Myth: Disaster survivors are so desperate they’ll take anything.
Disasters don’t just create profound human crises — they also trigger an incredible amount of emotion and impulse “giving” on behalf of the “donating” public. Many see disasters as an opportunity to get rid of materials one community of people does not need, without reflecting on what another community of people actually does need.
Though the good intentions behind these contributions should not be questioned, the end result can often undermine the basic dignity of people in crisis.
There are countless examples of the mismatch between contributors and recipients. After the 2004 tsunami in India, for example, well-meaning donors sent monkey caps and mufflers to the southern state of Tamil Nadu — India’s most tropical climate. Even worse, “crisis contributions” often include torn clothes, expired food, and medicines that do nothing to alleviate the suffering of those in the disaster area.
The one thing survivors of disasters — who have “lost everything” — still possess is their innate human dignity. A strong sense of self-worth is often the foundation upon which people can build a better future.
The people of Goonj always work to ensure our disaster relief efforts are driven entirely by what people most need — both to rebuild their lives and honor their dignity. The next time you are compelled to share what you have, please be as thoughtful as possible about people’s physical and psychological needs.
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