American & Japanese Red Cross Partner to help

Red Cross works closely with others 

to deal with Japan disasters

Following the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters in Japan, the American Red Cross has made an initial contribution of $10 million to the Japanese Red Cross Society to assist efforts to provide medical care and relief assistance. “Our hearts go out to the people of Japan and all of the survivors of the earthquake and tsunami, in Japan and California,” said Tim Miller, CEO of American Red Cross in Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties. “We are grateful that local donors have been so generous and that we are able to contribute to the fundraising effort that enables the Red Cross to help so many.”

American Red Cross and Japanese Red Cross have a history of mutual support. The Japanese Red Cross sent support to the American Red Cross after September 11 and Hurricane Katrina. The American Red Cross aided the Japanese during the Kobe earthquake in 1995.

The Japanese Red Cross is a highly experienced disaster relief organization with 2 million volunteers. These local volunteers in Japan are distributing relief items, hot meals and deployed nearly 171 medical teams, as well as 2,400 nurses trained to provide emotional support and counseling for those affect by the disasters. Evacuations from the exclusion zone around the nuclear power plant are also being supported by the Japanese Red Cross.

According to the federal government, Hawaii, Alaska, the U.S. Territories and the U.S. west coast are not expected to experience any harmful levels of radioactivity. Public health officials for the state of California and counties are updating information frequently (links to their sites are available at the local Red Cross web site, www.arcsm.org). The American Red Cross works in close coordination with local and federal government agencies to be ready to respond to the large-scale needs created by catastrophic events
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SEARCHING FOR U.S. CITIZENS AND OTHER LOVED ONES
Those trying to contact U.S. citizens living in or traveling in Japan should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747 or (202) 647-5225. People in Japan and other countries in the Pacific can register at www.redcross.org (or http://www.icrc.org/familylinks) to inform their family and friends that they are safe and provide their current contact details. People in the U.S. looking for loved ones can check the ICRC list for information. They can also register the names of family members and friends, encouraging them to get in touch. As of March 16, the Red Cross family linking site, available in six languages, had logged more than 4,500 inquiries of people looking for loved ones or others letting them know they are safe.

Currently, all American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces staff stationed at military installations in the Far East are preparing for noncombatant evacuation operations in Japan to support military operations involving registration of evacuees, escort duty, and assisting in military sheltering operations.

SCAM/FRAUD ALERT
There are several scams and frauds in the form of email and text messaging for donations on behalf of the American Red Cross for Japan, New Zealand and Haiti; the purchase of American Red Cross first aid supplies that are to be shipped abroad; and the impersonation of the British Red Cross.
Red Cross is asking the local media and the public to be aware of these scams, which may:
● Direct individuals to phony or fake websites;
● Request donations of monies through money transfer companies, such as Western Union;
● Offer “employment” for individuals to collect monies on behalf of the American Red Cross for a percentage
● Attempt to buy American Red Cross first aid kits, etc. from chapters to be shipped overseas (South Africa, India, Japan, etc.), but first the chapter must pay “a shipper” via Western Union, with cash or use of a credit card. The “buyer” of American Red Cross first aid kits will supply the chapter with either stolen or unauthorized credit cards to send money to the “shipper;” and/or state there is an appeal from the “British Red Cross” and request individuals to send monies to an email address, Western Union or via other transfer companies

HOW PEOPLE CAN HELP
Individuals can assist the Red Cross response effort, both internationally and locally, by making a financial donation in a variety of ways:
● All of Redwood Credit Union’s branches are now accepting donations from members and the public to assist the Red Cross response effort in Japan; along Friedman Brothers who has donation cans available in Santa Rosa and Ukiah stores and G &  G Markets, with donation cans located in Santa Rosa and Petaluma stores.
● secure online sites: www.arcsm.org or www.redcross.org
● by phone: (707) 577-7600
● by texting REDCROSS to 90999; this enables donors to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.
● by U.S. mail to: American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino, &  Lake Counties, 5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

ABOUT AMERICAN RED CROSS
American Red Cross is a neutral, humanitarian organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and prepares people to prevent and respond to emergencies. Like all Red Cross chapters, local chapters are self-sustaining and funded by local contributions. All assistance to disaster victims and to members of the armed forces provided by the Chapter is free and made possible by voluntary donations of time and money by the American people.

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Red Cross Responds to Disasters in Japan

Red Cross responding to aftermath of disasters in Japan

Authorities estimate at least 370,000 people have been evacuated or displaced from their homes in Japan, following the devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11. Many of them have evacuated to the 2,000 shelters operated by the government and supported by the Japanese Red Cross. Local Red Cross volunteers in Japan have handed out more than 46,000 blankets so far and nearly 28,000 more have been sent to the affected area for further distribution.

