Kunming Plans to Establish Environment Court
September 22nd, 2008 by Adam
The court will be part of the city’s intermediate people’s court and will have jurisdiction over appeals by companies that have been found guilty of violating environmental laws in cities throughout the province.
Officials decided to create the special court after discussions with the local court, procuratorate, the security bureau and the environmental department, according to the report. Once established, the court will handle criminal, civil and administrative cases related to environmental pollution. It also will assume responsibilities from the local environmental protection bureau which files lawsuits to carry out consequent execution after the ruling.
Many believe that the new court will greatly enforce the supervisory powers of the city’s environmental protection bureau, the article said.
This is an interesting development. We will have to see if it helps bring more cases to court, or helps successfully solve more environmental cases. This development can only be a good thing, and should provide a focus as well as build up some environmental expertise amongst the judges in the court. Of course, the wider issues of corruption, political pressure etc still exist, but this is a step in the right direction.
This entry was posted on Monday, September 22nd, 2008 at 4:00 am and is filed under Environment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
May 12th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I want to go to sichuan and volunteer this weekend…who can I work with?
May 12th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
James,
At this time I would discourage you from arranging a weekend trip to volunteer. Right now, a lot of resources are being mobilized and I think that it would be difficult for you to do anything effective with your 48 hours.
As time goes on, keep coming to Crossroads. Several of us are working closely on this and we will post any information we are given.
Thanks
R
May 12th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Hey there!
I would love to go to! I can go for a week or so. Please, whenever you have some information about going to Sichuan to build, take care of kids or whatever, let me know!
May 12th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I am 25 years old and am currently in Fuzhou city, Fujian Prov. I would like to volunteer and help recovery efforts. I don’t mind staying there for a month or 2. I can speak fluent Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. If it matters I speak Fuchinese and some French.
Does anybody know where (address) is my local chapter of Red Cross Society and perhaps I can go there and ask to volunteer?
My email is Aaron88Tam@aol.com.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Patricia/ Regina.
At this time volunteers are not being requested, and while your efforts are certainly going to be needed, I can only urge you to wait and see.
R
May 12th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I called the local chapter and found the location of my local chaper.
May 13th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Hi Regina,
Please let me know if they need volunteers.
I suspect that unless you have rescue training, they will ask you to wait, however if there is a need I would like to be able to assist via Hands On.
Thanks
R
May 13th, 2008 at 2:55 am
I was at the Fujian Red Cross and many people (called) and were willing to help with the disaster. People wanted to help and donate supplies, but because of the conditions in Sichuan (so far) only Chinese military are transported into the area. There are landslides and in areas where roads are blocked off; helicopters are used to transport military and supplies, especially in the hardest hit areas. My guess is if too many people are going to the area than it would only cause choas and many reporters are trying to sneak in to cover the story. Press coverage would only put horrific conditions and pictures in peoples minds. I wanted to cry when I saw the pictures on the internet and the TV (those images were censored). When I saw the earthquake bureau talking about the aftermath of the earthquake I find it useless. If the government had known in 2002 that a huge earthquake could occur then they should of done preparations.
Back to topic. I suggest you volunteer at your local Red Cross or NGO. Currently they are only trying to gather donations and pick up phone calls. Tell friends and family to donate. A little bit is better than nothing. I think after the rescue efforts are over than volunteers are needed to reorganize and rebuild the area. Right now it is at the “search and rescue” stage. Other untrained personnel would only hinder the process that the Chinese government have “organized”.
May 13th, 2008 at 3:54 am
I called the Red Cross in China in Beijing an hour ago, and I spoke with someone who said to call back in a few days. So it seems there will not be an organized effort for civilian, let alone foreign volunteers until the PLA has secured the disaster area.
We just have to let the PLA handle the crisis rescue operation right now.
If the disaster victims are going to be evacuated to Chengdu I’m sure there will be a lot of need for volunteers to work at the hospitals and shelters there in the upcoming few months.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:05 am
I would want to do some hands on volunteer work in the relief effort. currently i am living and working in chongqing, china. or if any other volunteer work websites would be much apprciated.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Jason - Thanks for your update
Brian - for now, I would contact the local red cross. Unless you are a certified search and rescue and fluent in Chinese, I do not think you will be allowed to enter the area. It will take time to work everything out to such a degree that volunteers will be able to go in.
R
May 13th, 2008 at 6:12 am
i’m a u.s. citizen but ethnic chinese; learning the chinese language. if it is any help i was formerly a u.s. marine for four years and served in ramadi, iraq foir 7 months as an electrician working with local 220 voltage and generator maintenance but was never certified by the state.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Thanks. I’m interested in hearing more about your due diligence on these organizations and what they are doing specifically. After seeing all the waste around Katrina and the Indonesia relief efforts I want to help but feel I want to do it with wisdom too. Can u email me? Would love to do an email interview with you to post on CNReviews.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Brian,
Once I have an idea on the needs for volunteers, I will post here and at Hands On Shanghai. I have alrady sent out a dozen or so notes to NGOs I know in the area that are working in more remote areas and some are beginning feeding back their donation needs.
