need for volunteer help around NOLA-- whats the real story?

[Kashka-Kat]

Looking for info/insights/advice/your personal experiences re: going to gulf coast to help out.

Heard Red Cross is looking for 40,000 more vols to replace those which are going home (they go for 2-3 week stints). Michael Moore letter was posted here yesterday also w/ info about volunteering

This conflicts w/ what I've been hearing about there being a glut of $ and people and the problem being the breakdown in coordination, direction & organizing, not in lack of $ & people.

I don't want to go unless I'm fairly certain that I'll be of use somehow. If the problem is idiocy & incompetence at the top levels then is sending more bodies going to help that problem -- your thoughts please!

[Bridget Burke]

1. Try to contact some of the groups working down there first.

Just showing up & looking around probably won't work. Check out the Michael Moore letter. Call up the Red Cross.

[Kashka-Kat]

3. yes of course thats exactly what Im doing -- I still want to hear personal

accounts from anyone who may be out there ... what the organization tells you in an official capacity is not necessarily what's really going on... 3 weeks is a big chunk of time to take off and so I want to be sure its the right thing to do. This is the way I make a decision, I gather as much information as I can from as many sources.

[pitohui]

6. it is actually hard to contact ppl in advance

cell phone & landlines still v. spotty

[Betsy Ross]

2. Red X is training people before they are sent

Check with local office for training sessions.

[Extend a Hand]

4. veterans for peace

http://vfproadtrips.org/

they have a message board where you can chat with folks already working there and find out what supplies are needed right now.

[lindisfarne]

5. Animal shelters could use your help! See forum at petfinders.com

- Hurricane Katrina forum - for more info.