Common Ground Relief - Volunteer

Images from nearly three years of Recovery and Rebuild

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:05:21 +0000

Volunteers from Global Hope have been a constant source of support for Common Ground Relief and, in particular, the rebuild of the Lower Ward. Most recently, Global Hope has collaborated with Common Ground Relief to ensure the rebuilding of Reverend Adam's Church.

Common Ground Relief is incredibly grateful to Global Hope not just for their relentless support, but also for producing this short video, which charts two and half years of the volunteer recovery and rebuild effort in New Orleans.

Common Ground would further like to express gratitude for the sacrifices that these courageous and dedicated volunteers continue to make by engaging in these solidarity efforts. The global community benefits by people coming together, and working together to promote hope and civic responsibility.

Formaldehyde in Your FEMA Trailer?

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 23:17:24 +0000

FEMA trailers were produced very quickly by several companies. In the rush to finish the trailers, some companies used unsafe materials. Paint, adhesives, insulation, and particleboard used to fabricate the trailers may contain formaldehyde. As the trailer ages, formaldehyde is released into the air in a process called “outgassing.”

Just 0.1 parts per million of formaldehyde can cause burning, watery eyes, nausea, and breathing problems for some people. The Sierra Club tested 44 FEMA trailers and found levels three times that high in some trailers. Elderly people and children may be more likely to get sick.

Increasing ventilation in your FEMA trailer can help. Keep the door and windows open as much as you can. Outgassing increases in higher temperatures. When you can't have your windows open, certain plants can help to filter the air in the trailer.

Plants that Remove Formaldehyde from the Air

Support the Justice in Jena Campaign!

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:58:01 +0000

Common Ground Relief stands in solidarity with historically neglected commmunities, and stands firmly against racism in all forms. We must stand together with people in Jena, Louisiana. Please check out their website at freethejena6.org and get involved.

Together, we can unravel institutional racism that plagues Louisiana and our world.

Volunteer Information

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 21:39:49 +0000

Download the Volunteer Application for Individuals:

Application-pdfApplication-doc

Download the Volunteer Application for Groups:

Application-pdfApplication-doc

Thank you for your interest in Common Ground Relief. With few houses remaining to muck and gut, Common Ground has shifted its focus to rebuilding a more socially equitable and environmentally sustainable New Orleans. We want to strengthen our programs that confront socio-economic inequality and environmental degradation. In addition, we will continue to develop programs that address unemployment, drug addiction, hunger, food insecurity, homelessness, and police corruption.

Common Ground Relief has now consolidated many of its facilities into several houses in the Lower 9th ward. Common Ground's Legal, Media and Tech projects are now housed at the Anita Roddick Advocacy Center located at 1800 Deslonde Street. Volunteer housing is now provided in the Lower 9th at 1800 Deslonde Street and other nearby properties.

We are looking for skilled volunteers, both short and long term, with expertise in our project areas, including construction, dry wall hanging, carpentry, painting, roofing, plumbing, electric work, legal aid, social work, media/PR, and computer technology.

Please fill out a volunteer application and contact the volunteer coordinator. Allow one week for a response to your application.

Long-term volunteers will be living in close quarters (dorm style) in the Lower 9th ward. To ensure that these work communities run effectively, we require prospective long-term volunteers to participate in our application process. Please download an application (doc or pdf) or request one by emailing the volunteer coordinator.

Please remember that we do not allow dogs at our volunteer housing site. If you are traveling with a pet, you will have to find alternative housing arrangements for it while you are working with us.

Please get a tetanus shot before you come down to New Orleans. While there is a free clinic here that you can go to, this is a community clinic. Using the scarce resources that the clinic has means that there is less for the impoverished area that they serve.

For questions or concerns about volunteering with us, please check our Volunteer Information and Frequently Asked Questions pages. For further questions contact the volunteer coordinator at commongroundvolunteers(at)gmail.com. Thank you for your continued support and solidarity in this grass-roots effort to sustain residents of New Orleans as they fight to rebuild their neighborhoods and communities.

Wetlands Restoration

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 14:20:48 +0000

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Common Ground Wetlands Restoration program was created to proactively address the dangers faced by New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. We work to bring immediate attention to the ecological and political causes and effects of the 2005 hurricane devastation. The goal is to shed light on where wetlands restoration needs to happen, determine who should be responsible for doing it, and then to do it ourselves where ever possible. We are also dedicated to educating as many folks as possible, both in Louisiana and beyond, on the critical role that wetlands play in our protection from storm surge and how to best keep them healthy. Our goal is to work with consideration and in solidarity with the people of the Gulf Coast.

Volunteer with Common Ground!

