Comments for Haiti Response

Comment on Hope For Haiti Operations by Rick

Rick — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:33:02 +0000

From all I have heard, you and Mike were non-stop, 24/7 for 6 months. I can imagine all of the lives you have touched; all of the smiles you have shared; and all of the goodwill you have helped to create. It’s there in these images of kids that I am looking at right now. For all of us Jesse, who didn’t have the fortitude, or courage, or resolve to go, thank you.

Comment on Culture shock by Rick

Rick — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:27:47 +0000

I, too, had preconceived notions about Haiti before this disaster. With the absolute devastation and death that hit this country, I would have expected a story of violence, looting and exposure of the raw underbelly of the human character. Instead, we all found a gentleness and quiet resolve to move forward amidst the shock and tears. Not only am I now more enlightened about this beautiful people, but I am on personal notice to not get stuck in possible misconceptions; to be more open; and yes, to be more proactive. Thanks Jesse for helping me with this.

Comment on How can the distribution of capital within the international aid community be more equitably dispersed? by Rick

Rick — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:09:41 +0000

Interesting. It is true that “critical mass” will vary with the need. A fully self-reliant, highly capable two man team can be far more effective in the short term than a large organization that takes much more time to gear up. Of course, the deep infrastructure inherent in large aid groups is absolutely essential to emergency response, but I am rethinking the ideal model as I reflect on your blog. Perhaps the immediate deployment of numerous two man teams is the most effective means of getting the “lay of the land” for the “army” of aid that will follow. It is both a scouting function and a triage function and as I think about it, throughout history, there have been advance teams and scouts. Is there enough of this in the aid community?

Comment on Social vibrancy and extreme disparity by Ahmad Jafar

Ahmad Jafar — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 01:23:44 +0000

Hey Jesse, loved the article. I was wondering if I could pick your brain some time. What chatting interface are you normally using? Or would you prefer e-mails?