The 500 Year Flood
The latest round of floods in Iowa has been called by the media and government officials the 500 year flood. Regardless of what you call it, it is nothing short of miraculous how so many people have stepped up to help the thousands of people who have been impacted by this particular event. As I watched the news and the skies waiting for some relief from what seemed to be the never ending rains, it wasn't until this last week that some relief finally showed. And while it will be months before things get totally back to normal, there was at least the beginnings of some normalcy in Central Iowa.
Simpson College and the community of Indianola, IA, other than seeing a massive amount of rain, sits high enough and didn't see the devastating impact of the floods that so many other communities across the state of Iowa saw. But because of our proximity (12 miles from Des Moines), we were clearly impacted by the tragic stories of people and business who were negatively affected by the rising flood waters and knew that as a college community, it was our responsibility to respond and take an active role in helping our community, our friends, families and neighbors get back on their feet and once again see the normalcy that we in Indianola never really lost. Once we knew that things were critical in the Des Moines area, we knew we had to create plans and provide opportunities to help those who were in need. As a way to be active participants in our community, our college president made it clear to all employees that they could take paid time off from work to volunteer to help those who needed it most. This time off was not in exchange for personal time or vacation time and nor did the time missed from the office have to be made up at another time. It was a way to respond to a situation that needed an immediate response. Many of our staff at the college prior to the president making this announcement, chose to take their own time to help others less fortunate than themselves. Among the other ways the college stepped up and helped out, in place of a full day student life staff retreat, we condensed our retreat to a half day and the rest of the day, we made ourselves available to volunteer in Des Moines.
Not only were we prepared and willing to give of our time to volunteer, but we were also prepared to help out with resources. The NCAA National Track and Field Championships were in Des Moines and we made plans to provide housing for athletes and visitors who may have been displaced due to downtown Des Moines being evacuated. We also made plans to potentially house students from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines who were about to be moved out due to rising flood waters. While neither of these had to happen, we clearly knew it was our responsibility to help out when and where we could and to be ready should we be called upon. So many of our staff and students gave of their time and energy to help out and I know that should your institution be in the same position, they would do the same.
As I said, the clean up and the need for volunteers and resources is going to go on for months, not only in central Iowa, but across the state. As the waters recede across Iowa, please remember that the potential for flooding in other southern states is great as the water that started in Iowa makes its way down the Mississippi river. Be ready to help whenever and wherever you can.
Simpson College was fortunate. We sustained minimal if any damage from all of the rain. There are so many others who have lost everything and that cannot be forgotten. Step up where you can. Be an active participant in your community and give, support and volunteer however you can.
Let me know your thoughts, comments and feelings. I am also going to provide you with a listing of links to show you some of the devastation as well as how you may help out those who are in the most need.
Before and after photos of the flooding in Cedar Rapids
http://bluerobyn.mindsay.com/the_flood_of_2008_cedar_rapids_ia.mws
More images of the flooding across Iowa
http://cfapp2.rockymountainnews.com/photos/slideshow_main.cfm?xml=/photos/slideshows/061208flood/061208flood.xml&slideShowType=default&slideShowName=061208flood&dateCreated=06/12/08
The Red Cross is a great way to show support to those in need by volunteering your time and talents or support via a donation. The Red Cross is a nationwide organization that provides assistance not only to those in Iowa, but to people in need across the U.S.
http://www.redcross.org/
Coe College in Cedar Rapids was greatly impacted by the floods. Here is a link to campus updates and what they have been going through as well as the long road ahead for the college.
http://www.coe.edu/emergency.htm
Iowa City and the University of Iowa were also hit very hard in the recent floods. There are concerns that the university might not be ready to resume normal operations by the start of the fall semester due to the damage.
http://www.uiowa.edu/
The State of Iowa Flood website
http://flood2008.iowa.gov/
I'll end it all with a couple of quotes and I look forward to hearing from you.
~ A VOLUNTEER is a person who is a light to others, giving witness in a mixed-up age, doing well and willingly the tasks at hand-namely, being aware of another's needs and doing something about it. ~ author-Unknown.
~ If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. ~ author-Booker T. Washington