about make agent orange history.org
America is at its best when it responds to humanitarian concerns and works to promote hope and dignity among people in need. We all have an opportunity to do this in Vietnam today and close wounds from the past.
Thirty-five years after the end of the Vietnam War, harmful effects of Agent Orange/dioxin contamination are still being felt by millions in Vietnam. According to the Red Cross, three million Vietnamese have been affected by Agent Orange, including 150,000 of today’s children who were born with serious birth defects. Beyond this generational impact, the number of affected people continues to grow due to the persistence of several toxic and hazardous “hot spots” where the herbicides were stored, leaked or spilled during the war.
But there’s hope. Groups in the U.S. and Vietnam are working together to break this devastating cycle and bring hope and dignity to families in Vietnam. This website will showcase that work, provide easy ways for others to get involved and create a community of people working side-by-side to make Agent Orange history.
About the name
In early 2010, we heard about a high school student from Hanoi-Amsterdam High School who came to the U.S. to finish up her final year at Washington, D.C.’s School Without Walls. For her senior project, she decided to focus on generating support for families in Vietnam who were suffering the effects of Agent Orange. In addition to putting together educational materials, a video and an informational event, she started a Facebook group to create a community of supporters. She named the group Make Agent Orange History, and rallied her fellow students and community members to raise over $1,000 for health care and rehabilitative services in Vietnam.
Her inspirational story is one of many that demonstrates what is possible with a little bit of information and determination. As a tribute to her and in an effort to build the movement, we’ve named our site after her work.
About us
This website was conceptualized by Active Voice, with generous support from the Ford Foundation. Active Voice uses film, television and digital media to spark social change. Our team of strategic communications specialists works with media makers, funders, advocates and thought leaders to put a human face on the issues of our times. Since our inception in 2001, Active Voice has built a diverse portfolio of campaigns focusing on issues including immigration, criminal justice, healthcare and sustainability.