May 13th, 2008 at 8:35 am
http://www.msf.org/msfinternational/invoke.cfm?objectid=E15BF8EB-15C5-F00A-252E55C7A9195BDC&component=toolkit.article&method=full_html
Doctors without borders has a team heading to the area. Here’s an article about their efforts. There may be updates about what they’ve done there in the future.
May 13th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Hi, Rich,
Thank you! Thank you!
Our company has a matching gift program and will match 100% of donation to a US-based 501 3(c) charity. Therefore, the Chinese charities that you have recommended will not be qualify. Do you know that any reliable US charity has special program for the earthquake? I could not find anyone yet.
Any information will be highly appreciated!
May 13th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Ron,
right now, I am not aware of any active US 503 that would put money to use tomorrow except perhaps US Red Cross.
What I suggest you do is monitors groups like Habitat 4 humanity, Mercy Corps, UNICEF, Orbis, Project Hope, Plan, Save the Children, Care, and even Hands on Network to see what comes out over the next few weeks. Each has operations in China, many work with government agencies, and I suspect some will have programs devoted to relief and rebuilding
Alternatively, look at Global Giving and Gife2Asia. They both act as intermediaries, are 503, and can manage the donation to a grassroots organization(for a fee).
I am glad to hear you will be matching. I just finished an interview addressing what companies can do.. and this is a big one.
More to come.
R
May 13th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Shin Shin Educational Foundation (Head Quarter located in San Francisco, CA, USA) had donated and built school in SiChuan, so they probably had connection there.
http://www.shinshinfoundation.org/
May 13th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Hi all,
Thank you for the comments and suggestions. I am very interested in helping out in any way I can be it monetary or hands on. Please please let me know if there is anything I can do. Although I am currently in Singapore, I do not mind leaving asap to Sichuan. I am also monitoring those sites mentioned to see if there is anything I can do. Thank you.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
For those wishing to make contributions to a registered 501 (c) 3 charity, the American Red Cross will be facilitating collection of donations which will be provided towards this International Appeal, in support of the Chinese Red Cross efforts. For more information on how to contribute directly via the American Red Cross HQ in Washington D.C., please contact their Regional Representative for Asia at +91-99-7180-0406, or email rrayyis@amcrossasia.org.”
May 13th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Here is some information in Chinese about how to donate to the Red Cross Society of China, including the address of each district RCSC in Shanghai.
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May 13th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Just got this e-mail from The Bookworm Beijing:
Dear friends,
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who have contacted us with their kind wishes of support for our colleagues and friends at The Bookworm Chengdu. Thankfully, everyone is safe.
The Bookworm are co-ordinating our efforts to help the people of Sichuan during this difficult time. The Bookworm Chengdu has become a focal point in assisting those groups currently providing on the ground support for those in Sichuan affected by the tragedy.
The Chinese Red Cross are currently setting up operations in affected areas. In the meantime, smaller groups are doing what they can to provide food, water, shelter and medicines.
The Bookworm are assisting these groups, until the larger organisations are able to provide support.
What you can do:
The Bookworms in Beijing, Suzhou and Chengdu will be gathering much needed emergency materials to be sent to victims of the earthquake.
As advised by the Chinese Red Cross, we are collecting emergency donations only of:
TENTS
DRIED FOOD
PRACTICAL CLOTHES
QUILTS
EMERGENCY BLANKETS
MONEY FOR WATER AND MEDICINES
Our friends at DHL will ship all collected donations to The Bookworm Chengdu on Saturday 17th May.
For Beijing:
Please drop off all donations by
4pm on SATURDAY 17th MAY
Call Alex or Jenny on 132 6421 7462
For Suzhou:
Please drop off all donations by
4pm on SATURDAY 17th MAY
Call Pierre on 138 6210 4118
For Chengdu:
Please drop off all donations by
1pm on SUNDAY 18th MAY
Call Bronwyn on 158 2826 1084
Beyond these dates, our efforts will continue in accordance with advice from the Chinese Red Cross.
Thank you for your desperately needed support.
TONIGHT
MAO LIVE 8.30pm
A concert to benefit the victims of the
earthquake in Sichuan province will be held at MAO LIVEHOUSE (Beijing). All profits
will go to the Chinese Red Cross toward the massive relief effort.
