We are continuing to activate response to the devastating disaster in Japan. Through our local HandsOn Network action center Hands On Tokyo, we will be managing and supporting volunteer engagement and long term recovery across the region. Mission Fish, our division that allows people to use their purchasing power to direct contributions to their favorite charities, has raised over $1 million to date to support these on the ground efforts.

You can help HandsOn Network respond to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. We are working with our Hands On Tokyo affiliate in Japan and we are communicating with our international partners to determine support needed on the local level. We have set-up an account with MissionFish/Ebay and Paypal to collect donations to assist HandsOn Tokyo with relief efforts. We’ll continue to update you on current activities and ways you can help.

Until then, here’s what you can do right now:

1.       Volunteer: Our HandsOn Tokyo affiliate is continuing to monitor the situation and will be identifying volunteer appropriate activities. For now, you can register your interest to volunteer for potential upcoming volunteer opportunities related to the relief and recovery of earthquake and tsunami impacted communities by registering with HandsOn Tokyo.

• If you are local to Tokyo volunteer opportunities may become available more quickly.

• If you live outside of Japan, volunteer opportunities may take longer due to need to find proper accommodations and support for international volunteers.

• If you register your interest to volunteer, as soon as volunteer opportunities become available Hands On Tokyo will send you an email updating you on those opportunities. Until then please do not call as Hands On Tokyo’s offices as they are temporarily closed.

2.       Donate: Right now, monetary support is needed more than anything else.  To donate resources to support recovery efforts Visit your Hands On Tokyo homepage on eBay or through Paypal. Please do not send goods, monetary resources are most useful until on the ground needs are fully assessed.

3.       Teach: Resources at generationOn can help children and young adults better understand what their role in disaster relief, even when the disaster is far away, through lessons of philanthropy. Lessons and other resources can be found here.

4.      Follow: Up to date information related to the disaster will be posted on Twitter.

Thank you for your support of recovery efforts in Japan; every little bit makes a difference.  Together we can help in the process of rebuilding.