A disaster expert from the American Red Cross arrived today in Toyko to serve on a seven-person, international team focused on providing high-level support and advice to the Japanese Red Cross following last week’s earthquake and tsunami. Within days, she will conduct assessments from some of the hardest hit areas in the north.

Given widespread damage and enormous humanitarian needs, the Japanese Red Cross indicated that it would accept financial support from the American Red Cross for its role providing first aid, emotional support and relief items to those displaced.

The Japanese Red Cross is a highly experienced disaster relief organization with two million volunteers nationwide. It has deployed 95 medical teams, made up of more than 700 people, including doctors and nurses, to aid in the recovery effort.

In California, communities are beginning recovery from tsunamis in Crescent City and Santa Cruz, where docks and boats were destroyed in minutes. At the peak of the tsunami, nearly 350 people in Crescent City were evacuated to Red Cross shelters.

HOW PEOPLE CAN HELP

Individuals can assist the Red Cross response effort, both internationally and locally, by making a financial donation in a variety of ways:

· All of Redwood Credit Union’s branches are now accepting donations from members and the public to assist the Red Cross response effort in Japan.

· secure online sites: www.arcsm.org or www.redcross.org

· by phone: (707) 577-7600

· by texting REDCROSS to 90999; this enables donors to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.

· by U.S. mail to: American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino, & Lake Counties, 5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

Red Cross encourages residents to take this opportunity to check their own disaster preparedness. Important suggestions include:

· Immediately after an earthquake, shut off gas if there is a leak or fire.

· Strap down large furniture.

· Make a preparedness plan and rehearse it with family members.

· A U.S. government publication, “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country,” pubs.usgs.gov/gip/2005/15/ provides extensive advice.

· A full 16-week plan is available online at www.SebastopolHardware.com
Additional resources include the online Red Cross store (www.redcrossstore.org) and the Red Cross store in Santa Rosa, located on 5297 Aero Drive, both of which offer first aid kits, emergency radios, emergency preparedness kits and much more.


ABOUT AMERICAN RED CROSS
American Red Cross is a neutral, humanitarian organization that provides relief to victims of disasters, and prepares people to prevent and respond to emergencies. Like all Red Cross chapters, local chapters are self-sustaining and funded by local contributions. All assistance to disaster victims and to members of the armed forces provided by the Chapter is free and made possible by voluntary donations of time and money by the American people.

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California Gray Whales Declining

California Gray Whale Cows and Calfs 

hit Disastrously Low Numbers.

A paper by Dr. Jorge Urban and others from the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur, La Paz, Mexico details a serious decline in cow and calf numbers across all Baja Lagunas where Gray Whales give birth and raise their young. *

Dr. Urban has detailed the worst decline in l5 years. According to the paper, there is no explanation for the decline in terms of the status of the Baja Lagunas ( San Ignacio, Ojo de Liebre, Magadalena Bay).

CEO of the California Gray Whale Coalition, Sue Arnold, says that in face of this evidence, any quota set by the IWC Scientific Committee would be an act of gross environmental irresponsibility. “We’re hearing the same story up and down the west coast”, she says. “Declining numbers, very few cows and calves, and at least 10% of the population is emaciated”.

“Whilst it is clear that cow calf numbers hit a major decline in l999/2000 and in the 80’s, this decline is directly linked to the disappearing sea ice as a result of climate change. Whales are seeking food wherever they can find something to eat. As specialist feeders, with the longest migration on the face of the earth, these whales are up against almost impossible odds.”

Coalition National Director, Doug Thompson, describes the decline as “catastrophic” not only for the whales but for the economy of coastal cities which rely on whale watching up and down the west coast. “We’re hearing from expert scientists that the Gray Whales are suffering a major decline. The only group of scientists who appear unconcerned by this information is the National Marine and Fisheries Service(NMFS) who have a mandatory responsibility to protect this population. The public deserves an explanation as to why NMFS is ignoring all the indicators of major concern.”

The California Gray Whale Coalition calls upon the public and West Coast state and federal politicians to urgently contact the Deputy US IWC Commissioner, Douglas DeMaster at: douglas.demaster@noaa.gov and demand that the US IWC delegation requests a moratorium on any quota of Gray Whales at the IWC meeting in Morocco.