Featuring:
IC Girl Band (metal, metal, metal)
RandomK(e) (angsty space rock)
The Verse (Beijing’s only funk act)
Sand (long-running jammy rock institution)
8.30pm at MAO Livehouse
Tix are RMB50, and the proceeds will go to the Chinese Red Cross, who are
sending help to those affected by the earthquake in Sichuan.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Hi everyone,
Mercy corps works with the CFPA (above) and will be funneling donations
through them for earthquake victims. Also Doctors Without Borders. These are charitable organizations. Also, check LA Times, the Chinese
community in La are up an running and collecting donations.
May 14th, 2008 at 12:53 am
Elizabeth, Sue, Patricia, and Jeanie.
Thank you for your information.
R
May 14th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Hi, I’m from Singapore. My brother and I are both willing to volunteer to help out should there be a need. So do keep me in the loop. As of now, I think we will try to ganrner some donations to get relief items for the quake victims.
May 14th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I’m in New York. I want to do something to help the people in Sichuan. I heard that chinese students in the city have organized to raise fund for donation. I’m trying to find out how can I join them.
May 14th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Hi, I’m a youth program coordinator of AYS in Oakland, CA. We are looking for the best venue that will have our donations go directly SiChuan.
May 15th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Hi, the China Red Cross website is not working. Where else is a good place to donate to current efforts???
May 15th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Hi,
Its good to see this site to come to close china relief work and local ngo, i am from pakistan have experience, with colaboration of international organization(many projects,emergency relief, tent village,shelter construction,technical assistancy workshop) in eathquake 2005 in pakistan our organiztion want to work for china earth quake disaster,we want to work with the collaboration with local ngo, if any china local ngo want to work us contact plz
May 15th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Hi,
Its good to see this site to come to close china relief work and local ngo, i am from pakistan have experience, with colaboration of international organization(many projects,emergency relief, tent village,shelter construction,technical assistancy workshop) in eathquake 2005 in pakistan our organiztion want to work for china earth quake disaster,we want to work with the collaboration with local ngo, if any china local ngo want to work us contact plz
May 15th, 2008 at 9:37 am
I believe that Red Cross China is the most direct way of donating to Sichuan. If you have other charities that you support, than you can ask the charities that are meantioned above and ask them to direct the funds directly to Sichuan Earthquake.
http://www.handsonshanghai.com/
has updated information on how you could help.
On update 8 there is information on 24+ ways to donate. (HIGHLY recommended)
May 15th, 2008 at 9:46 am
I want to donate to the chinese red cross..all the sites are in chinese..i need a good honest china quake relief fund located in china that could maybe be in english..where i can send money today..can anyone help ?
May 15th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I’m 13 years old and recently I have been watching the Chinese news. I really want to help but I don’t know how because I don’t really talk to the other Chinese girls in my grade at school (there is 2 others). Also I don’t think the Chinese 6th and 7th graders are willing to help me. Please tell me if there is any way I can help. Thank you.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
I live in San Francisco and would want to do some hands on volunteer work for the relief efforts for China. I’ve been searching all over the net but couldn’t find any information. Can anyone help? Thanks.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:14 am
china’s priminister is great and every people who give a hand to this disaster will have a good luck
May 16th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Hi,
I’m with a group of volunteers from the dirty hands caravan. Were from all over the world, and have been volunteering with humanitarian efforts around the U.S. Were currently in New Orleans helping to rebuild a medical lab when the earthquake happened. Two of us want to help hands on after we complete this lab. We will be ready to go 4 weeks after the earthquake occured. If anyone has any info on areas that will be accetping volunteer support at that time please let us know.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Hi, I’m currently at the University of Hong Kong. My friends and I are both keen to volunteer with some hands-on work should there be a need. So do keep me in the loop. As for now, I think we will try to gather some donations to get relief items for the quake victims.
If anything else needs to be organized, I can also liaise with the Student’s Union to organize a volunteer group (when the time comes).
May 16th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
i m in singapore, my wife is still in Sichuan, Du Jiangyan…
i would like to volunteer to aid those in Sichuan. anyone can help me on that..??
May 16th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I am with Heart to Heart International (www.hearttoheart.org), a US-based International NGO. Heart to Heart is working very closely–”hand in hand, heart to heart,” as our friends in Sichuan say–with the health and emergency communities to respond effectively to earthquake survivors.
Our 11-year history in Sichuan started with an airlift of medical aid to Chengdu in 1997. Our relationship with senior health officials in the province strengthened as we got involved in helping enhance medical expertise in critical areas. We began sending teams of technical experts to train physicians and nurses across the province–mostly at the county-level hospitals. Today, more babies are born healthy and more people have their vision restored because of our training.
But the real impact of this current relief effort started in 2004, when we started working with Sichuan’s 120 Command system to help coordinate emergency services following a major disaster. Those skills — learned over the past three years — have been applied time and again over the past week. Our staff in Chengdu oversee our year-round health and emergency services and are on the frontlines of the response effort. We’re working alongside our friends at the health bureau and the 120 Command system. They recognize us as partners in this relief effort. They are the ones that brought Premier Wen Jiabao to meet our medical director, Dr. Brian Robinson, who lives in Chengdu and now calls it his hometown.
