Guest Author - Diana Laulainen-Schein

This is a news release from the National Girl Scout Headquarters

Response to the South Asian Tsunami Disaster
Date: 06 Jan 2005
Audience: All

Girl Scouts of the USA offers its deepest condolences to those
impacted by the recent devastation in South Asia and the eastern
coast of Africa. This tragedy has touched us all, and we send our
thoughts and prayers to those affected.

How you can help!

Girl Scouts can play a role in helping those affected get back on
their feet! We have been in touch with our sister Girl Scouting and
Girl Guiding organizations in the region and with the World
Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in London
regarding how best to help. Here are some ways to provide
assistance:

WAGGGS has established a fund to provide assistance to the Girl
Scouting and Girl Guiding organizations in the regions impacted by
the tsunami. Information on the fund is available on the WAGGGS Web-
site (http://www.wagggsworld.org).

Consider making a financial donation to one of the established aid
organizations working to bring relief to the region. While GSUSA
policy constraints do not allow girls to fundraise for outside
organizations, troop treasury donations or donations from members or
their families would be allowed. Two agencies undertaking work in
the region are the Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org) and UNICEF
(http://www.unicefusa.org). Or consider an aid organization promoted
by former Presidents Bush and Clinton (http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov).

Two important points to remember:

Please remember that the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund, which
promotes many different international Girl Scouting programs, is not
intended to fund large-scale emergency needs such as those related
to this crisis.

And please be aware that donation of goods is simply not possible.
In-kind donations are very expensive to ship, and tie up airports and
ports already struggling to handle the huge aid donations required
to keep people alive. They also cost the recipients customs duties and
charges for storage and distribution. Financial gifts to reputable,
established organizations are the way to go.