Joanne Fritz posted a powerful reaction to the current state of Haiti and carefully documented the void of relief efforts in Six Months Later: The Haiti Earthquake. I know exactly what she is talking about. (I posted my thoughts after a recent Haiti trip here.) There was nothing about what I saw, heard, or experienced that didn’t frustrate me and left me with a burning desire to not give up on the Haitian people.

As I’ve had time to reflect on my experience, I’m greatly disturbed by a culture who is quick to rush in to a country after a natural disaster, raise billions in a short period of time, and leave shortly after the last camera stopped filming. What does that say about us?

Charity is not a new work or concept that developed in the American colonies. It’s been around for centuries. In some respects, societies have viewed the poor as gateways to their own self-esteem rather than as equals. That’s not right. The Haitian people deserve better from a country that possess the greatest wealth ever imagined in the history of the world.

Now, let’s get one thing straight. I’m a 100% capitalist. But our economy was built upon the common assumption that people would generally do the greatest good for the greatest number. When we lose our conscience it becomes all about us. Our entire recession came about as a result of our lost conscience. Too many people did what was best for them at the detriment of someone else.

I have a plan for Haiti. My plan is about establishing a new economy, not merely funneling more money to people in need. I want to help these people experience the joy of self-sustainment and the hope that comes as a result of it. However, I’m also committed to provide whatever relief I can until the baton can be passed and their new economy is in full swing.

Have you forgotten Haiti? We haven’t. Join us and give shoes as the first step in a journey to a new life for the Haitian people.