MAGPI is pleased to partner with Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3, Hampton Township School District, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, AlleghenyCONNECT and Penn Video Network to offer technology assistance and coordinate a live webstream of the panel discussion and Q&A of this exciting event.

Natural disasters are inevitable, unpredictable, and utterly devastating. The earthquake in Haiti in January 2010 was just one of a record number of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, typhoons, blizzards and landslides that caused major destruction around the world and resulted in $222 billion in economic losses. Earlier this year, major flooding in Australia submerged Brisbane. Severe weather resulting from climate change coupled with urbanization has increased the devastating effects of natural disasters on vulnerable populations.

What impact do natural disasters have at home and around the world? How can and should the international community respond? How can technology assist with disaster management? What can be learned from recent disasters, and how can public policy reflect those lessons learned?

Schools can participate in person at Hampton High School, via video conference or webcast:

Event Outline

• Panel discussion with Anne C. Richard, Vice President, Government Relations & Advocacy, International Rescue Committee (Washington, D.C.) and Dr. Louise Comfort, Professor and Director, Center for Disaster Management, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh.
• Panelists will share their perspectives on recent natural disasters, the response by the international community, and public policy implications.
• Interactive breakout sessions facilitated by local experts in which students will discuss and analyze a natural disaster scenario.
• Debriefing session for groups to share their approaches to the scenario.

Schedule (**subject to change)

• Panel Presentation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Breakout Session: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Debriefing Session: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Register Now!

Registration for video conference sites is open to students in grades 9 - 12. Students of all ages may participate in the webcast. To participate via video conference or webcast, please use the links below to register.

Participation via Video Conference
A limited number of schools can register to participate via video conference. Schools in the Pittsburgh region will be paired with international sites during the breakout session. Video conference sites will also report back during the debriefing session. Video conference equipment is required. Click here to register.

Participation via Webcast
Students throughout Pennsylvania, in other parts of the United States, and in other countries worldwide may participate in this International Student Summit through the interactive webcast. Students will be able to pose questions and share their ideas in real time. Click here to register.

Student Preparation

A preparation guide will be provided to teachers prior to the event to stimulate student thinking about the international response to natural disasters and the broad policy implications.

Questions?

Please contact Amiena Mahsoob at the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh at amiena@worldaffairspittsburgh.org, or call 412-281-7970.

HELP VICTIMS OF JAPAN's EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI

The Red Cross is organizing efforts to help. You can donate to the effort by visiting the Red Cross's donation website or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone.

The Salvation Army has several ways you can help:
 * Text “Japan” or “Quake” to 80888 to make a $10 donation
 * Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY
 * Donate online at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
 * Send a check, marked “Japan earthquake relief” to:
    The Salvation Army World Service Office
    International Relief Fund
    PO Box 630728
    Baltimore, MD 21263-072800

Save the Children, the world's leading independent organization for children, released a statement Friday that the organization is "mobilizing its global resources to respond to the needs of children and families affected by the earthquake and its aftermath, and an international emergency team has been dispatched to assist staff in Japan." Those looking to donate to that effort can visit Save the Children's donation page.

Global Giving has set up a fund-raising effort that has raised thousands of dollars so far and "will disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami," according to the Global Giving donor Web site. Donors can choose to give a one-time or recurring donation of anywhere between $25 and $1,000

Google Person Finder has been set up for those looking to locate loved ones in Japan. The link to that site is: http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en.