We have additional staff leaving this weekend and a team of 30 medical volunteers leaving late next week for the disaster zone. We are also coordinating an airlift of medical supplies from some of our corporate partners through the Chinese Red Cross, our in-country partner and consignee.
We would welcome your support as the need will persist for some time. Additionally, we are being stretched as we have been responding to the Myanmar cyclones as well. Ovet the coming months, we may also have some volunteer opportunities for those who may be interested. Please visit our website at http://www.hearttoheart.org.
May 17th, 2008 at 5:48 am
I would like to volunteer there too
Donating money is not enough
May 17th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Hi,
I am a U.S. citizen, ethnic Chinese. I am a California-registered architect practicing in Shanghai. I would like to help in the rebuilding effort later on. I will be watching your posts down the road.
And I would like to know if there were organizations looking into building technologies that would minimize this sort of disaster every happening again – using bricks that simply fall.
Builders, engineers and architects should put their heads together to build safer schools and buildings. I would like to help, be it hands-on or otherwise.
May 18th, 2008 at 1:22 am
Hi!
I am an Indian citizen, expert in desarter relif and managemtn. I want to volenteer inSichuan for 6 month or more. Can anybody please help me for that.
May 18th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Hi, everyone.
We’re a scout troop in HK. We have some brand new and some used but good school uniforms for children aged 6 to 12. We planned to give them to a Hunan school which we have helped to rebuild, but we believe the Sichuan children now need them more. Among the cloth items, there are skirts, shirts, shorts, mid-length coats and cardigans. We also have some used but good stationery like erasers, pencils, pencil sharpeners, rulers, scissors and colour pencils etc.
May I know how we can give the stuff to the Sichuan children? Thanks.
May 18th, 2008 at 8:16 am
I am living in beijing, I have done special obp military training, I really want to help, I have a trained search and rescue dog with me as well, please let me know what I can do to help. My email is charlescheng99@yahoo.com.
May 18th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Living in NYC, was wondering how I can volunteer to help out with the relief efforts for 7-10 days. I have been to China before and I speak a little mandarin. If anyone can provide me with info on how I could go over and help i would greatly appreciate it. Thanks
May 18th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Hi All,
I’m willing to participate in any volunteer work aimed at providing assistance/relief to the Sichuan Earthquake. I am a native Mandarin speaker, certified in Emergency First Response and have academic training in the field of Public Health. I am willing to travel to the affected areas to volunteer. If anyone knows of when/how volunteers can go into the areas, please email me at charlenehwu@gmail.com
May 18th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I am a native Chinese and a National Certified Counselor from the U.S. I am looking for organizations that can put me in touch with counseling service in Sichuan. I am ready to help. Please let me know how I can do my part for the victims and their families. My email is mkcounseling@gmail.com
Thanks.
May 18th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Hi, I am also a native Chinese speaker. I was formerly CPR certified. I volunteered with a disaster relief organization after Katrina. I am traveling to Taiwan next week and was wondering if there would be any need for translators. Let me know if I could be of help as I am already headed nearer to that side of the world.
May 19th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Hi. I see that there are quite a few native Chinese speakers who plan on volunteering… I don’t speak fluent Mandarin, I have however been learning Mandarin for 4 years now. I am 17, I still go to school but it’s our Summer Holiday soon and I really would like to volunteer and help for 2 or 3 weeks if that’s possible? My email is anth_sixtyeight@hotmail.com
Thank you!
May 19th, 2008 at 9:02 am
I have Disaster and Aid experience.
I worked for different INGO, Local and Government Organizations in the past.I worked for a few local NGO’s in the recovery and rebuilding of Sri Lanka, directly after the tsunami.I am based in Shanghai.I think I could be of help as we enter the next phases.I would be happy to information share about the Tsunami recovery process and my experiences.Can I say I am truly impressed and humbled by this massive outcry of support.Please email me.
May 19th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Hi. We are Peterson Middle School of California and we would like to donate money to help the people in SiChuan. How can we make sure the money reaches an organization safely, and do we send the money by mail?
Please contact us by email ASAP.
May 19th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
66 Year old retired Physician can come for extended time now. Speaks Mandarin fairly well,(advanced) 3.5 years teaching in China, familiar with western China peoples, geography and culture.
Free to travel now for open ended commitment.
You must provide hoousing, meals and plane ticket to China from Las Vegas. Minimal salary for subsistance as well.
CV, Photos , etc. on web site.
Gerald
May 19th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I am not working at the moment and would not like to give anything else but to help these people. I would like to go at the ‘drop of a hat’. I have my own money to get there. Please give me some contacts…. It’s heartbreaking ….
