The 9.0 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami that destroyed many lives and communities in Southeast Asia prompted Secretary of State Colin Powell to reflect, “I have been in war and I have been through a number of hurricanes, tornadoes, and other relief operations, but I have never seen anything like this.”

After such a devastating disaster as the recent earthquake and resulting tsunamis in the Indian Ocean, we find ourselves asking the question, “How can I help?”Aside from monetary contributions - which are severely necessary in any disaster and, fortunately, readily forthcoming during the current one - resolving how to be helpful in this type of situation is more difficult. In fact, Crystal Hoobs, an events specialist at the American Red Cross, advises, “When community members want to organize an effort to support a relief agency, they need to contact that relief agency before they organize the effort.” She laments that often, well-intentioned citizens organize efforts (in this case clothing or food drives) that a re either not accepted by the relief agency or a hindrance to its operations.

While there is little most of us can do, either personally or professionally, to participate in the immediate humanitarian relief effort, the long term needs will continue well into the next decade, and there may be much to which you can contribute. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is working with several nations to coordinate a technical response including distributing articles related to response and mitigation to tsunami events, responding to public and media inquiries, as well as providing technical assistance to professionals in the affected regions as they lead efforts to restore and rebuild the infrastructure. The ASCE will be involved with this effort for years to come and will rely on members' support for their programs.

In addition, although Engineers Without Borders (EWB-USA) - whose mission is to partner with disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through implement ation of environmentally and economically sustainable engineering projects - is not set up to provide emergency relief, the group plans to offer long-term reconstruction assistance. As a first step, EWB-USA and the Engineers Week coalition co-organized a task force meeting on the engineer's role in reconstruction of communities affected by the tsunami in Asia, which was held on Jan. 27, 2005, at the National Academy of Engineering in Washington, D. C .To learn more about EWB-USA, or to volunteer, visit www.ewb-usa.org.

In the spirit of global assistance, the profession will celebrate Engineer's Week, themed “Engineers Make A Wo rld of Difference,” from Feb. 20-26. The annual event is dedicated to raising public awareness of engineers' positive contributions to quality of life. Engineer Week Honorary Chair John Browne, who is also the group chief executive of BP, appeals to all engineers to become involved in the global ch a llenges ahead. “The world has to feed, house, and provide light, water, and mobility for a global population that rises by 250,000 a day. All that must be achieved without destroying the environmental balance on which we all depend. Of all the skills that will be necessary to meet those challenges, none are more important than those of the engineer.The challenge is daunting, but the opportunity is thrilling in its scope and the potential it offers for individuals who want to make a difference,” remarks Browne. The organizers of the annual event have several activities planned, and there are m a ny ways for you to get inv o lved. Visit www.eweek.org for more information.

There are many ways to become involved within your profession and in your community.

According to Hoobs, the Red Cross needs volunteers every day, not just in time of global disaster. Become involved, volunteer your time, and discover how you can help, because the need is great.

Jennifer Goupil, P.E.
editor@gostructural.com