Emergency action

When disasters strike, there's no time to lose. Thanks to the generous donations of our supporters, Oxfam is on the ground, working to assess the urgent needs of affected communities and save lives.

Do you wish you could do more?

Emergencies—and how we respond to them—can be catalysts for social change. Below are resources that can help you reach out to your community at these critical times. The more people are aware of the issues involved and the more support Oxfam gets, the more we can do what we do best—save lives.

Join Oxfam's Humanitarian Action Team

Join a core group dedicated to creating lasting change by influencing US legislation on humanitarian issues such as the crisis in the Congo, the earthquake in China, and the global food crisis.

Spread the word

Invite guest speakers to meetings, gatherings, festivals, and parties! Organize an information table at a street fair. Host a discussion group at your place of worship. Get more ideas about what you can do!

Contact us

For more information, please contact emergencies@oxfamamerica.org.

Tools you can use

• "In harm's way: Oxfam America's game on rethinking natural disasters" — This exciting and interactive tool helps raise awareness of the causes and consequences of disasters, as well as the positive ways that communities can work to lessen the impact.
• "Oxfam at a Glance: Saving Lives" —a one-page overview of Oxfam's humanitarian work in times of disaster.
• "Oxfam America: Saving Lives" —a four-page brochure on the scope of Oxfam's emergency response—from the work of our humanitarian emergency team on the ground to the efforts of our advocacy team fighting for legislation on Capitol Hill.
• "Oxfam America Organizing Guide: Tips for taking action in your community" is a comprehensive guide that will give you the steps, from start to finish, on some of the ways you can create change in your community! This guide covers organizing basics; how to write, call, or lobby your member of Congress; how to harness the news by writing letters to the editor, op-eds and press releases; and more!
• "Oxfam America House Party Guide: Tools for hosting a high-impact event" — Host your own house party to educate and activate your friends and family on the emergency issue you care about. This guide has everything you need to plan your own house party from set-up to follow-up!
• Oxfam's emergencies poster — to help advertise your event.
• A sign-up sheet — so you can invite all those individuals who attend your events to learn and do more!
• An official Oxfam America container wrapper to wrap around a collection box or can.

Additional resources

To download more free tools and resources to help you with your outreach efforts, login or sign up to ACT FAST with Oxfam.