Half a Million Volunteer Hours Rebuild New Orleans

by Leigh Graham · 2009-08-29 08:43:00 UTC
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In 2007, pollster John Zogby ventured that Hurricane Katrina would be the defining moment of our generation, signalling American hunger for a renewed, proactive government that led by example and empowered civic engagement.  One positive outcome of Hurricane Katrina's devastating impact on the Gulf Coast is the number of volunteers who have participated in the recovery.  Now I see from HandsOn New Orleans that more than 15,000 volunteers have contributed over 500,000 volunteer hours to the revitalization of New Orleans alone.

HandsOn New Orleans is leading a volunteer service day today on this fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  It is only one of countless recovery efforts still underway across the Gulf Coast.  Preacher Jim Walllis in witnessing church groups visit the Gulf Coast repeatedly to participate in the rebuilding, has called the region is a '“converting ground' for a generation of 'new abolitionists' committed to eradicating global poverty, which they believe is the 'new slavery.'" I remember passing such groups praying near the river in my own work in NOLA.

As someone who believes passionately in government leadership to provide and care for all its residents, I am sometimes frustrated by the reality that so many of these volunteers have filled a critical void by our elected leaders.  Yet I frequently comfort myself when thinking of Katrina by imaginging the number of Americans who will have personally contributed to recovery efforts; routinely when I describe my work or research, a listener will describe for me how they spent a week rebuilding homes, cleaning out a neighborhood or painting a school.  And the beauty of our country is revealed when we mobilize government resources alongside civic participation.

On this fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, let's not forget that the work remains and the need endures - from Texas to Alabama.  And let's say thanks to the thousands of residents, volunteers and non-profits who have given so much to restore an original American region.

(Volunteers repainting a house in New Orleans, 2008; by Editor B)

Leigh Graham
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