The CIDI has traditionally worked closely with university-based foreign student groups and international studies programs around the country to promote appropriate giving in response to international emergencies. This session was the first event held on a university campus for students pursuing careers in service and leadership.

Since 1988, under a grant from the United States Agency for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, the CIDI has handled tens of thousands of public and corporate inquiries related to international emergencies. By educating target groups most likely to be involved in inappropriate collections of materials, the Center strives to reduce the historically poor practice of miscellaneous, inappropriate collections of materials destined for disaster sites around the world.

The CIDI training program highlights many of the widely-held misconceptions about international disaster relief and the resulting problems faced by the disaster-affected countries, relief agencies, and the victims as recipients of inappropriate aid. The presentation was followed by a lively question and answer session and role-playing exercises.

Assistant Director of the Leadership Program, Ms. Heather Hare, expressed her appreciation to the CIDI Director and commented: “…the intense student interest was directly related to the unique ability of the CIDI staff to communicate its message. You are communicating some very important information.”