NEWORLEANS_VOLUNTEER's Blog

September 11th, 2007

Peace. On this day six years ago, I woke up to interview Ralph Reynolds of RP55 fame about designs for a denim round-up I'd been assigned to write. Before the sun peaked over downtown LA, he dialed me to warn that the World Trade Centers had crumbled to the ground. I turned on the TV and watched until my eyes hurt.

The sky was falling. And we feared it might fall in every major city. There was no interview. Ralph ended the call with a distracted "Happy Birthday, Katina" - this was the day that I turned 27.

With the exception of August 29, 2005 -- the day Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast -- no day has been more significant since. For me and many of my artist friends who are connected to Manhattan it renewed our commitment to birthing art that inspires social change. I had the good fortune of being able to re-enroll in grad school (since most of my fashion work was indefinitely on hold). I retreated to an artist residency in Florida with Saul Williams, Carrie Mae Weems, DJ Spooky, Alan Berliner and a collective of international media makers and performance artists who taught me to test the boundaries of art as public intervention.

Today, I turn 33. If you are into numerology, you know this is my Christ-like year - a year of sincere devotion to my principles. For my 33rd year, I am promising myself the type of creative freedom and boundless joy known mostly to suburban teens on summer break. My mother, my greatest fan, has promised that amazing things will happen for me at the beginning of 2008 - others have foretold the same. And I believe it all one hundred, one thousand percent.

Two weeks ago, I was in New Orleans to mark the 2-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. When Katrina first hit, I was in Atlanta and once again found myself watching TV until my eyes hurt. Day in and day out of rapidly deteriorating living conditions and not enough people to help - I was stunned into action. I'm not from the Gulf Coast, never lived there. Don't have any family there. But as someone who is strongly rooted in my Spencer, Oklahoma stomping grounds and all the life-affirming ways that long, hot summers on my great grandmother's farm shaped me and even saved me from my gnawing teenage angst, I have tremendous compassion for people who can never return home.

In my family, I am the griot - the keeper of photos, videos, birthdays, traditions and customs. When I think of all of our keepsakes washed away, or when I think of the home that housed everyone I've ever loved in a state of prolonged and unnecessary neglect, it rattles my bones.

For my 33rd year, I am committed to rallying 5,000 volunteers to rebuild in the Gulf Coast. I am doing so through New Orleans: A Labor of Love, a grass-roots, web-based, public awareness campaign that I designed for this specific purpose. Awareness about the Gulf Coast's ongoing need for volunteers is being created through campus/church/community screenings of my documentary New Orleans: A Labor of Love, which follows 18 college student volunteers during their recent trip to work in the city. And our website www.nolaboroflove.com serves as a user-supported clearinghouse where interested volunteers can connect with assignments, tips and resources.

Please check out our trailer at www.nolaboroflove.com.

A year ago, I didn't know that I had this to do. And even once I knew, I tried to negotiate with God - it's a tremendous amount of work and, young though I am, some days I get tired of running. But this is my journey, an assigned opportunity to fully realize my purpose. Now that I've surrendered, everything is falling into place. We've received great coverage from NPR's News and Notes with Farai Chideya, BlackEnterprise.com, the Yolanda Adams show, the Warren Ballentine Show, BlackAmericaWeb, the Black Collegian, etc. And all types of material resources have been offered.

But we need money to fund this vision. Ducats. Coins. Fudiciary. Dinero, people, dinero -- this is where you come in.

Today, in lieu of flowers and gifts (which I know you were planning to send), I'd really appreciate it if you'd make a tax-deductible donation of $100 (or any other amount from $10-$10,000): https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=330767921&PcaItemId=14353.

It's been a long road. After 33 years, I have finally come into alignment as a lover, student and connoisseur of the human fabric. A storyteller, filmmaker, photographer, writer, graphic designer, activist, educator. And whatever else God asks me to do. I'll do it to the "nth" power, with your support. It only gets better from here. Because it has to and because we're here together to make a lasting difference.

