"Communities, Disaster & Change" is a traveling exhibition coordinated by the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive, in Valdez, Alaska. It provides a twist on the fiftieth anniversary of the Good Friday Earthquake commemoration through its connection with other communities and other disasters. The exhibit will travel around the state as well as to Oregon, and Hawaii. The full travel schedule and complete online gallery of the exhibit can be seen here.

This blog serves as a place to host a global conversation about the indomitable nature of the human spirit and communities' reactions to change, how they survive disaster and how they rebuild for the future. We hope this can be a tool for people like you, all across the world, to reach out and share your stories on survival and the will to carry on.

If you have seen the exhibit whether online or in person we want to know your reaction to the work of these twenty-eight Alaskan artists. Please join us in an ongoing conversation, and chime in with your thoughts, views and your personal stories of your community, disaster, and change.

19 May 2015

Earthquake Strikes Nepal!

Aftermath of Earthquake in Kathmandu
From across the world individuals have come together forming a strong community of volunteers to aid in the earthquake aftermath in Nepal. More than 8,000 people have been reported dead in late April after a 7.3-7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal. In Chautara, one of the worst hit communities, 2,600 people have perished and millions are struggling to rebuild. Many are digging out what is left of their homes. People, chickens and personal belongings are some of the items found amongst the rubble. 190,000 homes were toppled by the 7.8-7.3 magnitude quake. Amrit Shrestha, a former Chautara clothing store owner, has taken it upon himself to collect essential items from the Red Cross and aid camps to deliver to the neediest of earthquake survivors all over Nepal.

Belonging to the community of volunteers, such as Amrit Shrestha, are international, virtual bloggers. Hundreds of internet users from around the world are creating and updating maps and blogs for local and international aid workers in Nepal. This includes vital information on the whereabouts of missing and stranded people, communities with the most need for aid and directions and GPS     coordinates for ground volunteers.

The Red Cross, aid camps, people like Amrit Shrestha and virtual volunteers have come together to create a community of aid relief. In the wake of devastation every bit of help counts whether it be on the ground or from across the world. What can you do to help?
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