Five years ago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Hokies United was mobilized for just the third time as a way for the Virginia Tech community to come together and help the victims on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
We were all affected by the images of the devastating flooding in New Orleans and the destruction that the tidal surge caused along the Gulf Coast. In some cases, we were unable to help those that had to deal with the unimaginable conditions in the Superdome.
We struggled to understand the ineptitude of the government’s response to the situation.
Thousands of dollars were raised during that time from Tech and local communities.
The community came together through special fundraisers at local restaurants and collection jars throughout campus. In addition, Tech agreed to accept students from the colleges and universities that were affected by the destruction.
During winter break in December 2005 and spring break in 2006, Tech students and affiliated groups spent countless hours helping to rebuild homes, participating in cleanup efforts, etc.
Since 2001, Hokies United has mobilized in the face of crisis situations that affect the university community.
It has assisted victims of crises from when it first responded to the events of Sept. 11, to the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, the events of April 16, 2007, and most recently the Haitian earthquake of January 2010.
It is significant and powerful that through Hokies United, students and other members of the Tech community can come together. It is the truest representation of “Ut Prosim.”
While Hokies United has done an excellent job in helping to relay information and support for different causes, one question remains. This question is prompted by the Hurricane Katrina anniversary, and it is about the follow up to these efforts on behalf of Hokies United.
In the end, you have to dig through the university websites to find out Tech, through Hokies United, raised $92,000 for the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Why is this information not more readily available?
Supporting a cause is much more than just giving money, as was stressed during the efforts for Hokies Helping Haiti.
Wouldn’t it be great to see or have a listing of the different service projects that Tech groups have initiated to support the areas damaged by Hurricane Katrina?
Wouldn’t it be great to see updates as to what all of the support has done? What happened with the support for tsunami relief? How did the effort make an impact?
Take for example the effort with Hokies Helping Haiti — how have the efforts made a difference? We know that these efforts have made a difference, but can we document it?
On the Hokies United website, its stated mission is: “Hokies United is a student-driven volunteer effort organized to respond to local, national, and international tragedies that may impact our students and community. This website will serve as a comprehensive source of information listing efforts within the university and community and provide directions and opportunities to anyone who would want to contribute for a noble cause.”
It appears to me that what is lacking is a central source for true information about Hokies United.
Rather than wait until the next time Hokies United is called upon, I think it would be wise for this new group of students to reflect on the information and background of the Hokies United effort.
Use this time to lay the foundation and groundwork to help the Tech community better understand the need, the impact and the legacy of Hokies United.
While I understand that the students will come and go, the legacy of their efforts should not be forgotten.
As time continues to go by, many within our community will not know of the efforts of Hokies United in the early days, nor will they understand the difference that Hokies United has made.
When the next event happens that requires the mobilization of Hokies United, I plan to be ready and willing to help out in whichever way that I can, but can we say the same thing for the rest of our community?
It is not too late to help educate the community about Hokies United, especially as it celebrates its 10th anniversary in fall 2011.
A version of this article appeared in the Sep 2 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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See, it's a great article. Where's the action statement? What will stem from this? In my opinion, it's the idea of a diffusion of responsibility. People will go, "Great idea. Not my responsibility. Someone else will take care of it." Everyone saying that...well leads us right back to where we are. In the future, say WHO should be in charge of it. E-mail them your thoughts and make it happen. Rhetoric is getting old.
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