The students' relief efforts have come a long way since the hurricane struck two weeks ago. Students quickly responded, but many different groups planned initial efforts that were uncoordinated.
"It is extremely important to coordinate fundraising efforts to prevent overlapping events from occurring and competing with each other," said Jessica Rothschild '06. She, Erika Sams '08, Molibi Maphanyane '06 and other students who were already involved with a variety of projects decided to get the entire student body on the same page. On Sept. 7 they held a meeting in the Keefe Campus Center that 50 students attended. Leaders described the efforts already underway and took suggestions for new ideas. Students then volunteered to lead these projects, and many others volunteered to assist them. By the end of the meeting, 24 different projects had been established, each part of the same broad effort, titled "AC Katrina Relief."
The projects vary in size and complexity, yet all of them will make important contributions to the relief effort.
The Multi-Faith Council kick-started the fundraising, tabling in Valentine and collecting $1,037 in two days. Jacob Maguire '07 a member of the Council was impressed with students' generosity. "In the past, tabling has produced a thick wad of $1 [bills] and not much else, but many students contributed larger sums this week," he said. "We had over $300 in larger bills." Though happy with the success of tabling, Maguire emphasized the importance of long-term giving. "Of course it's a lot to ask people to give money every day,"he said. "We're all college students ... but we have tried to help people think about ways to stay involved long-term," he said.
Another project called "We've Got Your Back ... Pack," seeks to fill a specific need and provide school supplies to younger children displaced by the hurricane who are unprepared to return to school. Students went door-to-door in dorms collecting supplies and set up donation boxes in various buildings on campus in order to send out backpacks full of supplies to children in need. Though many supplies were donated, there is still a shortage of backpacks, and students are urged to donate any spare backpacks they may have.
The planned events go much further than just asking for donations. Keyonte Sutherland '07 is planning a large Mardi Gras-themed banquet for early October that the Charles Drew House will host. Plans for the banquet include authentic Louisiana food and performances by student music groups, including a capella groups and jazz bands.
Sutherland hopes that the banquet will raise money for the relief effort by offering enough fun to draw many students who can give to a worthy cause while enjoying the large event. "I think the Mardi Gras party will be a successful event because it will give people a chance to relax and have fun while raising money for a good cause," she said. "Amherst students love to party, and we also have a strong philanthropic sense about us."
Many more events and projects are also in the works, all of which will play an important part in the College's contribution to the relief effort. "I am so impressed at this community coming together to respond to this situation. We show our true spirit in how ready we are to drop routine and to respond to human need, whether it be our students, from the area, faculty, staff or alumni," said President Anthony Marx. "This is what community is about. We are here to help each other and protect each other, and I am so impressed."
Scott Laidlaw, director of community outreach at the College, sees promise in the number of students willing to get involved. "The turnout for Wednesday's meeting and the response across campus to the various initiatives has been incredible," he said. "The challenge for the Amherst College community is now to make sure all of those people have a way to get involved. Both the organizing meeting on Wednesday evening and the online forums are providing them with those opportunities."
Student leaders were also encouraged by the level of student involvement. "This is the first time that I have seen the campus come together over one issue, and I think it's great," said Sams. "Everyone is trying to help in their own way. I just hope that this commitment and excitement continue over the course of the next semester."
"We have a list of over 100 individuals who have shown interest in assisting with the practical and logistical aspects of fundraising," said Maphanyane.
Even students without leadership roles in the relief effort have been impressed by the school's efforts and are motivated to help. "Few schools could have organized an effort like this so quickly and effectively," said Jack Liebersohn '09. "I entered Amherst partly because I felt that it was a school with a strong sense of social responsibility, and this confirms that belief."
Margaret Ramsey '07 was also impressed by the recent efforts. "I am certainly proud of my school and my fellow students for their action and selflessness, yet I wish we could be more organized about it," she said. "I was very excited by the meeting that was held last Wednesday as an effort to channel all of the various projects into, hopefully, a few larger programs."
Ramsey also hoped that the energy put into this relief effort would later lead to efforts to help many other world crises. "I also can't help but feel a little sad, though, that the same enthusiasm hasn't been put into other projects to help people in need throughout the world-AIDS in Africa, education in poorer countries, aid to people in war- torn areas and so on," she said. "Maybe getting so many people involved in this relief effort will lead to more people being interested in helping out with projects that go beyond the U.S."
Laidlaw also wanted students to know that more can be done in New Orleans. "[Students] can make a difference to people affected by this disaster," he said. "Giving a cash donation is not the only way to help, and as with the tsunami disaster, the need does not end when the media coverage does."
"There are a number of great events and projects being planned," said Maphanyane. "Keep an eye out for every one of them. Not only will you be giving to a good cause, but you will have good time doing it."