we can do ahead of the natural disaster, is way way way more effective. Our money will go much further. Which means more lives will be saved. Less life-saving infrastructure will be destroyed.

But you know, it’s hard to keep that top of mind, especially when there are so many causes competing for our attention. I am wracking my brain to think about which of my giving would go into that first phase.

If you are looking to be a little more intentional about your natural disaster donations, you might consider donating towards that mitigation phase and also the very last phase which is the recovery, especially in the long term after the 8 weeks when the attention has probably drifted on to the next thing.
When you’re trying to decide who specifically to donate your money to, I would offer a few thoughts you might consider.

I look for groups or individuals that have been working in a community on a specific problem for a long time. Not a sudden pop up. And that is because I am less confident that someone brand new to an area or to a community or to a problem will be effective. In the future, when I have more wiggle room in my giving budget, I will look forward to taking more chances on newer initiatives, but for now, I am looking for someone with some level of familiarity. If you are worried about scams, avoiding pop up charities will also help with that.

I also like to think about the most vulnerable, or the least supported community within a disaster. Climate change will lead to more refugees. And when I think about those refugees, I tend to ask myself, who is being overlooked? That is something I will always think about, especially as someone who started my life as someone who fit right into that category. I was born while my family was living in a refugee camp as a result of the war in Eritrea. As you can hear, I made it, but not everyone in my community did make it. So that’s another consideration I’m always thinking about in my giving when it comes to disasters- who is being overlooked? Who isn’t getting the newspaper headlines?

So those are some thoughts on giving in response to natural disasters. I’d be interested to know, if you are a survivor of a natural disaster, what was your experience as it relates to aid?

I’d love if you would send this episode to someone who you think may appreciate it. Word of mouth is really how indie podcasts grow, so I could use the hand. Thank you for that!

Let’s end with a quote, this one comes from Angela Davis.
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”

Let’s talk again soon!