Got this sent in and just wanted to post it up.
Dear Members, Colleagues, and Friends:
It is with a great sense of loss and sympathy that the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) extends its sincerest condolences to all those affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on Friday, March 11, 2011. We have been shaken by the tragedy that has fallen on Japan and the Pacific Rim, and recognize how deep our connections are to that nation and its people - many of our members here in the United States are of Japanese descent, and so too do many of us have friends, family, and colleagues in Japan. We deeply admire the bravery and community spirit that has been so apparent as the Japanese people undertake to work together to confront the ongoing situation and relief efforts.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, I urge you to contribute to the disaster relief efforts. The earthquake and the subsequent tsunami have destroyed many people's sense of security, leaving them without water, food, or shelter, and tens of thousands of people continue to be unaccounted for. A Dateline MSNBC clip caught our attention for being particularly moving and descriptive in its depiction of images from the port city of Sendai, one of the areas worst affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
If you would like to help, the Japanese Red Cross is accepting donations from the American Red Cross. In addition to monetary donations, the American Red Cross has deployed a disaster management expert from its Washington, DC headquarters to Japan to assist in relief efforts. You can donate to the American Red Cross through their website or simply by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Another way to assist in efforts is through InterAction -- InterAction's member organizations are deploying response teams and have strong partnerships with civil society groups in Japan who are responding to the disaster. Many of InterAction's member organizations are accepting donations. Please click here to donate to these member organizations.
Several NAPABA affiliates are mobilizing to raise funds -- please also support these efforts.
Many NAPABA members, friends, and colleagues were affected by this tragedy. Let's join together in uplifting those in need. We will continue to keep our hopes high and our resolution strong through this period of strife for the people of Japan.
Sincerely,
Paul O. Hirose
President
