Responding to the Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

Half a world away, far from our meetings, grocery or pharmacy runs, school drop-offs, or zoom gatherings; far from the world of wondering if snow will fall or wild winter temperature fluctuations; an earthquake brings a world of suffering and devastation to families, individuals, and whole communities. 

Natural disasters like the ones in Turkey and Syria bring with them a sense of helplessness; protests, advocacy and legislation will not keep them at bay. They are reminders of the universality of suffering and a call to always stay awake and alive to the plight of humans everywhere. Life is precious, fragile and paradoxically tenacious.  Out of this interdependent web, we know we are called to respond.

Miles and cultures, and worlds away, we can be a Beacon.

We turn to our partners and guides, like the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee who is recommending donations to the Fund for Global Human Rights who are supporting civil society groups on the ground and the White Helmets, supporting the earthquake response in Syria.

Please share these ways to help with your neighbors, friends, and coworkers.  We cannot undo the tragedy or erase the loss, but we can recognize these connections and act to heal and respond.