Dear Fellow JCI Members,  

Shaken by the mind-boggling tragedy created by Hurricane Katrina, which U.S. President Bush called "one of the worst national disasters in our nation's history," we join JCI Members in the United States and all over the world in expressing our deep concern for the victims and our desire to help. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Historically, the United States and JCI USA have provided assistance to other countries experiencing earthquakes, floods and other disasters. This time, leaders in other countries and JCI Members in particular are eager to help the people affected by Katrina. 
JCI USA President Julie Metzger is urging every Local Organization in the United States to take part in a disaster relief project before September 14, 2005. She has contacted JCI Members in Alabama , Mississippi , Florida and Louisiana to see how they are faring. For the most part, they seem to be safe. 
There are, however, many deaths and tens of thousands who have lost their homes and who need urgent assistance. Given their entrepreneurship, leadership skills and local ties, JCI Members are particularly suited to render help and they are already rising up to the challenge. 
In Memphis, Tenn , for example, the Greater Mid-South Jaycees (JCI Greater Mid-South) have joined the Memphis Redbirds to aide in the relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In Wisconsin , Greenfield Junior Chamber (JCI Greenfield) Members are collecting items such as bottled water, blankets, non-perishable food items and cleaning supplies. 
At the JCI World Headquarters, we have also been looking for ways to help. Our plans include teaming up with Channel 2 FOX to request assistance and offering the JCI World Headquarters as a relief collection point. 
We congratulate those already involved and encourage all others to heed the call of JCI USA President Metzger and take part in a disaster relief project.
JCI Members from other countries who would like to contribute should contact the JCI USA Executive Coordinator ( Questo indirizzo e-mail è protetto dallo spam bot. Abilita Javascript per vederlo. ) or visit the JCI USA website, www.usjaycees.org, where they will find information regarding donations. 
This is an appalling tragedy. However, JCI Members in the United States with the encouragement and assistance from JCI Members worldwide will courageously face this unprecedented challenge. We urge JCI Members to become involved.

Kevin Cullinane

Jci World President