*HISTORICAL CHANGES OF GRAY WHALES ABUNDANCE IN SAN IGNACIO AND OJO DE LIEBRE BREEDING LAGOONS, MEXICO. Jorge Urbán R1, Alejandro Gómez-Gallardo U.1, Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho2 and Steven L. Swartz
For further information contact National Director, Doug Thompson, 650-322-4729; - CEO Sue Arnold, 808-428-3169
IWC Scientific Paper SC-62-BRG -36

CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALE COALITION
P. O. Box 50939
Palo Alto, CA 94303
650-322-4729
www.californiagraywhalecoalition.org

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Global Student Exchange Promotes International Relationships

A Grassroots Approach to International Relations

By Jasper Oshun

Our world has never seen a time of greater need for human compassion, understanding, and tolerance. Human to human interactions have declined in favor of technological distractions that promote a shorter attention span. More people have access to more information than ever before, yet international relations are dominated by heads of state and CEO's of multinational corporations. I believe that at the local level, we have the potential to recognize commonalities across cultural lines, and collaborate with foreign communities to find solutions to local and global problems. Our objective, at the Global Student Embassy (GSE), is to foster communication between communities that promotes and solidifies grassroots international relations through the world's greatest untapped resource: the youth.

It is an unfortunate reality that high school students are often disregarded as potential agents of social change. Tremendous potential exists for social change to come from a mobilized and directed youth movement. GSE promotes service learning by empowering young people to become leaders in their community. Our student ambassadors learn hands-on skills while making a meaningful contribution to the global community. I believe that our ambassadors represent a growing shift in consciousness that will encourage young people to invest more time in both their local and global community.
GSE is expanding, both locally and internationally over the next 8 months. Windsor High School will incorporate GSE's curriculum into its Nueva Arts School. Service projects such as the community garden GSE has created at the Village Park in Sebastopol would benefit from an artistic eye. We look forward to seeing GSE thrive within the creativity and openness of the Windsor High curriculum.

Lucas, Yasha Mokaram (a third director of GSE), and I recently returned from a 6 week recruiting mission to Tanzania and Kenya. The educational structure of Tanzania (where we are establishing a scion of GSE) is daunting. The highly centralized Ministry of Education, which prides itself on position of power, has little connection to its high schools, yet retains all the decision making power.

Overcoming the necessary red tape in Tanzania is counter to our philosophy of grassroots organizing, yet we still believe in the tremendous potential of GSE in Morogoro, Tanzania. Over a week and a half of meetings with students, professors, administrators and teachers from 4 different high schools, the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), and the regional office of education, we were excited to have an action plan for a new model of GSE.
We selected two rural development students, Rogers and Godfrey, who—assuming we find adequate funding—will enroll in a Master's program in which they will develop and coordinate an unprecedented university to secondary school partnership in accordance with the philosophy of GSE.

Four local high schools are forming GSE clubs that will send 10 delegates to meet with Rogers and Godfrey at SUA once a week. These students will discuss international relations, learn basic computer skills, communicate with their counterparts in Perú, Argentina, and Sebastopol, and research, plan and develop service projects that will benefit their community.

After meeting with local students, Rogers, Godfrey, Lucas, Yasha, and I were extremely impressed by the articulation, energy, and commitment of Morogoro high school students. Four to eight students from Morogoro, and one to three each from Perú and Argentina will travel to Sebastopol as delegates in January 2010.

In the meantime, we are fundraising in preparation for this June’s service projects to Argentina and Perú. Lucas will be leading 5 students from Analy, Nonesuch and Windsor high schools to Santa Fe, Argentina. The Argentinean students and teacher who traveled to Sebastopol last January are planning activities such as an on-field ceremony during Santa Fe's most anticipated soccer game of the year (Colon v. Boca Juniors), fishing trips up the Paraná River, and family barbeques. GSE is planning to establish Pasta para Progreso, a pasta making business whose proceeds will benefit an underfunded school.

In June, I will lead a group of students, and talented young adults to Zurite, Perú. We will contribute our labor, as well as $7,000 towards a $60,000 irrigation canal project. The municipality, the association of farmers, and GSE are teaming up to support the completion of the 2.5 km canal and irrigation system that will enable 150 families to cultivate their fields year-round.

We ask for public support of our international projects and the travel of student ambassadors. Please join us for a night of community investment beginning at 6:30 pm May 29th, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. The gathering will include dinner, live music, updates of our projects and overall vision, a silent auction, and a chance to meet like-minded activists in your community. I invite you to learn more at www.seb.org/global.html.
Jasper
Global Student Embassy
707.829.1026
7910 Swartz Ave
Sebastopol, CA 95472

Global Student Embassy - Morogoro, Tanzania

Morogoro is an underdeveloped city 2 hours west of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The community of Morogoro is known for its commitment to education. In February, Jasper, Lucas, and Yasha traveled to Morogoro, teaching cultural and educational workshops to secondary (high school) level students. They were successful in creating GSE clubs at four secondary schools in the Morogoro Area. The clubs will meet regularly with student coordinators from Sokoine University of Agriculture, and discuss political, cultural, and social issues at the local and global level.

