Direct Aid Iraq

[eridani]

Direct Aid Iraq
<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=%2BfqQONL%2Bbii7I4dhZwgcxp8YdQxyCzZa>

Dear Alexandrina, Haifa'a can see again. Months ago, she was shot in the face by a militia for failing to obey their commands in her Baghdad neighborhood. The horrific ammunition used - which was bought with US tax dollars allocated for "training and arming Iraqi security forces" - destroyed much of one side of Haifa'a's face, taking one eye completely and making her blind in the other. But, thanks to the contributions of engaged DAI supporters like you, today Haifa'a's sight has been restored. While her physical healing is nearly complete, her journey toward building a new life is just beginning. Thanks to your investment in peace, and the essential work of our Iraqi team members in the Middle East, she and many other displaced Iraqis now have that opportunity. Read more about other recent recipients of DAI support here <http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=NaBjEuii6Xe7I4dhZwgcxp8YdQxyCzZa> . Here are some other updates on our ongoing work and opportunities for action:



DAI receives Empowers Grant You may not be aware that DAI was recently honored by progressive technology services provider Democracy in Action with their Empowers Grant

<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=O2twO4nyzfi7I4dhZwgcxp8YdQxyCzZa> , which provides a year of full access to their cutting-edge suite of tools for online advocacy and organizing. We're grateful to Democracy in Action for this recognition, and are already hard at work putting these tools to use in support of our mission. Because of Democracy in Action's help, it has never been easier for you to help us stand with Iraqis displaced by war and chaos in the Middle East. New Name, Same Commitment Since we began this work early last year, this effort has been called "The Direct Aid Initiative". Recently, at the suggestion of Iraqi members of the DAI team, we made the decision to change our name to more clearly reflect our focus. From now on, you will see us use the name Direct Aid Iraq. Thanks to generous and gifted volunteers, a new logo is in the final stages, and you'll see exciting changes to the Direct Aid Iraq website www.directaidiraq.org

http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=npICP20WXN27I4dhZwgcxp8YdQxyCzZa - in coming weeks. Next Steps for DAI So, a year into this developing effort, where does Direct Aid Iraq go from here? What can we do to better support our Iraqi partners? We have plans. And your help is needed, now. In just a few months, we've grown from a small group of friends and family members working to help one Iraqi friend to a dynamic network that has provided support to 36 people in urgent need to date (including, most recently, Haifa'a.

We have a vision that we hope you share: This vision is a network of people across the United States who are regularly informed of our ongoing work, and who are ready to respond at short notice to help meet the needs of Iraqis as we encounter them - because in many cases, people we encounter with severe medical needs have very little time. We call this vision the Direct Aid Network. But our vision won't be achieved without significantly growing our community of engaged, supportive activists and friends. This is where you come in. And you can make a huge difference, right now. How You Can Help We've set a goal of connecting with 50 new supporters in the next week. And we know we can reach and exceed that goal, if you'll take action today. Here are three important ways you can help:

Share our work with five friends from your address book. By clicking on the link below, you can easily send an email to five people who you believe share our commitment to direct aid for Iraqis, and who would like to get involved.

Spread the word about direct aid to Iraq's displaced <http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=EwnC2XPQylS7I4dhZwgcxp8YdQxyCzZa>



Join our Facebook Cause, and reach out to your Friends. If you're on Facebook, you can join Direct Aid's Iraq's "Cause", a feature that lets you tell people you support our work, give online, and encourage others to do so. Just search "Direct Aid Iraq" in the Causes application after you've logged in, or follow this http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=Dh1tQI8sCU27I4dhZwgcxp8YdQxyCzZa> . Once you've joined, you can easily invite Friends in your networks to support Direct Aid Iraq.

Donate. As always, you can support the urgent medical needs of displaced Iraqis by giving securely online now

http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=2mHza%2BNuvMBAZSnu18lKiw%3D%3D. Your gift of even a few dollars will help a family move from waiting and praying for support to beginning the long journey of healing. Maybe it's a crucial surgery, or a vital medicine. Whatever the need, your gift is an act of solidarity, and an investment in peace.

Please act now, and help us grow this network of solidarity and service - your action will help grow a community that will save lives. Thank you again for your ongoing support, and for your commitment to standing with Iraq's displaced in this dark time. For the Iraqi and American members of the Direct Aid Iraq team, Noah Baker Merrill