The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents a compilation of members from a diverse pool of not-for-profits. We are the social services, education, youth programs, healthcare, and many other services that support our communities at large. It is during catastrophic events, such as the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12th that we become one "united cause".

One of the most powerful benefits that I have realized over the past five years of participating in the Central Florida chapter of AFP has been the strong networking capacity. Our strength is reflected in the many meaningful ways that we work in partnership with our local Colleges, Universities and Foundations to educate our members on such topics as diversity, advocacy, and good stewardship. And stewardship comes in many forms.

Every day since the media first brought news of the grief-stricken victims of this natural disaster I have witnessed a plethora of "Social Stewardship" that is endless.

Once again, I am proud to report that our Not-for-Profit Institutions have acted quickly to offer countless ways for donors and volunteers to provide aide and relief to our sisters and brothers in Haiti. We encourage you to join them in their efforts.

Here are just a handful of service centers in our community that have organized relief:

• The Salvation Army has mobilized emergency personnel and welcomes support on their website: www.salvationarmyhaiti.org



• Catholic Relief Services is sending earmarked Haitian relief through the
  
  Office of the Bishop
  Haiti Relief - P. O. Box 1800
  Orlando, FL 32802-1800
  
  or directly through their website www.crs.org



• The American Red Cross accepts donations at local community chapters or online at www.redcross.org

Also, the International website of AFP covers the latest efforts through their "Haiti Disaster Relief and Fundraising Efforts Page" at www.afpnet.org.

Kathleen Green, CMM
Development Officer, Make-A-Wish of Central & Northern Florida
AFP Board Member, Professional Advancement Chair