Writers for Puerto Rico

An initiative launched by screenwriters Brian Duffield and Liz Hannah.

Two wonderful people and talented screenwriters Brian Duffield and Liz Hannah have launched a campaign for writers to help with the relief effort for Puerto Rico which, as you know, was hammered by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. I sent Liz and Brian a few questions to learn more about this initiative. Here are their responses:

Why Writers for Puerto Rico?

Liz: The writing community is a huge, diverse, unique family. For the most part, it is also very opinionated and politically active. We felt that this was a way to activate this group and unite as one voice to try and make a change.

Duffield: I think 2017 has felt like the “dark night of the soul” for so many of us. If you even just look back at see all the horrible crap that’s happened since Puerto Rico got hit, it can be really overwhelming and crippling. When Liz mentioned this idea, I instantly sparked to it, because I just felt like I had to do something.

Was there a specific moment of inspiration to take on this initiative and if so, what was it?

Liz: It wasn’t necessarily specific. It was more so that as the days after the hurricane went by, we were just appalled by the lack of help the government was providing to these American citizens. that so many (still!) are without water and power. A fundraiser felt like a way to immediately respond and bring some positivity. We obviously want to raise as much money as we can, but we also want to raise awareness. And let the people of Puerto Rico know that we see them and are with them.

Do either of you have a personal connection to Puerto Rico or is this more about, “These are American citizens who are suffering, we have to do something?”

Liz: Neither of us have a direct personal connection to Puerto Rico. This was very much a response to American citizens suffering and being ignored.

Duffield: I grew up in Ireland, which roughly has the same population as Puerto Rico. So that connection sort of exploded in my brain, because it’s unfathomable that Ireland could be without power or aid for this long (and not just because of obvious geographical differences).

So, someone makes a contribution at the Writers for Puerto Rico Crowdrise page. Where does the money go?

Maria: All the proceeds go to united for Puerto Rico. It is a non-profit dedicated to helping the people of hurricane Irma and Maria.

What has been the response so far?

Liz: It’s been really amazing. Seeing so many people that we know, and many that we don’t, uniting behind this cause has been truly inspiring. We raised nearly $6,000 in less than a week and we want to keep it going!

Other than making a contribution, how can writers — or anybody for that matter — help?

Liz: Spread the word! Raising awareness is almost as important as sending as much money their way as we can. This is also not just for writers! Everyone should feel welcome to tweet, Facebook, email, and (obviously) donate.

Duffield: We really don’t care how much you donate, whether it’s a dollar or more. Everything helps!

Check out this video for United for Puerto Rico.

Okay, writers. Let’s do this. This is one way social media can actually do some good. We’re writers! Let’s use our WORDS to spread THE word!

The Writers for Puerto Rico campaign officially starts NOW! If you’ve got ideas how to make this effort spearheaded by Liz and Brian, you can reach out to them here:

Twitter: @itslizhannah, @BrianDuffield.

Donate to Writers for Puerto Rico.