As relief efforts continue after Haiti's devastating earthquake last week, cell phone and text message donations have emerged as the next big thing in charitable giving.
In only six days, the American Red Cross has raised more than $21 million for the Haiti Relief effort through text message donations. Even first lady Michelle Obama is promoting it.
In this video, Tom Bearden reports on how cell phone technology is changing the way that people give.
Quotes
"I got a text message that said, please donate $10 to the Haiti relief fund. And all's I had to do is respond to the text, which I did. And it was very simple. And it took me less than five seconds to do that." - Jon Meredith, Denver businessman
"I think one of the things we're going to see now is that every charity is going to be raising money this way." - Stacy Palmer, editor, The Chronicle of Philanthropy
"This is not a tragedy where people can just come in and parachute in and do good, no matter how experienced they are. They have to have relationships with the community. And that's probably the most important thing that experienced aid workers say to look at." - Stacy Palmer, the editor of The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Warm Up Questions
1. Where is Haiti? What is happening there?
2. Do you have a cell phone? How do you use it? What do you use it for?
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think people like sending donations via text message?
2. Would you prefer to donate to Haiti this way? Why or why not?
3. What are the problems that arise with text message donations as discussed in the video?
4. What are some of the other kinds of 21st century technologies or social media networks that might help with the efforts in Haiti. How have sites like Facebook, YouTube or Twitter played a role in the disaster?
5. Have you, your classmates or your family members made contributions to the Haiti relief effort? What are some things that you can do to help?
6. Donating money is only the first step. What are some of the difficulties that can arise in terms of getting people in Haiti access to food, water, shelter and medical care?
Additional Resources