I really appreciate your presence in my life.

Much love,
Katina v3.3 aka "a work in progress"
https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=330767921&PcaItemId=14353

What is New Orleans: A Labor of Love?
New Orleans: A Labor of Love is a one-of-a-kind, grassroots, web-based public awareness campaign to recruit a minimum of 5,000 volunteers to participate in reconstructing the city during 2008.

Currently, there is no other service like this available to New Orleans volunteers.

Awareness about the ongoing need for volunteers in the city is being created through screenings and videocasts of the New Orleans: A Labor of Love documentary, which follows 18 Los Angeles Valley College students and their professor during their recent volunteering experience.

Beginning on August 28, 2007 (the 2-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina) excerpts from the documentary will begin videocasting here at www.nolaboroflove.com. Fall 2007 screenings of the documentary are being scheduled for universities, colleges, churches, and community centers.

Interested volunteers will be able to register at the site beginning August 28, 2007. They will then be connected to the most up-to-date information about volunteering opportunities, lodging, transportation, etc.

Our ability to launch the campaign on August 28, 2007 is dependent on your generous tax-deductible donation.

How does the www.nolaboroflove site benefit people?
The www.nolaboroflove site contributes to the rebuilding of homes and lives of New Orleanians by:

* Educating high school and college students about disaster relief and gentrification.
* Assisting professors/community leaders with organizing student groups to volunteer
* Keeping the general public informed about the true state of reconstruction work through updated blogs and videocasts.

What is your funding goal?
We will raise $100,000 via online contributions and grants to support our public awareness campaign. Your generous support will help us reach that goal.

How can I donate?
There are 3 ways that we are able to accept donations:
* Monthly credit/debit card donations via Paypal
* One-time donations via Paypal
* Check or money order made payable to our fiscal sponsor the IHCenter:

IHC/NEW ORLEANS: A LABOR OF LOVE
PO Box 923
Malibu, CA 90265

I am unable to donate now - can I donate later?
Yes, to donate at a later date, e-mail us and we'll send you a reminder: reminder@nolaboroflove.com.

What does my donation fund?
Your donation contributes to:

* Completion of the New Orleans: A Labor of Love documentary to be screened at colleges, universities, churches, etc. during Fall 2007 in order to recruit volunteers
* One web moderator and 4 student interns to coordinate resources for interested volunteers
* E-mail campaigns and web ads to recruit volunteers
* Targeted recruiting through Myspace, Facebook and BlackPlanet.
* Hope for the city of New Orleans and other cities that need significant volunteer assistance to recover from natural disasters and general neglect.

Are there visibility opportunities available for donors?
Yes, please see our sponsorship brackets where we've outlined visibility opportunities like being listed in the credits of the New Orleans: A Labor of Love documentary, web banner ads, logo placement on T-shirts, and signage at screenings.

What do I receive in return for my donation?
All donors, no matter how large or small the donation, will receive a tax receipt from the International Humanities Center and a thank you note from New Orleans: A Labor of Love. Additional visibility entitlements will be extended according to the dollar amount of your donation. Please see our sponsorship brackets where we've outlined visibility opportunities like being listed in the credits of the New Orleans: A Labor of Love documentary, web banner ads, logo placement on T-shirts, and signage at screenings.

Why do you have to raise money to recruit volunteers?
For the campaign to reach people, we have to develop compelling marketing materials and resources explaining why volunteers are still needed in New Orleans and the personal benefits of volunteering.

Screening the documentary New Orleans: A Labor of Love is an essential component of spreading this message because it follows a group of student volunteers in New Orleans who enjoyed their volunteering experience so much that they adopted the families whose homes they rebuilt and continue to seek services for them, like furniture donations for their newly built homes.

When and where will the film screen?
Screenings are currently being booked for Fall 2007 at colleges/universities and with community groups. The film will be available as a DVD. Limited BETA SP copies will be available.
If you are interested in hosting a screening, please e-mail screenings@nolaboroflove.com.

