About this Project
The Direct Aid Initiative (DAI) is a humanitarian relief project intended to
build bridges of friendship and support with Iraqis displaced as the
result of the ongoing Iraqi crises through providing funds for crucial
medical expenses. DAI is a program of the Middle East Cultural and
Charitable Society founded in partnership with Electronic Iraq.
Philosophy
The intention of our work is to facilitate long-term relationships of
trust and communication between Iraqis and Americans. Through this
process, we believe this initiative can play a significant role in
bringing the voices, concerns, and perspectives of Iraqis more fully
into the discourse on Iraq in the United States, supporting an
engagement with the Iraqi people that is not solely predicated on a US
military presence.
This effort is not intended as charity. Rather, it is an attempt at
ongoing restitution to Iraqis for all that has been lost as a result of
devastating sanctions, the 2003 invasion, and the ongoing occupation.
How We Work
Families experiencing extreme unmet medical needs are identified by Iraqi team members on a case-by-case basis. Funds are solicited in the United States through speaking events, community gatherings, and through online and printed appeals.
Arrangements are then made to deliver funds directly to clinics, hospitals or other institutions to cover the costs of medical care. Receipts and other documentation demonstrate our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability, both to contributors and recipients.
Working with a team of Iraqis and Americans based both in Jordan and in the United States, the Direct Aid Initiative works closely in consultation with members of the Iraqi refugee community to ensure that aid is targeted where it can be most useful, promotes collaboration between the various Iraqi communities, and increases the self-sufficiency and resilience of our Iraqi partners. Aid is given on the basis of determined need, without religious, ethnic, or political discrimination.
We neither solicit nor will we accept funds from any organization affiliated with the government of the United States of America.
How You Can Help
DAI's work is made possible through the support of concerned people and families, primarily residents of the United States who oppose current US policy in Iraq and wish to contribute constructively to the needs of Iraqis. We rely on grassroots involvement to fund our efforts.
To make a secure online contribution to DAI's work, click here.
Checks can be made out to: "MECCS/DAI"
and sent by postal mail to DAI care of the Middle East Cultural and Charitable Society:
"MECCS/DAI"
P.O. Box 382425
Cambridge, MA 02238
The Direct Aid Initiative and ElectronicIraq.net are programs of the
Middle East Cultural and Charitable Society, Inc., which is exempt from
tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Your contribution
is tax deductible in the United States of America.
DAI maintains its own website at www.directaidiraq.org
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