There is absolutely a dark side to the internet and we hear about it all the time. But there is also a very good side to the internet — a side that accomplishes things on this planet that no other entity could, short of God.

I thought I would point you to some resources that might help you leverage the internet for good in the face of overwhelming disaster.

The story of Haiti and the absolute devastation being experienced by our fellow human beings — mothers and fathers and sweet little children and friends and family members and brothers and sisters — is beyond comprehension. It’s not the first tragedy we’ve experienced and it won’t be the last.

Thankfully, the internet has played a key role in helping those who need it most.

• Dissemination of information. Obviously news spreads fast online. If you can do nothing else, you most certainly can follow the news (don’t run from it) and pray. We can all do that. None of us has an excuse. Google “Haiti,” follow trends on Twitter or blog about it yourself and urge others to pitch in.
• Donate. As of this writing, did you know the Red Cross has raised nearly $10 million dollars to help with relief? They’ve done it via a text messaging campaign (OK, so now you know text messaging isn’t all bad either!) and by getting the word out online. And they aren’t the only ones. Organizations all over are doing the same. Compassion (story via Shaun Groves) is another, as is World Vision. And there are countless others. The internet makes donating easy and it makes raising necessary funds quick.
• Want to give but skeptical about how your funds will be used? Check out Charity Navigator, an independent organization that evaluates the financial health of some of the largest charities. Search by charity name or check out their Top Ten Lists. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau. (And unfortunately, it must be said that there are plenty of scam artists ready to make a buck in the wake of other people’s tragic loss. Read these tips to help you avoid being scammed.)
• Volunteer. According to the Center for International Disaster Information, going to Haiti itself is probably not going to happen unless you have some sort of previous training. However, there are still ways you can give your time and energy to help. Check out your local news agencies online, local churches and other local non-profits to see what opportunities may be available in your area.
• Get creative. One of the women I follow on Twitter created a website called Hope for Haiti where members of the blogging community have donated various items (like web design packages, blog ad space and products). Visitors can donate a dollar to get one entry into a raffle for the item of their choice. She vows to forward all donations to the Red Cross and Compassion.

There are plenty of things to do, just don’t do nothing.

Related posts:

1. My lives intersected
2. I have succumbed…again