The recent crises in Japan have captured global attention, prompting wide media coverage and international concern. The earthquake and tsunami have left thousands dead and even more missing, devastating the country and harmfully impacting the families, businesses, and communities within it. Japan is currently struggling with a grave nuclear disaster, endangering even more lives and national security, a matter that national leaders are assessing with the utmost caution and urgency. After severe loss of life and internal disruption, Japan now faces the daunting task of picking up the pieces and restoring both the nation and the people’s confidence in it.
The response of the global community has been very supportive—a simple Google search will produce myriad results of how to donate or contribute to the relief effort. Awareness of the tragedy is far-reaching, as the media and disaster aid organizations have been broadcasting the devastation and how to help.
Devastation from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Courtesty of EuroNews.
Students at Georgetown have responded no less supportively. Campus-wide, many student organizations and clubs have rallied together to organize relief efforts and fundraisers to benefit the cause. The Georgetown community has embraced the challenge of raising both awareness and support for Japan in the form of bake sales, academic programming events, event fundraisers, and more.
On April 16th, the Georgetown International Relations Club partnered with the Georgetown Japanese Network, as well as the Asian Studies Department and other Georgetown departments, to host the IRC/J-Net Spring Formal, a black-tie optional fundraiser event with proceeds going to the Japan relief effort. The event was held this year in the Leavey Conference Center Ballroom and featured a classic 007 theme.
Both the IRC and J-Net were excited to host an event that simultaneously provided a way to learn about the disaster and its implications as well as an end-of-the-year social event. Eitan Paul, the Chair of the International Relations Club, expressed his thanks to all those who attended and helped to organize the event. “After the disaster, we wanted to host an event to better explain what happened as well as its implications and offer a way for students to get involved,” he said. “We were proud to partner with J-Net and others to make this a reality, and we are thankful to all who contributed.”
The event featured speakers who discussed the political ramifications of the tragedy, US-Japanese relations and their recent interactions, and the implications of the nuclear disaster. J-Net also provided further information about the disaster and additional ways to get involved with and aid the relief effort. “We were so pleased with the turnout,” Paul said. “It was great that so many people showed up and that we were able to organize the event so quickly after the disaster occurred.”
The response was very positive. Approximately 180 students attended the event and over $3,000 was raised to support disaster relief in Japan. Students were able to dress in theme and also enjoy music, dancing, and food. However, they were also able to contribute to something much greater, an effort that was able to unite students of varied backgrounds to contribute to a common goal. The event was a wonderful way to end the school year on a positive note, but it also greatly supported a worth-while cause. “What made the event worth it was seeing such a diverse group of students from different walks come to together to support this cause,” Paul added. Professors from various Georgetown departments were able to provide more insight into the disaster and the current situation, a stimulus for conversations throughout the night.
This is only one example of the many ways in which students at Georgetown are contributing to the relief effort. The quick response of the International Relations Club, the Japan Network, and every other club that organized fundraisers and support drives speaks well of Georgetown students and their open-mindedness, creativity, awareness of global issues, and determination to make a positive impact on global affairs.
If you have not already become involved in Japan relief with your own students club or organization, feel free to visit Redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to automatically donate $10 from your phone. Additionally, GlobalGiving.org has recently launched the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund and is accepting donations through their website, and UNICEF is also accepting donations at unicefusa.org. As was proven by the impressive turnout and large proceeds of the IRC/J-Net Spring Formal, students can provide invaluable support and contributions to the relief effort—get involved!
By Rachel Farell