I would give anything to help….
Julie
May 19th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
No ties, fit and healthy… If there is a way, I would like to help and get out there… Donations are not enough…
Julie
May 19th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Hi ,
Sorry a stupid question !!
Can anyone help on how to help the Sichuan Earthquake relief to go manually and submit the cash rather than doing from internet.
Thanks . Pls send me the mail.
Vinay
May 19th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Hi,
I’m really young so I cant really volunteer, but I can donate. Can anyone give any suggestions on how to start a good fundraising program? Anything will help.
Thanks,
Cait
Send info to: caitlynlovestigger@att.net thanks again. I would really appreciate any help again.
May 19th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Hi All,
Tsinghua Challenge Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 approved public charity.
Your donation will be tax deductible and eligible for donation match if your employer has such program. All donations will be fully(100%) forwarded to Red Cross China.
http://tsinghuafoundation.org/earthquake08/index.html
May 19th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I am ready to spend a month or so in Chengdu to help out in the relief effort. Does anyone know how and when we (untrained volunteer) can proceed to the sites and contribute our effort? Please respond.
Thanks,
Stanley
May 20th, 2008 at 1:34 am
I am an English/Chinese interpreter located in Guangzhou (a city which is near Hong Kong). For those people who want to get more information about the Sichuan earthearquake please contact me.
May 20th, 2008 at 1:39 am
By the way my email is renren88@21cn.com
May 20th, 2008 at 2:33 am
Need for a Disaster City.
The latest quake in China, proves that every Country needs a Disaster City.
What is a Disaster City:
a. A city which is attatched to a City but remains 90% empty for people to be shifted to from a Earthquake area or a Disaster Affected Area (DAA).
b.People can be shifted from DAA to DC(Disaster City) and they can continue to have food and normal life till the life in DAA is back to normal and than these people can go back to DAA from DC.
c.People who are tormented,orphaned,sick or who have lost everything can thus find a period of stabilisation and survive the disaster.
For more on this kindly contact me on chinasindhi@yahoo.com
Regards/Max
May 20th, 2008 at 5:02 am
Hi,
I have been to Sichuan before and travelled through China while working on the continent over the past few years.
My sister and I would like to volunteer during the month of July if we can be of any help and assistance.
Jeff.
May 20th, 2008 at 6:07 am
hi, we are a trading company in gz of abt 100 people - foreigners and chinese. we will be collecting a lot of clothes and blankets and other house materials to be sent for people affected in the earthquake. can anyone please give me a an address in guangzhou china to donate the same.
May 20th, 2008 at 6:26 am
As a 0th generation Chinese American, I feel obliged to help my fellow countrymen out, even if it means cutting my internship in DC short. If anyone knows of any programs that organize Americans in the Baltimore-Washington are to go volunteer to help out physically in the relief effort in Sichuan, please drop me a line at.
szhou(at)gwu.edu
replace the (at) with @ of course.
May 20th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
hello.
I a Malaysian Chinese born, law undergraduate in London, who would like to help out and volunteer, and am ready to go to Sichuan for 2/3 weeks. Although not as experienced, i’m a hard worker and am willing to contribute. Please let me know, if there is any way i could contribute, man power wise, or help in medical aid. my email is : lowjinlll@hotmail.com
May 21st, 2008 at 12:44 am
Hey everyone, please add me to the list of people willing to help work in the affected regions in Sichuan and elsewhere as a hands-on volunteer. I’m an American physician (MD as well as a PhD) and I speak several languages, including fluent (non-native) Mandarin as well as Spanish, German, French and Japanese among others, which could perhaps come in handy if there are international aid teams linking hands. As it turns out, I’ve been slated for a while to go to Shanghai in early June anyway for unrelated business/work-search reasons, and based on communiques from my friends in and outside of China, the need’s become so great that I’d like to put my skills to use if possible since I’ll be there in any case– I’d be able to pitch in for up to 1-2 weeks and if nothing else, provide some rest for other relief teams there. One of my amigos mentioned a couple teams in the region but I just wanted to hear about the gamut of options for assisting.
Since I’m not sure what’s on the table, the one caveat in case I could actually pitch in with anyone here– I do have asthma (more specifically a bronchial condition that walks and quacks like asthma) but it’s now under control with a modified asthma Rx regimen and I’m fully functional again physically. I just have to be careful about repeated respiratory pathogen exposures which would send it flaring up, and which I guess would be an issue in some of the hard-hit regions, and also with high-level exposure to respiratory irritants e.g. particulates in a region with collapsed structures; I’ll be copacetic just so long as I wear a good-fitting mask and am not getting constantly bombarded with nasty airborne beasties that could cause infection. Aerobic tolerance is fine short of anything overly strenuous, and I can definitely render assistance in any heavy-lifting. Outside of these mild caveats, I’m fine to help in whatever fashion.
