We are all deeply concerned for those affected by the disasters in Japan. Information about the safety of Soroptimist clubs and members will be posted as soon as we hear.
The following information released by Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) details how you can help right now:
While disasters create hardships for everyone, women and girls are often disproportionately affected and marginalized in their access to recovery resources. To help women and girls in recover from this
disaster, we would like to remind you of the Soroptimist Disaster Grants for Women and Girls http://www.soroptimist.org/members/program/Program_DisasterGrants.html, a grant program designed to help women and girls rebuild their lives following a disaster or act of war.
It is often difficult to find immediate disaster projects that focus solely on women or girls but they are often needed. Services women need right now particularly focus on their special health care needs—especially maternity care and safety. The chaos and stress following a disaster makes women even more vulnerable to domestic violence and trafficking. For example, domestic violence shelters that were damaged by the disasters need to have the resources to move and operate in another safe location. The safety of vulnerable women and girls who have lost their homes and are now in temporary shelters is crucial.
Often, longer-term recovery projects are the most effective use of disaster grants, which range from $1,000 to $20,000. Longer-term recovery projects could include job skills training or community revitalization projects, such as (re)building affordable child-care facilities, women’s health-care centers or schools for girls. That is why there is no post-disaster time limit when applying for a disaster grant. Disasters often open up new opportunities for women to assist in not only in the rebuilding but to exercise their skills as decision-makers and planners.
Visit http://www.soroptimist.org/members/program/Program_DisasterGrants.html to access the Soroptimist Disaster Grant Application, Frequently Asked Questions and Sample Publicity Materials.
DONATIONS CAN BE SENT TO: Soroptimist International of the Americas, 1709 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, earmarked "Japan Disaster Relief."
If you have any questions about Disaster Relief Grants or support for those affected by the disasters please contact siahq@soroptimist.org <mailto:siahq@soroptimist.org> .