Today is the six-month anniversary of the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that killed eleven workers, injured seventeen others, and triggered the largest marine oil spill in history. Communities in the region continue to face long-term economic and environmental impacts from the oil spill, but international attention has shifted away from recovery efforts. Gulf Coast residents are feeling forgotten.

To mark the anniversary, Ushahidi is collaborating with the Louisiana Bucket Brigade to launch a solidarity campaign that will give people around the world the chance to send messages of sympathy and support to Gulf Coast residents.

The solidarity campaign builds on the Oil Spill Crisis Map that was implemented by the Louisiana Bucket Brigade in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Powered by Ushahidi, the map was created for citizens of the Gulf Coast to speak out and give testimony about how the spill has threatened their communities. The interactive map displays reports of oil sightings, affected animals, odors, health effects, loss of livelihood and other impacts.

Multi-media journalist Jon Shuler gives us a glimpse at the work of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade and life in Gulf Coast communities in this video:

Louisiana Bucket Brigade from Ushahidi on Vimeo.

We’re hoping the video will inspire people to stand with residents of the Gulf Coast by posting messages of support on the Oil Spill Crisis map. The goal of the campaign is to crowd-source solidarity and populate the map with messages from people around the world. To participate, send a message including your current location or hometown (city, state / province, country) via:

Twitter: using the hashtag #gcsolidarity (or #BPspillmap)
Text Message:  +1 504 272 7645 (+1 504 27 27 OIL)
Email: bpspillmap@gmail.com
Or visit oilspill.labucketbrigade.org and “submit an incident”

Don’t forget to tell your friends!