Mercy Corps. www.mercycorps.org/about-us
"Powered by possible."
'In crisis, we believe in the power of human potential. In struggle, we believe in the ability of communities to grow stronger.
The world is more fragile than ever. Food shortages have left millions of people hungry, while violent conflict has sent millions on the run. From poverty and malnutrition to natural disasters and climate change, it’s easy to see a world of insurmountable challenges. Instead, we see an opportunity to create transformative change. And with your help, we can make that change a reality.'
The world is more fragile than ever. Food shortages have left millions of people hungry, while violent conflict has sent millions on the run. From poverty and malnutrition to natural disasters and climate change, it’s easy to see a world of insurmountable challenges. Instead, we see an opportunity to create transformative change. And with your help, we can make that change a reality.'
Who Are They?
Mercy Corps. is a worldwide humanitarian NGO dedicated to 'alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, protective and just communities'. They focus on environments in which natural disasters, economic collapse, and/or crisis occur. It was co-founded in 1979 by Ellsworth Culver and Dan O'Neill, and is based in Portland, Oregon. A European Headquarters is located in Scotland. |
Core Values
- We believe in the intrinsic value and dignity of human life.
- We are awed by human resilience, and believe in the ability of all people to thrive, not just exist.
- We believe that all people have the right to live in peaceful communities and participate fully in the decisions that affect their lives.
- We value stewardship of the earth’s health, pledging to accountably and efficiently preserve and manage its resources.
- We believe that it is our duty to be effective stewards of the financial resources entrusted to us.
www.mercycorps.org/about-us/our-mission
Our Strategy for Change
- Focus on places in transition, where conflict, disaster, political upheaval or economic collapse present opportunities to challenge the status quo and build more secure, productive and just communities.
- Provide emergency relief in times of crisis, then move quickly to help communities recover and build resilience to future shocks.
- Promote sustainable change by supporting initiatives that are community-led, market-driven and promote good governance.
- Seek innovation that creates major breakthroughs against poverty and lasting change in the places we work.
www.mercycorps.org/about-us/our-work
How can they help?
In the novel 1984, the extent of human rights violations is so severe that it is difficult to know exactly how far the extremes reach. With the Party lying about food rations (1), choosing to stay at constant war (2), not providing proper medical care to citizens other than those in the inner party (3), and criminalizing any sort of sexual activity (4), many different services from Mercy Corps. could be gratefully accepted and put to good use.
(1) "As short a time ago as February, the Ministry of Plenty had issued a promise (a "categorical pledge" were the official words) that there would be no reduction of the chocolate ration during 1984. Actually, as Winston was aware, the chocolate ration was to be reduced from thirty grams to twenty at the end of the present week." (Orwell 67)
(2) "Winston could not definitely remember a time when his country had not been at war." (Orwell 12)
"Since about that time, war had been literally continuous, though strictly speaking it had not always been the same war." (Orwell 40)
(3) "The next moment he was doubled up by a violent coughing fit which nearly always attacked him soon after waking up. It emptied his lungs so completely that he could only begin breathing again by lying on his back and taking a series of deep gasps. His veins had swelled with the effort of the cough, and the varicose ulcer had started itching." (Orwell 7)
(4) 'When he had gone with that woman it had been his first lapse in two years or thereabouts. Consorting with prostitutes was forbidden, of course, but it was one of those rules that you could occasionally nerve yourself to break. It was dangerous, but it was not a life-and-death matter. To be caught with a prostitute might mean five years in a forced-labor camp: not more, if you had committed no other offence." (Orwell 49)
“Four, five, six - seven times they met during the month of June. Winston had dropped his habit of drinking gin at all hours. He seemed to have lost the need for it.” (Orwell 157).
