louisiana
It is difficult to put into words what we have experienced through our on-going efforts, but what follows are a few
reflections from some of us who have had this amazing opportunity to do a small piece of the massive amount of work that is still to be done in and around New Orleans. Get the full texts
here. Watch our video here.
“This trip was such a great time, but it was so much more than that. We all learned so much. I think people need to know most of all that the problems in New Orleans have far from disappeared. For so long it had been forgotten and ignored, while famous celebrities have broken up, and Cheney shot a man. But the destruction and the horrible fates of many lives is still alive and surrounding all who live down there.”
“I think people need to understand the extent of the damage that we saw. It wasn't just one road or neighborhood, but actually miles and miles and towns and towns of obliterated houses and lives. The damage is ineffable, and you need to
know that even though Katrina may not be on the front page anymore, it doesn't mean that it's anywhere near taken care of.”
"The people in New Orleans feel forgotten above all else. Besides having no shelter and all the other losses they suffered, they feel completely abandoned by their government."
"New Orleans is hurting just as badly, or worse, than everybody says it is. Also, it’s virtually empty of assistance to the naked eye."
There's no one there. Just residents trying to rebuild their lives. Who’s going to help them?"
"It sounds idealistic, but I think that people need to start calling supermarkets, manufacturers, clothing stores, EVERYONE, and ask them to make donations and help. And everyone else just needs to get people down there to get the job done."
“I’ve never had such a strong purpose for my life before. This experience has given me something to think about and something to work on. As hopeless as it seems, giving up, not doing anything, is not an option for me anymore.”
"Now that I'm home, all I can think about is getting back there as soon as possible. There is nothing that is more worth doing than being there and doing anything I can to make a difference."
"I cannot even attempt to explain in words or pictures the magnitude of the destruction and tragedy that has occurred in New Orleans. The one clear thing I can bring back to people at home is that everyone and anyone can make a difference. If you have the resources to go down to New Orleans yourself, do that. While your work will be greatly appreciated, you will also learn more from the experience than you ever thought possible. Also, every little donation, whether it be cash or materials, makes a difference."
"The greatest thing I learned down there is that it doesn't take much to help the world in a profound way. You don't need a Ph.D. or a college degree, or even a high school diploma. You don't need a million people, or a million dollars. You just need determination. I'll sum up my point with this quote from Margaret Meade which everyone always overuses: 'Never doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world; after all, it's the only thing that ever has'."
“Now that I’ve been there, all I see when I look at the situation is corruption. I see a government that is broke, with an army that is in Iraq instead of its own country where it is needed, and people who are too caught up in organizing to actually start working. It’s sad when a group of teenagers and under-age-30 volunteers is the only group in a twenty mile radius that is actually making a real difference in people's lives.”