Seth Kahan on Leadership // Monday Morning Mojo
Helping the People of Japan

Japan Earthquake and AftershocksFriday, March 11, the largest earthquake in Japan’s recorded history wreaked devastation, registering 8.9 on the Richter scale and hitting the coast of the northern part of the country. Enormous tsunami waves wiped away entire coastal towns and caused havoc among nuclear plants which continues to this day including explosions, and dangerously high amounts of leaked radiation.

What can a leader do?

Providing assistance today are financial commitments from the business community. According to the U.S. Chamber's Business Civic Leadership Center, they are so far responsible for $137 million in cash and in-kind contributions (i.e., product and services).

This amount is currently the fourth-largest corporate response to a natural disaster, behind only Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ($1.8 billion), the Indian Ocean Tsunami ($566 million) and last year's Haiti earthquake ($146.8 million). Several companies have also designed special products and programs to help support the cause.

earthquake photosYour efforts, too, can help the people of Japan. Large or small, every contribution makes a difference.

For example, 10% of all profits I earn in the months of March and April will go directly the American Red Cross and  Americares through the two channels mentioned below. It may not reach a million dollars, but it is a scale I can manage. What works for you and your organization?

Here are some of the efforts underway, including ways you can contribute:

  • The American Red Cross has contributed an initial $10 million to its main partner in the country - the Japanese Red Cross - to help with their medical and relief activities. As pledges are fulfilled and additional donations received, the American Red Cross will make additional commitments to help the people affected by the earthquake, tsunami and evolving nuclear emergency. Learn more and donate here.
  • AmeriCares and its relief workers in Japan are working to deliver medicines and supplies to hospitals, shelters and health responders to treat and care for survivors. Learn more and onate here.

  • The Western Union Company has activated a limited-time "No Transfer Fee" program for money transfers sent to Japan from participating agent locations around the world. The "No Transfer Fee" service allows consumers to send money to help loved ones affected by the earthquake and tsunami, and will be available March 17 through April 17, 2011.

Forty-four companies have donated $1 million or more, including Abbott, Aflac, Amgen, Bank of America, Bayer, Boeing, Caterpillar, Coca-Cola, Disney, Dow Chemical Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Exxon Mobil, GE, Goldman Sachs, GlaxoSmithKline, Jeffries, Johnson Controls, JPMorgan Chase, McDonald's, Medtronic, Microsoft Corporation, Morgan Stanley, Prudential, Samsung, Toyota, United Technologies Corp., and UPS Foundation.

Regardless of the amount you give, providing funds to the people of Japan is a humanitarian act with global impact. Help your employees find ways they can give appropriately. Link your organization's success to compassion, altruism, and impact where it matters most, for people in need.



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