The next Haiti

Fight poverty. Prevent disasters.

What makes a disaster? Is it the event itself -- the earthquake, tsunami, or flood? No. It's the tragic consequences: the immense number of lives lost, the people hurt, and communities destroyed.

Twenty years ago, San Francisco had a massive earthquake. Sixty-three died. In January, Haiti's earthquake was even bigger. But it killed nearly 250,000 people. Severe poverty, like that found in Haiti before the quake, makes communities more vulnerable. But you can help.

• Support Oxfam's efforts to prevent disasters around the world.

Wanted: student leaders

Creating change, on campus and beyond

“After CHANGE, I can’t imagine having a life that did not involve working for social justice.” That’s what one alumnus said about Oxfam America’s CHANGE Initiative, which each year trains a select group of college students to become leaders and advocates in the fight against global poverty. Right now, we’re looking for US-based sophomores and juniors to join us for this year’s intensive training.

• Apply by April 1 to become a 2010 CHANGE Leader.
• Learn more about the CHANGE Initiative.

Human rights in Peru

Standing up for justice

In 2005 Cleofé Neyra attended a demonstration against illegal mining exploration in the cloud forests above her community where she and 27 others were abducted, held for three days, and tortured. Learn about her commitment to defend her land and water—and the wait for a government investigation. “I have done nothing wrong,” she says. “This is why I ask for justice.”

• Help farmers defend their rights: Join the Right to Know, Right to Decide campaign.

Earthquake in Chile

Quake in Chile affects two million

The 8.8-magnitude quake that hit Chile the morning of Feb. 27 has left nearly 800 people dead and caused widespread damage to buildings, roads, and bridges. Oxfam’s two emergency teams are completing rapid assessments of the damage in Concepcion, close to the epicenter, and in Constitucion, where quake-triggered waves reportedly killed several hundred people. Oxfam will use those assessments in deciding what its response will be.

• Donate now to support Oxfam's emergency work around the world.
• Learn more about our emergency work.
• Weigh in on our blog about earthquakes and poverty.

Speak up for Afghanistan

Use your voice to fight poverty in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world. But quick fixes linked to military objectives aren’t helping its people conquer the poverty and destruction wrought by 30 years of conflict and disorder. Lasting peace requires lasting commitment. Add your voice to the call for a rebuilding effort that puts Afghans’ needs and interests first.

• Speak up through our petition.
• Read about the dangers of militarized aid in Afghanistan.
• Take a look at lives interrupted.