Also, excerpts of the film will be videocast at www.nolaboroflove.com beginning August 28, 2007.

How can I volunteer?
Our registration system is currently being set up and will be available on August 28, 2007. To be notified, subscribe to our e-newsletter: news@nolaboroflove.com.

Who can volunteer?
We are focused on recruiting students, however, anyone with a good attitude can register as a volunteer through www.nolaboroflove.com.

There are many ways to contribute: people are needed to gut and build homes and help fill out paperwork for elderly/disabled people; lawyers are needed to assist the many people who have been defrauded by shady contractors; engineers are needed to advise on rebuilding; medical professionals are needed to assist with general and emergency care; educators are needed to re-staff the schools. Whatever skill set you have, you can bet that it is needed in New Orleans.

To find out more about volunteer opportunities, visit: www.nolaboroflove.com/vol_opps.php.

How will you help volunteers?
To volunteer successfully in disaster relief areas like New Orleans it's important that the most up-to-date information about volunteer opportunities, lodging, food, transportation, and tips are made available regularly.

Situations in disaster relief areas are sometimes unpredictable and can be rather frustrating. For instance, it is difficult for volunteers to get out-of-state checks cashed in New Orleans, due to precautions that local banks and check cashing places are taking to avoid fraud. If you've raised funds to volunteer through your school or church and funds are being made available via check, you need to deposit/cash your checks before you arrive in New Orleans. Otherwise, you may lose days of your volunteer experience searching for banks and verifying funds.

We offer these and other helpful tips to volunteers.

Are you paying for volunteers to travel to New Orleans?
While we would love to do so, unfortunately, we are unable to pay for volunteers to travel to New Orleans. Our budget is committed to developing compelling materials to let people know that volunteers are still needed in New Orleans and connecting interested volunteers with the resources to help them have a successful volunteer experience.

Through our user-supported resources, interested volunteers may find out how other groups have raised funds to cover the cost of travel. Generally, fundraising for a group of 20 takes 3 to 6 months.

As an FYI, a week-long trip, including airfare with 21-day advanced purchase, lodging at a hostel and food will run you under $1,000 per person.

How else can I support the cause?
You can support our work by spreading the word about New Orleans: A Labor of Love:
* Encourage people to donate by sending them to the www.nolaboroflove.com site or forwarding our e-mail fundraising appeal to your friends and family.
* Friend us on Myspace, Facebook, and BlackPlanet.
* Host the New Orleans: A Labor of Love trailer on your website, blog, Myspace, Facebook or BlackPlanet page (for instructions, see below).

How do I host the New Orleans: A Labor of Love trailer on my website, blog, Myspace, Facebook or BlackPlanet page?
You can help share the New Orleans: A Labor of Love trailer by hosting it on your website, blog, Myspace, Facebook or BlackPlanet page. For instructions, please click here.

Is my donation tax-deductible?
All donations, no matter the dollar amount, are tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor International Humanities Center, a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)3 of the IRS Code.

What is IHCenter and how are they involved with New Orleans: A Labor of Love?
International Humanities Center (IHCenter) is the fiscal sponsor for New Orleans: A Labor of Love. IHCenter's mission is to work with other independent nonprofit organizations and sponsored projects that are devoted to a vision of ecological and humanitarian stewardship that benefits all creation. They seek to reverse the current situation of pollution, disease, and disconnection by focusing efforts on creating a civilization that is centered upon love, peace and natural harmony.

To address the multiple challenges requiring immediate attention in our global community, IHCenter is proactively collaborating with New Orleans: A Labor of Love and other qualified projects through their 501(c)3 fiscal sponsorship program.

Katina Parker works as a visual artist in Los Angeles, where her body of work encompasses television and film writing/directing/producing; graphic/web design; photography; and mixed media installations. Previous clients include Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Saul Williams and Cody ChesnuTT.

