Update from NOLA : AZ IMC

Here's the latest on the Prescott College student mobilization to do grassroots relief work in New Orleans courtesy of Randall Amster:

All three vehicles arrived safely and have been using the Ninth Ward Common Ground Collective as their base. There are approximately 300-400 people from around the country who have come to take part in the weeklong effort. With a total of 15 from Prescott, this represents one of the largest blocks of people from one place that are participating in this project. There are daily meetings and planning sessions, and a wide range of actions being undertaken, including specifically:

* house-to-house cleanup efforts, entailing trash removal, salvage operations, moving personal belongings, tenant support, etc.

* food service and distribution, working in particular at the Rainbow Family/Food Not Bombs kitchen in Washington Square Park

* resource & wellness center support, at places such as Mama Dee's operation in the Seventh Ward

* animal rescue work through local groups that are feeding strays, looking for homes for adoption, and administering vet care

* documenting patterns of services and/or lack thereof, including:

*taking pictures in places such as the Lower Ninth Ward that are still considered uninhabitable but are not being serviced as of yet;

*talking with the National Guard and other officials about why some areas still lack basic services while others seem almost normal;

*working with locals who are planning to continue the grassroots efforts indefinitely in the face of apparent official neglect

These are just a few of the snippets that the students have related so far. They are planning to stay through Saturday and return to Prescott in time for classes on Monday. Many have talked about going back to New Orleans over the winter break in December, and some are already working on a plan for a group Independent Study there in the January Winter Block. A few even mentioned a desire to move to New Orleans someday to be part of the long-range grassroots rebuilding effort! Mostly they just seem pleased to be part of this, and are learning new skills and developing new perspectives every day they are there . . .

When the students return, a list of available names/contacts from their group will be provided so that folks can speak directly with them about their experiences. As a reminder, they will also be facilitating a workshop at the Prescott College Chapel on Grove Avenue this coming Thursday 12/1 from 6-9pm.

Randall Amster, J.D., Ph.D.
Prescott College
Peace Studies & Social Thought