Meeting set to plan Skidmore's response to crisis in Haiti
How can Skidmore respond effectively as a community to the crisis in Haiti? Join the
discussion at a meeting Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 2:15 in the Intercultural Center to learn
what people already are doing and explore how the Skidmore community can focus its
energies.
Organizing the meeting are Winston Grady-Willis, director for Intercultural Studies;
Jim Kennelly, director of International Affairs, and Jordana Dym, director of Latin
American Studies.
"The earthquake in Haiti was an immediate tragedy and unfortunately sets the stage
for a long-term human, institional and economic crisis for a country known both for
its 1804 independence and revolution, and for its struggles ever since, with too many
natural and man-made disasters," wrote Dym in a message to the Skidmore community.
The SGA leadership, she noted, already is considering how to sponsor an event to
raise awareness of conditions in Haiti among other initiatives, and a campus-wide
fund-raising effort is being coordinated by Michelle Hubbs, director of community
service programs, and Richard Chrisman, interim director of religious and spiritual
life.
Nearly 300 Skidmore students, faculty, staff and alumni have joined a Facebook group
called "SkidCare," where anyone from the Skidmore community can make suggestions or
provide news about what they are already doing. You'll find it here.
"As spring semester starts up, it would be great if we could open communication channels
and where possible coordinate efforts to share and improve our knowledge of Haiti
(organize panels, speakers, discussions, etc.) and figure out how to contribute to
long term as well as short term needs," the message said.
