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Dear colleagues in California and the greater IB global community,
The California fires dominating the global news have been insurmountably devastating for families in the Los Angeles region. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this horrible event. For our California schools, please remember that CAWS is there to serve and advocate for you however we can. We all see the immediate impact of what is happening in the LA region, but know the unforeseen long-term effects will be equally challenging. For our California colleagues, whether advocating through the state or with IBO, CAWS will always be your main point of contact for information, advocacy and support.
We have also heard from colleagues in the IB global community who are looking for ways to help. People in the affected areas have shared that more targeted community support is desperately needed. In the coming weeks, CAWS will be developing an "adopt a school" approach to provide additional support to families and teachers in the IB communities in these impacted areas. We will share that information with everyone as we receive it. Currently, CAWS has identified two ways you can directly help communities in the area.
School districts in the impacted regions are routing donations through their existing foundations to provide immediate support for families, students and staff. Los Angeles Unified has set up this direct link for donations. CAWS is hearing more specific details from colleagues in Pasadena Unified, which serves the Altadena neighborhood, where five schools suffered damage, 1300 staff members lost homes and upwards of 10,000 people might be displaced. Please consider donating to the Pasadena Education Foundation's fire relief fund. The National Day Laborer Organizing Network, NDLON, has opened an Immigrant Fire Relief Fund and is assisting displaced workers and their families. CAWS has vetted these organizations and feels they are the best way to provide immediate support to families in these areas.
Finally, in the coming months as IB schools and students globally consider ways to help these communities rebuild and heal, please share your efforts with CAWS' Executive Director Robin Oliver or any of our CAWS board members so we can disseminate that information and provide ways for you to network with other IB schools to support your efforts.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone in the Los Angeles area in this difficult time.
On behalf of the CAWS board,
Mike and Robin
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