The images we are seeing coming out of Japan are heartbreaking. I hope you will join me in showing Japan some love at this incredibly difficult time. Each of us can do something. Wherever in the world you are, here are a few things you can do right away:
Donate
The Red Cross is on the ground distributing vital blankets, food, water and other necessities. Donate here (Japanese Red Cross),here (British Red Cross) or here (American Red Cross). In the US you can also donate $10 via text message by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999. Please share these links with everyone you know.
Spread the word
Add the image at the top of this post to your blog or Facebook page and link it to https://www.dowhatyouloveforlife.com/helpjapan to spread the word about ways people can help. Feel free to copy and paste any part of this message if you like.
Got skills?
If you can interpret at a good level between Japanese and another major language, you can register with the Japan Association of Translators to provide your services from where you are, via Skype or mobile phone. The Tokyo Interpreting Academy is also putting together a register of standby volunteer interpreters to be deployed once the Japanese government gives the green light. Find out more here. If you can spare time to translate Japanese to English, you can support Japanese NGOs in providing vital information to the international community in Japan. Please send me an email and I will have your name added to the translators’ mailing list.
Got a free room?
If you live in Japan and have a free room to take in people who have been displaced by the disaster, you can offer this via Couchsurfing.
Thank you so much. We can all play our part.
Beth Xx
