The Stronger Caribbean Together network is committed to standing in solidarity with our Haitian partner during this challenging time. We encourage you to join us in demonstrating the power of compassion and solidarity, as political unrest and gang violence forces average citizens, including our network partner from Tet Kole, into internal displacement.
Ask others to share it with their networks as well. Not everyone will be in a position to contribute financially, but each share increases visibility of the campaign exponentially and helps it to reach more of those who are able to donate.
When asking others to share, being specific about who they might share it to can help. For example: “Could you share this with your church group?” or “Your colleagues in education might be interested in this.” This targeted approach helps people envision how their sharing could make a real difference.
Talk about what’s happening in Haiti. Many people are unaware of the severity of the crisis. By raising awareness, you can inspire others to take action. Share related articles, videos, or personal stories that highlight the realities on the ground. Commenting under the post in which you shared the link to the campaign will raise the visibility of the original post, making it more likely to show up in the feeds of your connections. Engaging with others in the comment section can trigger further discussions, boosting the post’s reach and ensuring it gets seen by more people in your network.
Look for Haiti related hashtags to join conversations even beyond your current network. Do this sparingly (to avoid coming off as spammy) and be authentic, always. Aim to engage thoughtfully rather than flooding feeds with multiple posts.
The more you yourself are familiarized with the situation in Haiti, the more effective you will be at any of the above-mentioned steps. Take time to listen to different perspectives on what is happening in Haiti, but go beyond mainstream media coverage. Try to find reliable sources. Remember that the victors write the tale. Try to find, listen to (and amplify) the voices of Haitians themselves. See the struggle in Haiti through local, not colonial eyes. The more you know about the situation, the more effectively you can advocate.
Every Contribution Matters. Remember, no donation is too small – “One one okra fill basket.” GoFundMe accepts donations starting from $5. Your contribution, regardless of size, will make a meaningful difference in providing assistance to those in need.
Help to increase visibility to the campaign: Promote the campaign on your Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or other social media platform, but go beyond just sharing the link:
PMs (private messages) and DMs (direct messages) can be more effective than public posts when rallying support, as personal asks feel more pressing than general ones. When sending DMs and PMs, remember that this is the start of genuine, individual conversation. Make each message personally meaningful by:
Consider identifying at least 5 people who might be especially receptive, and reach out to them individually.
A well-written email with a personal touch can go a long way. Draft thoughtful, personalized email messages. Explain the urgency of the situation and your involvement. Provide clear, shareable information about the campaign and the situation at large. Share with both individuals and relevant groups. Include a clear call to action that’s not limited to donating. Ask recipients to forward it to their own networks.
A significant barrier to Caribbean solidarity is the prohibitive bureaucracy of financial infrastructure in our region. Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations and restrictive banking policies make it challenging for many Caribbean people to: open and maintain bank accounts, make and receive international transfers, obtain credit cards and access online payment platforms like PayPal. Given these challenges, organizers can create local solutions by:
The actions above can of course be applied to any fundraising campaign. Are there any other ways in which you’ve found success in grassroots fundraising? Comment and tell us about it here, as we continue to learn and grow from each other’s best practices.
Showcasing stories of Caribbean organizations at the foreground of the struggle against disaster capitalism in the Caribbean. Our network of participants in the Greater Caribbean region connect, learn, share their hands on responses to the impacts of the twin threats of the climate crisis and disaster capitalism in our region.
Bernard Lodge Farmers Group
WAVE (Progressive Reform Movement)
Tèt Kole
Global Challenges Research Fund
Open Society Foundations
All Rights Reserved – strongercaribbeantogether.org 2022
All Rights Reserved – strongercaribbeantogether.org 2022
In the tumultuous aftermath of disasters, it is easy to feel isolated and alone, but you are not.
We, a network of Caribbean-wide community organizers who stand in solidarity with those affected the twin threats of the climate crises and disaster capitalism, a phenomenon that exacerbates the suffering of vulnerable communities.
We want you to know that your stories matter. We are here to listen, to support, and to amplify your voices.
We believe that together, we can challenge the forces of disaster capitalism and advocate for more sustainable, inclusive and equitable decision-making.
Join us in solidarity. Share your experiences and let’s build strong communities that thrive together.
As the wider world braces for the climate change, Caribbean communities are already struggling with its effects. Small local communities, small scale farmers and coastal communities are disproportionately affected. Political decisions, power dynamics and laws often compound the catastrophes and silence bottom up solutions.
There are ways in which you can help.