Currently, Katina is in post production for New Orleans: A Labor of Love, a public awareness campaign to get 5,000 student volunteers to rebuild the city during 2008: www.nolaboroflove.com.

This summer, Katina's documentary Peace Process won Best Documentary, Honorable Mention at the 11th Annual Urbanworld VIBE Film Festival. The anti-gang violence project follows 17-year old poet Jabril Muhammad while he interviews people who have been affected by gang violence to decide whether he really wants to join a gang. Interviews include Stan Tookie Williams, Saul Williams, Aceyalone, Medusa and Sugafree. To view the trailer visit: www.myspace.com/peaceprocess.

Earlier this year, Katina's short Radimi: Who Stole the Dream debuted on BETJ. The film features Mehcad Brooks, formerly of Desperate Housewives, and tells the story of a college-bound teenage couple's fight to stay together for the sake of their 2-year old daughter.

Other projects include a coffee table photo essay book on homelessnesss and another on the Million Man/Woman/Youth/ Family Marches.

Katina received her M.F.A. from the University of Southern California and her B.A. from Wake Forest University. She is a native of Oklahoma City and grew up in Wilmington, Delaware.

Many thanks to those of you have supported my film/photography/writing work over the years.

Today, I need your help.

I've just returned from New Orleans, where I shot New Orleans: A Labor of Love, a documentary that follows a group of college students who spent their spring break building homes for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Let me tell you, what you see on TV is a fractional account of the mass devastation and corruption that have come to embody the Big Easy. Growing up in the rural south, I often saw boarded up homes, so, sadly, at first glance, the ghostly structures that haunt the city were familiar reminders of poverty. After several days touring the city, I was overwhelmed by the block-to-block, parish-to-parish devastation - miles and miles of uninhabitable homes that once housed people, and, unfortunately, too often, still do.

Imagine living in a home where all signs that you ever existed have been washed away, including the very financial records that you need in order to secure safe, affordable housing through the limited, overly competitive housing programs that are available. You go to the bank to request those missing records, but the bank doesn't have them - the bank's records washed away too. You try to cash your $1,000 social security check. Can't. The banks, both national and local, have limited cash on site.

So you go home to sit on the porch and chart your Plan B or, at this point, a Plan Y or Z, however, there is no porch. That too is gone. Even if it were there, would you really want to sit and look at the boarded up homes of neighbors, graffitied with ominous hieroglyphics announcing the death toll of people you used to greet everyday?

Now approaching the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, this is the true state of New Orleans. It is people who were disenfranchised before the storm being made to feel even more indigent and powerless in the face of bureaucracy and corruption.

It's elderly people like Mr. Dilbert, living in a FEMA trailer, supporting his dependent wife on $600 per month while he tries to find someone to help him gut and rebuild his duplex. It's Mr. Perkins, a proud homeowner of 35 years, who recently lost his life savings to a crooked contractor.

These people are stuck and they need our help. From their own mouths, the only sources of aid they trust are the volunteers who come to rebuild their homes.

By most liberal estimates, it will take 3 to 5 years to reconstruct the city. Volunteers will be needed every single day. My goal is to use the power of independent media and grassroots outreach to motivate and mobilize a civic movement of 5,000 student volunteers to aid in the reconstruction of New Orleans during 2008 and subsequent years.

To that end, I'm asking you or your organization to make a tax-deductible donation so that I can turn New Orleans: A Labor of Love into a full-scale public awareness campaign targeting volunteers.

This fall, New Orleans: A Labor of Love will screen at colleges, universities, community centers and churches, where volunteers will be recruited on site. It will also be edited for web distribution at www.nolaboroflove.com. There, potential volunteers will be able to connect with information about lodging, banking, transportation, and other necessary travel details provided by veteran volunteers and relief effort organizers.

The funding goal is $125,000. I have invested $5,000 in making this public awareness campaign a possibility. I hope you will match my gift.

In Love/Struggle,
Katina Parker
Director
New Orleans: A Labor of Love