Various ways the Diaspora is working to address the Somali famine

The famine has been the single most unifying issue brining Somalis—especially those in the Diaspora—together. The Somali Diaspora members have been reaching out to all those who could help alleviate this human tragedy. They have been forging collaborative efforts with all governmental, no-governmental and international institutions who are on the ground or are willing to help.  

There are a number of Somali organizations that are registered here in the US; that have IRS Tax Exempt status under 501(c)(3), and comply to the US and international laws, that are effectively providing humanitarian services.

By and large, these organizations are more effective that their much larger, much more bureaucratic, and much more costly counterparts. The overhead costs of some of these larger organizations are shocking. Some run overhead costs as high as 70%.

Somali -American community of VA/DC & MD is holding a fundraising & Iftar event on Sunday August 7, 2011 at 6PM.