Mon, 13 Feb 2006 16:00:03 +0000

Show your solidarity with the people of the Gulf Coast by volunteering with Common Ground project this summer. You can registerhere!

Volunteer Information

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 13:46:39 +0000

Thanks for your interest in volunteering this summer with the Common Ground Relief. The information below will help you to prepare for your time in the New Orleans area.

You can find more background about Common Ground on this website and you can download our volunteer handbook. Most of your questions will be answered here. Please read this information before calling us. If you have questions AFTER reading through the website, contact the Volunteer Coordination Team at 504-218-6613, or send an email to commongroundvolunteers@gmail.com.

The mailing address for the Common Ground in New Orleans is

1800 Deslonde Street
New Orleans, LA
70117

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Housing

Common Ground provides communal housing for all registered volunteers. We offer either a bunk bed, a cot, or space for your sleeping pad/mat. It’s first come, first serve. Bring your own bedding, e.g. sleeping bag and pad. All volunteers are housed in homes renovated by Common Ground, with basic amenities including hot water. We do not have camping options on site.

There are showers on-site but you may not be able to have one every day. And, the shared bathrooms are part of the revolution.

Food

Common Ground will provide three meals per day. Our volunteer kitchen staff does include vegan and vegetarian choices. Strict vegans and vegetarians may want to bring dietary supplements such as vitamins, power bars, etc. Food allergies can be accommodated. Notify the kitchen when you arrive. It is also great when people can bring snacks or fresh produce to share.

Weather

Southern Louisiana is very hot and hunmid in the summer. Check www.weather.com for the latest weather information. The zip code to use is 70117.

Getting to Common Ground

The main housing site is located at 1800 Deslonde Street, at the corner of Roman and Deslonde Click here for a map!

If you are driving, you can visit Craig's List or our online forum to search for travel buddies to share costs.

If you are flying, the New Orleans airport is open and convenient. There is a shuttle bus that will take you to the community center for $13. The website for the shuttle is http://www.airportshuttleneworleans.com. The shuttle only runs until around 8PM. Contact the volunteer coordination team at commongroundvolunteers@gmail.com or 504-218-6613 if you are arriving later than that.

If you are arriving by bus or train, you should catch a taxi directly to the community center. If you cannot afford a taxi, contact the volunteer coordination team at commongroundvolunteers@gmail.com or 504-218-6613.

The Work
Please read the Project Areas section of our website and decide which project(s) you wish to commit to working on for the bulk of your time at Common Ground. Indicate that project when registering.

WHAT TO PACK:

Sleeping bag and pad or inflatable mattress
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Work clothes
Rain jacket, possibly a hat and gloves
Closed-toe shoes and extra pair of comfortable shoes
Hand sanitizer
Toiletries and towel
Camera or video camera
Cell phone
Specialty needs
Insect repellent
Instruments, books, arts supplies
If you can, bring work gloves and sturdy or rubber boots.

If you or your group can bring other things to donate that is also appreciated. There is a downloadable donation letter on our website that you can bring to local stores. Please check our online wish list but,

3mil Contractor Bags
Small Tools – hammers, crow bars etc
Work Gloves
Vegetable Oil
Hand Sanitizer
Hand Soap
Toilet Paper
and Bottled Water are always needed.

Check the website for updates and read Hurricane Season for Volunteers about what to pack in your own Emergency Preparedness kit.

Remember, the circumstances you are entering are part of a DISASTER ZONE. It is important to take good care of your mental and physical health prior to arrival and during your stay.

We are excited to work with you in a mass effort of 'solidarity, not charity.'

Thanks on behalf of the Common Ground Relief

www.commongroundrelief.org

The Meg Perry Community Garden and Bioremediation Project

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:29:17 +0000

The eco-systems of the Gulf Coast region were severely disrupted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The communities in the area were left without the resources for sustainable healthy soil, clean water and locally grown produce.

The Meg Perry Community Garden and Bioremediation Project was founded to work with residents in Orleans Parish to address these issues.

Since 2005 Common Ground's Bioremediation volunteers have helped to remediate soil using natural methods. The Bioremediation team also grow mushrooms, which will be used to remove petrochemicals from the soil, and will also be used in compost. This compost will bind metals into the soil and improve its quality and productivity.

In addition to this, volunteers are collecting soil samples, which are tested by the LSU Ag Center, so as to determine if the soil contains toxins, and if clean, what plants and produce can be effectively grown.

The Meg Perry Community Garden and Bioremediation Project is in the process of starting the Sprouts Club, working with local children in the Community Gardens. In collaboration with Tulane University, Replant New Orleans and Hands On, Common Ground is setting up an Environmental Science Learning Project, which will work with local high school children to collect soil samples, remediate soil and provide food security in the Mid City neighborhood.

