Live St. Bernard
Live St. Bernard believes
that the Greater New Orleans Area is a historic and culturally-rich
community that needs to be restored. As time goes on, awareness and
support for this area dissipates. Education on the hurricanes'
destruction and the necessary steps for community growth are vital.
Thus Live St Bernard seeks to
provide visiting volunteers with quality
housing, educational service learning and the opportunity to work
alongside residents to restore this unique community.
Goal
Areas
Sustainable
Volunteerism
To increase the quality of volunteers'
experiences, Live St. Bernard
will provide quality home-style living
with volunteers participating in a five phase service learning process,
preparation, orientation, immersion, reflection, and celebration.
Service learning creates a more holistic experience for volunteers by
fostering awareness of their efforts and the affects on them as
individuals as well as the impact on the community by strengthening a
local and national call to community service, particularly in the Gulf
Coast Region.
Neighborhood
Restoration
To support the idea that a happy
volunteer creates an active citizen and a positive reference for the
parish, Live St. Bernard will
create sustainable volunteerism, which is
an integral role in rebuilding and renovating neighborhoods in St.
Bernard Parish. Since the parish was 100% devastated, the area relies
on the service of volunteers for restoration.
Community
Enhancement
To emphasize the uniqueness of this
community, the Live St. Bernard
home will highlight the different
aspects of the Southeastern Louisiana culture by creating themed
bedrooms that draw attention to the rich heritage of the area. For
example, rooms will be dedicated to Louisiana Wildlife, Mardi Gras,
Jazz and the Saints and how these separate entities were effected by
the storm. Increasing awareness of how the importance of sustaining
this historic and culturally-rich area, non-native volunteers
will be able to understand why rebuilding efforts in this area
are imperative.
On a local level, St. Bernard Parish
residents will be able to interact with volunteers at the Live St.
Bernard house by teaching them how to cook an authentic southern meal.
This act is a simple yet therapeutic and cathartic way for community
members to thank volunteers for their hard work.
Educational
Service Learning
Preparation
- Prior to arriving, volunteers will receive packets containing
information on Hurricane Katrina and Rita, including book suggestions.
Volunteer information in the preparation packets include, maps,
pamphlets on local businesses and attractions, suggested journal
questions to answer prior to the volunteers' experience, directions and
a list of volunteer opportunities in St. Bernard Parish. Volunteers
interested in working with local rebuild organizations will be surveyed
to assess their skill level, allowing their capabilities to effectively
meet current organizational rebuild needs.
Orientation
- Orientation, comprised of three phases will occur upon volunteers'
arrival. Phase one is the welcome, introductions and house
expectations. Phase two will include a house tour, which will provide
education on Louisiana wildlife, the history of Mardi Gras, the
influence of Jazz and the impact of the Saints and the role of the
Superdome during the hurricanes. Following the tour will be a group
discussion, which is Phase three of the orientation process.
Immersion
- Volunteers serving in St Bernard Parish will have an enhanced service
experience through Live St. Bernard's five phase service learning
process, which immerses them into the spirit of volunteer
service. Intended to engage their dedication to volunteer
service, participants will be encouraged to return to the area for
future service as well as find opportunities to serve in their local
communities. Live St. Bernard
will not only immerse volunteers in
service but also in the local culture through the elements of the house
as well as by encouraging participation in local events and activities
with residents. The immersion process will allow volunteers and
residents of St. Bernard Parish to connect, strengthen and rebuild the
community and thus extending the invitation to experience what it
really means to "live" St. Bernard.
Reflection
- Daily reflections will be facilitated by Live St. Bernard staff or in
collaboration with the volunteer group leader. At the end of the
volunteers' work week a brief final meeting will be held to discuss how
the volunteers can utilize this experience to become more involved in
their communities, as well as the nation.
Celebration
- To help volunteers have a meaningful final experience, Live St.
Bernard will invite a local resident to the home to celebrate
the
success of the volunteers' experience.
Food for
the
Soul
This program allows residents to show
their appreciation as well their cooking skills. Since this culture is
known for its distinct cuisine, residents can share their family
recipes while teaching the volunteers to prepare an authentic southern
meal. The Food for the Soul program seeks to alleviate barriers and
allow open communication for the residents on the effects of the
hurricane by increasing public awareness on the issue.
Live St. Bernard will begin
housing volunteers and its programs in
January 2008. To achieve this goal, Live
St. Bernard must raise
$100,000 in necessary funds to buy a gutted home, rebuild materials,
house furnishings and program supplies.
Website
Credits
Modified: 2007-08-28