Relief 2.0 Photo book

A picture is worth a thousand words and hopefully a photo book is worth a million hours of talk explaining and documenting efficient disaster response, solidarity and sustainable recovery with a focus on hope and achievements based on our field experiences in Japan, Haiti and field work in other countries.

The photo book is a testimony of the resilience of the Japanese and Haitian people and the effectiveness of disaster recovery strategies based on participation, enabling, empowerment of the disaster survivors with dignity and self-reliance through the promotion of social business and entrepreneurship.

Purchases of the Relief 2.0 Photo Book allow those interested in helping disaster areas to buy and get something back instead of making donations whose destiny is uncertain.

All profits from the series are 100% dedicated to the disaster survivors and the recovery of businesses in Japan and Haiti. A portion of the profits is reserved for printing the next edition of the books, turning the operation into a sustainable initiative.

Sections of the Photo Book

• Disaster Strikes: documents the extent of disaster through the lens of relief worker Robin Low and the early work of Relief 2.0 in Tohoku.
• Efficient Response: Teams of volunteers supported by mobile technologies and social networks.
  • Engagement, enabling and empowerment of local stakeholders.
  • Crowdsourcing, mobile technologies and social networks.
• Solidarity: Collaboration and engagement of local stakeholders and international volunteers.
  • International Activities.
  • Local Initiatives.
  • TEDx Events.
• The Way to Recovery: Sustainable recovery initiatives and resilience.
  • Social entrepreneurship and social business.
• Back on our Feet: Successful recovery initiatives and stories.
• Disaster Preparedness: What can and should be done to be ready before disaster strikes.

Below is an early list of the sections and pictures and stories selected for the Photo Book. You are welcome to suggest and submit additional stories and photos.

Each section includes two sets of pictures: one with the pictures to be included in the Photo Book and another with additional pictures that enhance the story or provide additional background and context which will remain in the on-line version of the book for those interested in learning more.

Help us select the best pictures and complete the stories, commenting and providing suggestions for each section below.