Summer Session: Week 4 Report
Hello All-
I hope that this blog finds you all well and happy. We’re currently in week 4 of our summer session, and it’s been eye opening. My transition from a volunteer in March, to now being Volunteer Coordinator has been extremely cool. It’s a lot of fun to be able to see Katrina Corps from two different perspectives. It’s neat to be able to recollect my experience as a volunteer, and then apply that to my job. The time down here seems to fly by, although New Orleans still retains its laid back, southern style of living.
The coolest thing for me has been, by far, meeting new volunteers each week. I’m constantly surprised by the attitudes of our volunteers. It is invigorating to be around people who are so cause-oriented. Despite being from different areas all over the country, and even world, we are all united by the single cause of bringing New Orleans back to where it was pre-Katrina. The interaction between volunteers is great as well. I like to watch volunteers who seemingly have nothing in common, sit around and talk for hours. It’s extremely gratifying to be down here, and I think I can speak for the entire crew down here, when I say that the Volunteers are really why we wake up early each morning.
We’ve been expanding our skills each week as well. We’ve done projects at Community Centers and schools, besides continuing to gut homes. We’re learning not only how to take something down, but also how to build things back up. Whether that is putting up drywall in La Place or painting classrooms at Benjamin Banneker Elementary, we’re getting a taste of the whole NOLA experience.
The crew is doing really well. Terry, Iver, Marshall, Ray and I have developed a strong rapport with each other, and I think that we’re all getting very used to how each other work. Things are falling into place, and we’re getting a lot done. The biggest problem that we have faced is the heat, which I must say is at times, VERY hot. But it is only an obstacle that we have worked through.
I think the people around here are truly realizing that we are in this for the long-haul. I think that most organizations have developed a great respect for Katrina Corps because we keep proving to everyone that “Impossible is Nothing.”
Peace and Love,
Spence Paschal
Volunteer Coordinator
Hi Spence,
Tara Byrne - June 20th, 2007 at 2:42 pmI am a part of a non-profit organization called Seattle Works and we would like to bring a group of around 12 volunteers down to New Orleans for about a week. The Katrina Corps program looks wonderful and I am VERY interested in making arrangements for the future. I have some questions about the program. Please give me a call so that we can get the ball rolling!
Thanks,
Tara
206-291-4029
Hello Spence,
Kira - June 29th, 2007 at 11:57 pmI just wanted to say thanks for the update on Katrina Corps. There is so much about this post that makes me feel inspired again. I think when we experience things that change us, as people we have a tendency to either run with those things or push them to the back of our minds in order to cope with the everyday. At least, that is kind of how I felt. I was very happy to be a part of katrina corps and reading this has made me excited all over again. I can’t wait to come back in a couple of weeks. Thanks alot,
Kira
Hey, Spence! Love the update. Love that you and the guys (Hi to Terry, Iver and Ray!) are proving that Katrina Corps can take the heat and still bring it on…
I’m jealous that I’m not with you…but I’m there in spirit.
Keep up the good work!
With love,
Pam - June 30th, 2007 at 3:20 pmPam
would love a reunion for everyone that was in new orleans during the week of Mar. 11 -18…………u no who u r!!!!!Come on kids…………
Betty Hilliard - July 9th, 2007 at 8:47 pmPam, Betty, Iver, Eric, Marshall, Ray, Terry, Keith - I love all of you and miss you!
I haven’t slept in so long due to the anxiety and suspense of going out there once again!
Betty, a reunion would be awesome.
Kira and I will be there TOMORROW (I can’t believe I’m finally saying this) along with our friend, Jill. It feels like a piece of me was lost and is now returning. It’s weird.
I hope everyone is doing well, and if you can make a spur-of-the-moment nola trip, betty - do it now! haha.
Kallie Caito - July 13th, 2007 at 4:52 pm