[chapter-delegates] ISOC Response to Tsunami Crisis in Asia PROPOSAL

[Timo Kiravuo]

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Despite the effort mass media has put into publicizing the Asian
tsunami catastrophe, I think that we should put things into
perspective. In terms of deaths we are talking about what malaria
kills in Africa in a couple of months. I don't think it would be wise
use of resources for ISOC to do something that is completely out of
its charter and competence, like supporting a school. Out members can
and do support other organizations, which already are focusing on
these activities and are better equipped to do this.

Also ISOC is not a fast moving organization and by the time we could
decide on anything, the immediate need for relief is over. If you want
to help the locals in the disaster area, take a vacation there this
spring.

We could contact some competent international crisis management
organizations, like the IRC, and ask them what kind of requirements
they have and is there anything we can offer. Control and
communications are a large problem after any catastrophe and much of
the relief offered goes to waste since it can not be targeted fast
enough. Something modeled on a military logistics system could be
useful. Also the problem of joining dislocated persons is a large
issue. However as an organization we have very little experience on
crisis work, so we should even not think about solving this problem on
our own and trying to provide a finished solution.

Instead I think that we should stick to our earlier programs on
spreading the Internet to the developing world. In terms of human
benefits I see this as one area, where we can do the most good.
Funding forums enabling the users in these countries can share their
practices and technologies and supporting their work on developing low
cost communications would in my opinion be the most useful position
ISOC can take.

kiravuo
ISOC Finland

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