New Orleans, the Mississippi Delta, and the Gulf Coast of the US are in shambles. The poorest of the poor are in desparate situations. People are drowning and starving to death. This is simply unacceptable in the most prosperous nation in the world.

How can we help? We have educations in development, assistance, peace, and conflict resolution. First, we can and we can encourage others to help the organizations that are most prepared to help - namely, the Red Cross (1-800-help-now or www.redcross.org ). The Red Cross and other organizations can best help and help immediately.

However, the role we can play as Rotary Peace Fellows and Rotarians is in the long term. After I graduate, I may go to Louisiana and volunteer my time with Habitat for Humanity rebuilding homes. Class IV Scholars can consider performing their Applied Field Experience in the gulf coast. My Sponsor club may adopt a club in the disaster area. We as fellows can encourage our sponsor and host clubs and districts to support their fellow rotarians in the disaster area through club to club support, or by donating to the Red Cross.

There is no need to feel helpless. We can help in the short and long term, mostly by using our network to spread the help and recruit further help. I will help by speaking to my rotarians tomorrow and encouraging my host club and district to join my club and district in sponsoring rotary clubs in the devastated area in helping them to rebuild over the next few years.