At the Meg Perry Community Garden in Gentilly volunteers are working with local organic farming expert Anne Baker of the New Orleans Food and Farm Network to help plant organic produce for local residents and businesses.

And we have a worm farm! It's much cuter than it sounds...

News from Bioremediation

Project Wish List

More information about Meg Perry

For more information about Bioremediation and the Healthy Soil Project, email Zeke

Soil & Sediment testing Results

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 19:19:15 +0000

The wetlands group has several studies to share about the quality of the wetlands and the soil near Murphy's Oil Refinery. A tank at Murphy's Oil Refinery in Chalmette, LA spilled one million gallons of crude oil into the surrounding residential area during the flooding that happened after Katrina.

The first study was conducted in January 2006 by an independent consulting firm. This study found significant oil contamination.

In the second study Common Ground volunteers took samples and a Professor from Xavier University tested the samples for oil contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sat, 09 Dec 2006 22:36:01 +0000

Does it cost anything to volunteer with Common Ground?
No. Common Ground offers free food and housing to people volunteering to work on Common Ground projects. To help defray costs, donations are, of course, always welcome. Even $20 a week can pay for your food! Fundraising in your own community before arriving in New Orleans makes your time spent volunteering here even more effective. Transportation to and from New Orleans is your responsibility, as well as any personal spending in the New Orleans area.

Does Common Ground have any deals with airlines for cheap airline tickets?
No.

Is there a minimum time commitment for individuals to volunteer?
For people who live in New Orleans, you are welcome to come anytime, and work as often as you like. Stop by the Anita Roddick Advocacy Center at 1800 Deslonde St. to learn more about how to get involved.

Most projects require at least a two-week minimum stay for individual volunteers. If you are staying for a shorter period of time, you can still help, but we ask that you look for your own accommodations in New Orleans. If this is not possible for you, please speak to the volunteer coordinator. The majority of work for short-term volunteers is house-gutting, debris pickup and lawn maintenance, painting and construction work, and cooking meals in our kitchen. All of our projects need longer terms volunteers, such as those staying for a few months. If that is you, please contact each project directly.

Do I need to register?
Yes. We need each person to register separately, by filling out the volunteer application. Groups can fill out the Group Application form. If you do not register, we cannot guarantee that space will be available to you and you may be turned away. Make sure you check out the website for the packing list, and in case you have room in your car, our wish list.

PLEASE do not register more than one time. It is extremely important that we know when you are coming. If your plans change and you have already registered on line - send us an email with your new dates.

If you are not volunteering as a "house gutting" or "skilled labor" volunteer, indicate on the registration form which project you want to work with and then contact them directly as well.

Are there better times than others to volunteer with Common Ground?
No. If you will need to picked up from the airport or bus station, please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will try to accommodate and then phone the Volunteer Coordinator 48 hours prior to your arrival at the Airport or Bus Station to check-in. If possible, please try to arrive at the Airport between 10am and 2pm, so as to avoid becoming intimately acquainted with rush-hour traffic on I-10 upon your arrival in New Orleans.

Should I bring my car or rent one while in New Orleans?
If you are coming with a group, it is very helpful to bring a vehicle with you, or to rent a car, van or truck on the ground if you are able to. We always need help with transportation to ensure that there are enough vehicles to get everyone to the worksites as well as help with delivering lunches, tools etc. If you can't bring a vehicle, we will work it out, as we usually do, with shuttles etc. Many houses are within walking distance and community bikes are often available as well.

Are there work requirements?
Yes. Common Ground expects each volunteer to work at least six days per week for a minimum of 35 hours a week.

What kind of work will I be doing?

Most people will be involved in cleaning up in and around homes. This may include cleaning up debris and trash in yards, mowing and weedwhacking yards, or gutting the inside of homes by removing all of the sheetrock and moldy items. Seasonal work includes work with Wetlands Restoration, a chance to head into the bayou to plant grasses, cedars & cypresses. There is also work with our Community Gardens project, where we work to connect residents with food sources and educate persons on food security issues.

If you have special skills you may be asked to join one of our project teams such as legal team, media collective, or bioremediation. Skilled laborers such as plumbers, electricians, and carpenters may work on houses, supervising volunteers or youth training crews.

Can I bring a group?
Groups of volunteers are welcome. We ask that each group identify a point person to be in contact with the Volunteer Coordinator. Please fill out a Group Volunteer application and forwarded it to the Volunteer Coordinator. This will begin the process of applying. The Volunteer Coordinator will contact you within one week to touch base with you about your group and check with you that the time is available. We schedule groups on a first come, first served basis based on when the group application is emailed to the Volunteer Coordinator.