Again, I’m heading out to Shanghai regardless in early June for other reasons, so don’t hesitate to call on me and I’ll be happy to pitch in as a volunteer. My skills could come in handy and I’m fine to help be a part of whatever team there could use me. Email (just remove the anti-spambot NOSPAM spacer): meiguolong5NOSPAM@yahoo.com
Thanks and God Bless to people already helping there.
May 21st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I hold a special place in my heart for China as I have lived, studied, and worked there. I also felt the same way about the Thailand when natural disaster hit there, as I also worked and lived in Thailand. I am also an American, and was so upset by the terror of Katrina. However the one joy that I have felt in response to all of these occurances, is that there are so many people, ordinary people, with such big hearts that want to head to the site and help anyway they can, even if it means handing out blankets.
As we all know there are so many stages to providing relief to a disaster like this, the inital response, the next day efforts, the following weeks, and of course long term support. I understand that many of the large aid organizations work in such a structural way, and that sending people, especially people without specific relief skills, is not possible. Which leads me to really wonder if it would be possible to start a global organization, or roster, for the citizens of the world who can and want to give without having such trouble in doing so. Yes, I believe each person would need to go through some sort of training in protocol, skill assessment. But could there be an esier established route to to simply give, to help?
Nonetheless, it is great to hear so many people want to help. I myself, although I will be in Hong Kong in June, am considering waiting until the long term relief efforts, and might possibly think on building a school in the area. If anyone is interested in what they can do later on and want to join me in that effort, please don’t hesistate to contact me!
All the best, and God bless
May 21st, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Just a little information…
A Shenzhen/Hong Kong audio studio has been taking a few foreingers to Chengdu, and helping those that the army has brought back from “Ground Zero”.
Every little-bit helps !
You can contact them at help.sichuan@audiopure.com
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:44 am
Hello All
Just to let you know that we have officially launched Hands On Chengdu, and we will begin arranging volunteer efforts inside the affected areas.
At this time, we still strongly advise that you do not go on your own to the area unless you are being invited by a charity. there are currently 100,000 untrained and unmanaged volunteers in the area and officials are turning them away.
We understand that many want to help, and we ask that you begin registering at Hands On or with other organizations. We are already beginning to schedule programs, and over the coming months we will increase our presense significantly.
It is essential that volunteers understand that just showing up is not what is needed. NGOS need help, and we want to encourage you to help, but to make sure your efforts are most effectively utilized we will be creating a system for training, and on site management.
If interested, please visit our site http://www.handsonchengdu.org/
you can see my full announcement here Sichuan Earthquake: How You Can Help - Hands On Chengdu is Recruiting Voluntneers
Thank you everyone for showing your support to the area. All efforts to provide support are appreciate, but to make sure this effort is maximized and stable we need to ask the above of you.
Thanks
Rich
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:18 pm
im all fired up! im getting emails on china’s earthquake, i’ve seen pics and stuff and now i want to give a hand to them, how can i? im a red cross member while i was in school, but i guess that doesn’t matter right? we need to help fast!
May 25th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Hi Everyone.
Just a note to let you know that we have established Hands On Chengdu (www.handsonchengdu.org) to manage volunteer opportunities.
We will begin actively placing people in 2-3 weeks as there is still little ability to bring in volunteers at this point.
Note: Unless you have a specific NGO that you are in contact with for a specific task, we are highly discouraging anyone from going to the area. Besides the fact that there are 65,000 unskilled volunteers in the area who are sitting idle, every person who simply shows up without being invited will ultimately not be put to best use.
Therefore, we hope that people interested in volunteering will visit http://www.handsonchengdu.org and register themselves as volunteers. once we begin scheduling the opportunities you will be able to RSVP, your training will be scheduled, and then we can place you in an appropriate opportunity.
Thanks
Rich
May 26th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I`m located in Romania,European Union .I`m a single 53 y.o.man,living alone in a big flat, working like librarian.I was very impressed about China peopel who is suffering after the terrible desaster.I`m not a rich man but I`ll could help an orphan girl/boy to came here and continue to study .A responsable child who wants fight for his/her career,to study and to look serioselly, with dignity and hope to the future.
geogrig@yahoo.com
May 26th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
http://www.bv2008.cn is registering volunteers to go to quake torn areas.
The conditions to volunteer are listed here:
http://en.beijing2008.cn/volunteers/news/latest/n214378208.shtml It is the official Beijing Olympics Homepage.
One of the condition requires that you are a Beijing resident or has reside there for at least 2 years.