(1) "As short a time ago as February, the Ministry of Plenty had issued a promise (a "categorical pledge" were the official words) that there would be no reduction of the chocolate ration during 1984. Actually, as Winston was aware, the chocolate ration was to be reduced from thirty grams to twenty at the end of the present week." (Orwell 67)
(2) "Winston could not definitely remember a time when his country had not been at war." (Orwell 12)
"Since about that time, war had been literally continuous, though strictly speaking it had not always been the same war." (Orwell 40)
(3) "The next moment he was doubled up by a violent coughing fit which nearly always attacked him soon after waking up. It emptied his lungs so completely that he could only begin breathing again by lying on his back and taking a series of deep gasps. His veins had swelled with the effort of the cough, and the varicose ulcer had started itching." (Orwell 7)
(4) 'When he had gone with that woman it had been his first lapse in two years or thereabouts. Consorting with prostitutes was forbidden, of course, but it was one of those rules that you could occasionally nerve yourself to break. It was dangerous, but it was not a life-and-death matter. To be caught with a prostitute might mean five years in a forced-labor camp: not more, if you had committed no other offence." (Orwell 49)
“Four, five, six - seven times they met during the month of June. Winston had dropped his habit of drinking gin at all hours. He seemed to have lost the need for it.” (Orwell 157).
Services
Mercy Corps. does a lot of work involving emergency situations. Thus, they always have supplies on them to help others - 'food, blankets, and other essential supplies' (as stated on their website). Emergency supplies would be extremely helpful to the Proles as they are nearly completely ignored by their government during an era of constant war. Not only does Ingsoc not provide any sort of medical attention to more than 80% of the population (the Proles), but they also do not provide food as they would to Party members. Party members may have strict yet ever-changing ration but they always have some sort of food. Therefore, Mercy Corps.' emergency supplies and healthcare would be very helpful for the Proles. Mercy Corps could also provide shelter to those who are in need, especially during the war when bombs are constantly falling over London.
Further, in terms of health care, some outer Party members could also be aided by these services. Winston lives each day with a painful varicose ulcer on his ankle that constantly itches and flakes. Throughout the entirety of the book, he is never seen by a doctor and does not attempt to see one - he knows that the government will not waste supplies on someone like him who could easily be vaporized, especially as he is not young or healthy in any way.
Finally, Mercy Corps could help to rebuild the government. Obviously enough, the government of Oceania is the largest problem in the novel - they are the reason why Mercy Corps' aid is needed in the first place. A government reform would solve the issue of lack of healthcare and would likely increase food rations, if not get rid of rations in total. The war would stop (as the Party wants constant war to be able to control its people - in times of crisis, people become dependent on their government) and it would become much easier to better the economy and allow Proles to bring in more income for their families. Poverty levels would drop immensely. This is another way the lack of food could be solved as a higher income means more money to purchase food, or invest in livestock.
As well, a government reform would mean new laws and the discontinuation of forced celibacy. Overall health of all citizens would improve as being sexually active has been proven both in studies and in the novel to increase health. After being with Julia several times in the novel, Winston's overall health increased, with him not feeling the need to drink victory gin anymore. His varicose ulcer shrunk in size, stopped itching, and he no longer suffered from coughing fits in the morning. (5).
Essentially, Mercy Corps.' aid is vital to the reconstruction of the government and economy, eliminating poverty, and for increasing the overall health and happiness of Oceanic citizens. Many of their services are much-needed and would be put to good use in Oceania in 1984.
Further, in terms of health care, some outer Party members could also be aided by these services. Winston lives each day with a painful varicose ulcer on his ankle that constantly itches and flakes. Throughout the entirety of the book, he is never seen by a doctor and does not attempt to see one - he knows that the government will not waste supplies on someone like him who could easily be vaporized, especially as he is not young or healthy in any way.
Finally, Mercy Corps could help to rebuild the government. Obviously enough, the government of Oceania is the largest problem in the novel - they are the reason why Mercy Corps' aid is needed in the first place. A government reform would solve the issue of lack of healthcare and would likely increase food rations, if not get rid of rations in total. The war would stop (as the Party wants constant war to be able to control its people - in times of crisis, people become dependent on their government) and it would become much easier to better the economy and allow Proles to bring in more income for their families. Poverty levels would drop immensely. This is another way the lack of food could be solved as a higher income means more money to purchase food, or invest in livestock.
As well, a government reform would mean new laws and the discontinuation of forced celibacy. Overall health of all citizens would improve as being sexually active has been proven both in studies and in the novel to increase health. After being with Julia several times in the novel, Winston's overall health increased, with him not feeling the need to drink victory gin anymore. His varicose ulcer shrunk in size, stopped itching, and he no longer suffered from coughing fits in the morning. (5).
Essentially, Mercy Corps.' aid is vital to the reconstruction of the government and economy, eliminating poverty, and for increasing the overall health and happiness of Oceanic citizens. Many of their services are much-needed and would be put to good use in Oceania in 1984.