With financial, organizational and spiritual support from GSE the Tanzanian students have proposed to build a youth center in Morogoro that will sustain itself through the business of providing internet services and computer classes to members of their community. The Morogoro Youth Center (MYC) will be a place for students to share ideas and collectively organize community service projects in a community with an approximate average annual GDP per capita of only $400.

In January, 2010 students from Morogoro’s GSE branch will visit the local communities of Sebastopol and Windsor, helping to implement community development projects here in Sonoma County. In June of 2010, students from Sonoma County will complete the exchange, visiting the Morogoro community and investing themselves in the realization of the proposed community development projects.

Students in Morogoro lack some of the basic school materials that we take for granted here in the United States. Participants in the Global Student Embassy in Morogoro still have no public place to gather and exchange ideas. The lack of affordable internet prevents them from accessing the global community. Please help us to create the very first Morogoro Youth Center, a place for the youth of Tanzania to become future global leaders!

Global Student Embassy - Santa Fe, Argentina
Pasta para Progresso

Directed by Edit Chalita, the GSE students in Santa Fe have begun to fundraise and work with their family and friends to support their vision for rebuilding a poorly funded local primary school. Our community project in Santa Fe includes building a playground at the school, painting the school, and establishing a business to provide a sustainable source of funding for the school and the operation of GSE Santa Fe.

The five Argentineans who traveled to Sebastopol (Edit, Sebastian, Fiama, Natalia and Matias) are currently at work setting up a small pasta business. With GSE funds they will purchase a pasta-pressing machine. Students and parents will have part time employment producing raviolis, spaghetti, pene, and empanadas. The production will take place in the kitchen of the school after school hours. 50% of the profits generated from sale of the pasta will go toward supporting travel and participation in the Global Student Embassy. The other 50% of the profits will go directly towards the school for books, supplies, and other costs.

The Sebastopol and Santa Fe students will work together to build a playground with a basketball hoop and small soccer goals. The supplies for this project will be provided by GSE. The funds were raised in communities in both Santa Fe and Sonoma County. Over the course of 4 weeks the students will build the playground support the pasta business while living with their host families in Santa Fe. After the work Sebastopol students will have 18 days to travel and see different cities in Argentina.

We greatly appreciate any support you can offer towards the realization of our goals!

Global Student Embassy - Zurite, Perú

Zurite is a rural pueblo of 1,000 inhabitants located on the western edge of the Anta plain. The plain, a lake until drained by the Conquistadores, is now filled with pastures, familial agricultural plots, and small settlements. Most of Zurite’s inhabitants live a semi-subsistence lifestyle. Families work their fields, own a small store, raise guinea pig, work as day laborers, teach at local schools, or perhaps hold a municipal position. Most families consume a portion of their harvests and sell the remainder. The agricultural fields yield quinoa, potatoes, maize, large bean pods, and alfalfa. Zurite has a high school, a central plaza, a couple of stores selling groceries and household essentials, a police station, church, and soccer field. GSE, Zurite is directed by Tomás Ruíz López, a religious studies professor, and Uriel Villena, a dentist and local restaurant owner.

Tomás and Uriel have worked hard with student ambassador Yeni Sihua Quispe to work with the community of Zurite in developing a proposal for an irrigation canal. The project will be a joint venture with costs shared by the Global Student Embassy, the Municipality of Zurite, the Farmer’s community, and the Commissioner’s Office of Zurite.

The irrigation canal will be built of concrete, .5m x .5m, and will reach a distance of 2.5km. The $60,000 canal project will allow for the irrigation of 40 hectares and will benefit 150 families, a total of 450 people. The canal will allow for year round agriculture.

The Objectives of the Canal
1) Improve the crop yield and productivity of local agriculture.
2) Increase the economic investment of the beneficiaries and elevate the level of life.
3) To sustainably use the local water and land resources.
4) To reduce the risk and vulnerability of crop loss in high altitude farming.
5) To develop an organized system of efficient distribution of water and good management of the irrigation infrastructure.
6) To extend the reach of irrigation to new croplands.
7) To decrease the percentage of those aged 16-30 leaving Zurite in search of employment in the cities.

GSE ambassadors and staff plan to complete this 2.5km irrigation canal in June-July through a commitment of manual labor and $7,000.

You can support our efforts by purchasing sections of the canal for $25/meter
I invite you to learn more at http://www.seb.org/global.html..

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