May 26th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Is it possible to send a bag of my 2nd hand clothes to the affected area ? It seems like a waste to throw them out when people may need them ! I am based in shanghai.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Hi I am a fresh graduate engineer from Singapore. I would like to go to Sichuan to help out the situation. I am fluent in Chinese and English and I was military trained to handle difficult situation. I understand that polluted water supply is a main concern for them right now and engineers are needed in that area. I hope that I can help out in anyway possible.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:36 am
I am volunteering at the Red Cross and so far only NEW clothes are accepted because of virus and bacteria could contaminate old clothes. If old clothes are accepted they would need to be cleaned, disinfected, ironed, and separated.
May 27th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Hey Vicky,
When I previously said if OLD clothes are accepted. Meant that the Red Cross doesn’t have the facilities and time to accept old clothes. Money is the most direct way of helping earthquake victims now. You can try other means of donating old clothes and one method I found is:
I was searching online for a Shanghai Salvation Army and these results came out. http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/index.php?name=MDForum&file=viewtopic&t=39688&view=next There are 2 more links on the third post about Charities and volunteering opportunities in Shanghai.
You can try contacting http://www.communitycenter.cn/ or call 5031 0390 or emailing info@communitycenter.cn for info about accepting old clothes.
Hope it helps!
May 27th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I am a California licensed arcitect working in Shanghai. I would like to help in the rebuilding effort, but didn’t know how. I’d appreciate information from anyone. Please email me norman_phung@hotmail.com
May 28th, 2008 at 5:34 am
This is an email that I received from HfH.
Dear Regina,
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity is looking at ways of working with partner organizations in support of long-term shelter reconstruction efforts for those affected by the devastating earthquake in southwestern China. Habitat for Humanity International has been involved with rebuilding efforts following a range of natural disasters in China and elsewhere in Asia and will bring its considerable experience in rebuilding permanent housing following the events in China.
Volunteers are a vital component of the Habitat ministry. International and domestic volunteer build teams to unaffected areas of China are continuing as scheduled including Global Village teams to popular destinations in Yunnan. At this stage it is too early to know the need for and placement of volunteers in earthquake-affected areas. The role of volunteers will become clearer once Habitat for Humanity has formulated the nature and extent of its response.
We would recommend that you visit our website for updates,www.habitat.org/ap
Best regards,
Ben
May 29th, 2008 at 5:37 am
Hello,
I have just returned from Sichuan where I helped for 2 weeks with a very cool private group of musicians and English teachers from the Guangdong province of China.
Those of you that want to come and help, please prepare yourself for conditions you have never dreamed of… there are body-bags lining the streets in many of the villages every day, the after shocks scare the hell out of you, The air is filled with the stench of death that the bleach and lime that the heath agencies are spraying everyplace can not cover up. The rain is making things even worse. Please make sure you can handle being in your worst nightmare with all 5 senses being bombarded with challenges you have never dreamed of.
I am from the Chicago area of the USA, and have lived in Shenzhen for 3 years, so I speak basic Mandarin Chinese. The area of Sichuan that has been effected by the earthquakes has their own dialect of Chinese, whereas standard Putonghua has minimal abilities to communicate effectively. I was lucky to be in a group that the leader (an American) can speak many dialects of Chinese to communicate with the villagers and military. So please be prepared for language issues if you only speak basic Mandarin Chinese. I read many say they can speak Chinese on this page, but you really need to know the local language in this area as the people have less then a middle school education.
On the positive side, we nursed the injured the Military flew from the ground zero area to the villages we were at, assisted in getting food and water to millions of people every day. Cleared areas to walk that were full of rubble. I dug more “out-house” style toilets that I have only remembered my grandfather telling stories about from when he was a young boy on the farm. We helped set up tent cities. We handed out tons of solar chargers that the people could connect to their mobile phones to stay connected to their families outside Sichuan. I helped entertain orphaned children the government agencies are relocating. I was able to go with the leader of our group to other provinces to deliver 160 orphans to foster families. Before I came back, we handed out 15,000 (china copy) solar charged MP3 players with positive music on it to help promote positive thinking and attitudes.
the group leader I was with is not part of a recognized charity, but a person with the biggest heart I have ever met. He has spent his money that he earned from his audio studio companies and personal savings to help so many without asking for a thing.
One thing that I have learned is that there is so much truth in the saying… it’s not how much you know, but WHO you know. Our group leader knows more people in the right places here in China.
I close with this… To make a difference, you need to be here, so if and when you come here, make sure you have the strength to join the army, because you will have the same challenges, as it really looks and feels like a war zone that a bomb was dropped (and I never saw the ground zero area).
There are many volunteer groups listed on this page you can join, you have to be at the right place at the right time. That is how I was able to help. I quote the words of our group leader (Stacey Alan)… The glass is always half full and the babies need to drink, so let’s kick-ass NOW !
