Motivated by a strong ambition to facilitate sustainable development in the Caribbean country of Haiti, UC Haiti Initiative at UCSB was founded in April 2010. UCHI @ UCSB is driven by students, faculty, researchers, and affiliates. We are interested in leveraging aggregate resources in support of our Haitian partners’ collective visions as they continue to organize around principles of higher education and sustainable community development. By collaborating with Haitian academia and other UC campus chapters, UCHI @ UCSB is working to promote growth and development within the Haitian communities most deeply affected by the aftermath of the earthquake.

Some accomplishments of the UCSB chapter include raising $50,000 in relief funds immediately following the earthquake, a panel discussion with Haitian journalist Wadner Pierre, and hosting speakers such as human rights lawyer Nicole Philips, Haitian activist Pierre LaBoissiere, and author Jeb Sprague to discuss the current political state of Haiti. Currently, the UCSB chapter is committed to building a stronger network of passionate members throughout the student body, faculty, and community of Santa Barbara.

In an effort to outreach to different facets of the UCSB community, there are new leadership positions open to those studying French, Economics, Law, and Agronomy. If you are currently studying any of these disciplines or have an interest in working to increase the availability of information about Haiti and Haitian redevelopment on the UC campuses, we invite you to learn how you can get involved. Please contact Sierra Griffin at ucsb.director@uchaiti.org for any questions or to join this chapter.

On Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/uchaiti.ucsb/

Contact:

Sierra Griffin, UCSB Chapter Director
ucsb.director@uchaiti.org