Wow! Why is it that all the disasters seem to happen in January, or right at the end of December so that all of January overshadowed by them?

Using Our Skills to Help…

The SEO community, along with all the other communities on Twitter, Facebook and other social media channels, quickly started using whatever skills they possess to get the word out and help with what’s going on in Haiti right now. The poorest country in the Western hemisphere was struck by a powerful  7.0 earthquake on January 12 with a devastating result that is still only just emerging.

Last year it was the attacks on Gaza. which began on December 27 2008 and dampened our spirits throughout the month of January, also triggering a massive social media response. Before that, on December 26, 2004, the entire world was shocked at the worst Tsunami in history which caused an earth-shattering level of death and destruction in the countries bordering the Indian Ocean. Indonesia bore the brunt, and over a quarter of a million people lost their lives, although some estimates put the number much higher.

Step Back and Take a Deep Breath

It’s sometimes hard to focus on the good that is all around us at times like these. But I have personally been moved to tears by some of the truly great selfless acts I have witnessed over the past few days.

That’s why I especially appreciate efforts on the part of my Twitter friends to raise awareness and funds to help the people of Haiti. They are unstinting and as of January 16, social media efforts together had raised an amazing US8 million for Haiti relief.

A Wall Street Journal article pinpointed the many ways in which Twitter has been particularly useful to worldwide efforts to help the people of Haiti. Twitter and Facebook have been used for locating lost relatives, raising awareness on the magnitude of this disaster, and even coordinating relief efforts.

Here are some of the millions of Tweets that are focusing on Hait right now:

Elsewhere on the Web…

Google Crisis Response page

Hatian-Americans turn to Facebook in search for loved ones.

& Midnight Moguls is Born

I am particularly excited, and honored, to be part of a wonderful movement just being started up by Scott ‘Social Media’ Allen @ScottAllanto help those who are out of work due to the sagging economy right now.

He set up Midnight Moguls as a hub where in return for an offer of help for those affected by the present economic crisis you get a little promotion by Midnight Mogul members. Please support us and spread the word to people you know, especially on Twitter.

In addition to helping out over at the Midnight Moguls website, I am offering resume-editing for anyone looking for a job right now. You can Tweet me @ISpeakSEOif you want more info.

What can you give back to the community?