Good Luck…
Derek
May 29th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Derek,
If it’s not what or how much you know, but who you know, then I’d like to know you and your group leader, Stacey Alan. I’m leaving for Shanxi today where I will be working for most of June, but afterwards I am free until mid-August when I fly back home. For the rest of my stay in China, I would like to volunteer, if possible. Though I am probably not as highly trained as many of the respondents on this page, I am one of the leaders in my campus disaster relief organization (formed after Katrina). I have been on 6 disaster relief trips (mostly Gulf Coast but also one trip to tornado stricken Tennessee) and I am prepared to handle anything. Afterall, as a volunteer, I am not personally affected and I have the knowledge that I will soon be able to leave. The people whose lives have gone under complete upheaval neither have that knowledge (and oftentimes) nor the option to leave.
Derek, please email me at guo.merrybelle@gmail.com. I would genuinely appreciate any more information or advice you have to offer.
Onelove,
Merrybelle
June 1st, 2008 at 5:43 am
Please accept my sincerely request to Join you as a volunteer to work in Sicheun. i was in HK volunteer army officer. I have 2 months available. Please reply.
Simon
June 1st, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Hi
Wish to know details of the volunteer works which I could contribute in Sichuan. My works are more to the building design but I can do more than that. Spoken languages are English and Chinese. Able read both too.
Regards
KS
June 5th, 2008 at 5:14 am
Hi
My name is Lulu and I am a Chinese American visiting in Kunming, Yunnan right now. I’m looking to go into Sichuan to help out in any way i can. I speak fluent Mandarin and English. Please contact me if there’s any opportunities to go in an help.
-Lulu
June 9th, 2008 at 4:27 am
I am a Russian live in peking, i feel the disaster relif working sucks
June 9th, 2008 at 4:31 am
I am a computer engineer from SRILANKA, currently working in CHENGDU as a “software testing lead”, i would be very glad to help you out on any IT related issues
vakeesan
June 13th, 2008 at 4:56 am
Thank you kindly for the availability to post on this site.
I shall review all the suggested volunteer sites provided here and appreciate this information being made available to me.
I shall leave this reply in the event there exists an opportunity for someone to contact me regarding relief efforts.
Boston, Massachusetts, 617 529 6289 (or) work 617 951 0600 ext. 2135.
Work, passport, health documents in order, can be updated for travel - my last visa I think has expired, so would need time to puruse new visa period (was just in China 2/23-3/16).
Can secure references for background, current Mandarin level (depending on topic and very broadly, perhaps just below intermediate on some days, others, beginner to intermediate, others, a little higher than intermediate).
If summoned, would make necessary arrangements to ensure I have broad time parameters and availability for whatever is required of me in terms of time. Last term of Visa available to me was 120 days - so, perhaps I could secure this duration again - don’t know if this is possible - but I would be avilable if allowed.
Thanks again for this website - understand completely that certain dynamics in Sichuan make more proximate volunteer efforts too dangerous or impractical.
Regards,
Dave Sprague
June 14th, 2008 at 6:20 am
thank all of you indeed!
June 16th, 2008 at 1:38 am
We are organizing a group of volunteers who are living in Chengdu and can help assist various NGOs working in the earthquake affected area when needed. Email Lucy at lucy@sichuan-quake-relief.org
June 16th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
My name is Patricia Gamboa. I am in beijing for the summer to visit my family. I would really love to help out in sichuan or where ever there is in need of help. I am a 20 year old pre-med major in San Francisco. i speak english and chinese.please contact me ASAP for any information on volunteering opportunities.
June 19th, 2008 at 4:25 am
Hi,
I’m from Singapore. Currently, I’m living in Shanghai and looking after my 6 months old baby fulltime. I’ve been watching the news on TV and it always makes me very sad especially when I see the young children.
I saw on TV once that staff from a biscuit factory were working overtime, packing the biscuits and sending them to Sichuan. I would like to help in small ways like these - packing, sorting etc. Perhaps similar factories could send things that needs to be packed to mothers/grandmothers who are not working. Then we can work from home and contribute however little to the people in Sichuan too.
June 19th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I am from Chifeng .I am a college student ,we will have a-month-vocatian at 7.15,and I want to Sichuan to be a voulanter to do somethings what I can do to help the victims. And I will call for my classmates to do with me. And ask some rich men to davote to Sichuan.
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Hi, this is Ruoran from Cambridge UK and since I have a month vocation from 1st of August, I would like to join volinteer work in Sichuan earthquake work. Please contact me if there is any opportunity there.
Many thanks!
Ruoran Li
Queens’College, Cambridge
UK
June 27th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Helloooo!
I am currently given some money to provide for expenses by my college (UCLA) to volunteer here at chengdu ( i am here right now). my family lives here.
Does anyone want to volunteer, or know of any opportunities? i cant commmunicate very well here so hopefully i can find a group that speaks englsih.
-eilly
anyone have facebook?