SOUTH SHORE – SINCE THE HURRICANE . . . (Hurricane Sandy Tribute)
Not ‘G’ rated language
INTRODUCTION
On November 15th, 2012, about two weeks after ‘Frankenstorm Sandy’ clobbered every part of the East Coast and Midwest it could whip its wind around and drown its water in, the first part of ‘Social Media and Hurricane Sandy’ was published. It became an organic blog post as well as an on-going resource for those in need and those who had the ability to give.
Social Media and Hurricane Sandy, a blog post by Alison Gilbert
ONE PART
At that time, there did not appear to be a need to compose a second part. But the story has grown and grown, like the beans Jack bought that turned into a sky-high beanstalk. The story of Hurricane Sandy is unparalleled, as was the storm itself.
TWO PARTS
People continue to be in need. Some are homeless as the storm devoured their residences. Others are in limbo as repairs are made or repairs wait to be made until a check is issued from their insurance company.
Team Rubicon facebook page
HELPING ORGANIZATIONS
On the other side of the coin are the extraordinary pre-existing organizations that have come to the rescue. These include Team Rubicon, the Robin Hood Foundation, the Red Cross, FEMA, Island Harvest and countless. Most amazing are the growing abundance of grass roots organizations that have sprung up directly in response to the need of communities to bond together and support each other.
The Storm Ins Claim Help @StormClaimHelp twitter page
WHY SOCIAL MEDIA
Where does social media fit into all of this? Social media provides the tools for emotional and spiritual resurrection. In contradiction, Hurricane Sandy was the monstrous destroyer of what man had made. The physical world that Sandy destroyed may take years, if ever, to repair or replace.
Alison and brother, Scott visit the ‘once’ LB Boardwalk at Lincoln Blvd.
CONCLUSION
In contrast, within moments, connections through social media were ignited between people. A spark of humanity has lit a candle that has shown us the way, warmed us and continues to keep our hopes alive. For so many, this would otherwise be too devastating a story to even tell. What Mother Nature took from us human inspiration and compassion have given us. In a strange way, a balance has been struck. It is one that has always existed and most likely will for all time.
SOURCES
Social Media and Hurricane Sandy (Part One of the Blog Post Series)
Hurricane Sandy Facebook Page
Robin Hood Responds (Website)
Small Business, Social Media Saved My Town During Hurricane Sandy (Article)
Rebuild Long Beach (Fundraising site)
About Alison Gilbert
Through decades as an entrepreneur, I developed ventures in over a half a dozen industries including HEALTH FOOD | GRAPHIC DESIGN | BUSINESS PROMOTION | HOLISTIC HEALTH | DECORATIVE PAINTING | SOCIAL MEDIA | PUBLIC SPEAKING | WRITING. Eventually under the umbrella of ALISON*S ART, INC, they evolved into the dba MARKETING BYTES, a hybrid company specializing marketing small business using social media marketing and traditional graphic design services. Currently retired, I am focusing on teaching social media marketing graphic design and visual journalism. I can be messaged through www.facebook.com/alisondgilbert and tweeted @MktngBytesMaven and @AlisonsArt.