It is very helpful if each groups organizes into teams of 10 in advance, and that you bring as much of your own protective gear and tools as possible. All groups should be prepared for physically demanding work and dressed in clothes that can get very dirty.

Are people under 18 allowed to volunteer?
While we do allow minors to work on our volunteer projects, people under 18 are not allowed to stay on-site at Common Ground. Every minor must have a signed waiver on file with Common Ground before participating in any Common Ground project. Minors volunteering are able to work with the bioremediation project, community gardens, wetlands restoration as well as ARNO, a local animal rescue hospital.

For minors seeking accommodation, we recommend the India House Hostel, a locally run youth hostel.

To obtain a waiver, send an email to commongroundvolunteers@gmail.com to request a waiver.

What should I pack?
Read through the Volunteer information page and check out the What to pack section of the list.

After your time here, take a minute to review this list, in case we missed something!
Don't worry-many stores are now open in New Orleans, for items you forget.

I have extra room in my car. What does Common Ground need?
Check the Wish List online for the most current needs.

Also, check out Craig's List and the CG forum to find anyone that also needs a ride or you can post your ride on these forums to advertise for travel buddies.

Is volunteering in New Orleans safe?
The Gulf Coast and New Orleans is a disaster zone. The area is filled with potentially serious dangers, but with an effort toward consciousness and by taking personal responsibility, one can remain reasonably safe while working with Common Ground Relief. Longterm volunteers at Common Ground will do their best to help provide a safe working and living environment.

Environment:
The toxins in the soil and the mold can cause health risks with long-term exposure. Mold is particularly problematic for people with allergies or asthma. Please reconsider coming if you have extreme respiratory conditions or other immune deficiencies. Organizing support at home may be the best option for people with serious conditions.

Key people at Common Ground have done extensive research and training on health issues. As you may know, the houses we are gutting are full of mold. We know that respirators are essential to protect your lungs while inside a house that has not yet been gutted and mold remediated. A disposable suit is also important in keeping the mold from being tracked back into our living space. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own safety equipment, but if you don't have all of the safety gear it will be provided for you.

At housing sites, we have decontamination areas used to clean the tools used each day in order to minimize contact with the mold. Throwing away the used tyvek suits and cleaning tools well helps to keep mold out of shared living spaces.

Housing:
Housing is in bunk style rooms with cots or bunk beds. You and your roommates should take responsibility for each other, help keep the room clean, and keep track of each other. Several houses are used for housing volunteers and a women's room with a locking door is available.

Common Ground Relief's Expectations of Volunteers

Common Ground Relief has invited people to New Orleans to be part of our relief and rebuilding effort. To achieve this goal, we believe we have a responsibility to support our volunteers, and to provide as safe and dignified a space as possible.

For these reasons we have a no-tolerance policy for:

1) Drugs and weapons

2) Racist, sexist, homophobic or any other discriminatory remarks or actions.

3) Dishonesty and theft.

4) Violence (verbal, physical, sexual) or threat of violence towards anyone.

We also believe that it is critically important that volunteers do not make commitments to any community members that cannot be fulfilled by themselves or the organization. We recognize Katrina and her aftermath as a political disaster and a human tragedy, and we also recognize that we do not have the resources to deal with all of the problems in the communities we work in. Please be careful in how you involve yourself.

If volunteers behave in ways that disrespect or harm community members, other volunteers, or the community as a whole, you will be asked to leave Common Ground Relief and all properties used by Common Ground Relief.

Crime:
In terms of crime, the neighborhoods in which we work have a reputation of being high crime areas. While there is some truth to this, it is more an example of how racism is used to portray all Black people as criminals. Many of these neighborhoods are still deserted and we have had little problem with crime in the communities within which we work. As more people are coming home, we see the emergence of a new drug war, however and an increase in killings. The National Guard is patrolling the streets in conjunction with the NOPD. Our hope is that monies go into social programs and living wage jobs as a strategies for building safer communities, instead of the militarization of the city.

Finally, volunteers are expected to take responsibility for their personal safety and to take normal precautions, such as not walking alone at night, not carrying large amounts of cash, keeping your personal items together, and putting one's name on things like cameras.

How is Common Ground preparing for hurricane season?
In the event of a hurricane we are asking all volunteers to take responsibility for their own evacuation. If you do not have a vehicle, please be proactive in finding someone to share a ride with in case of an evacuation, as this allows Common Ground Relief to focus on evacuating residents before a hurricane. We will focus resources that we can to supporting those who are not able to evacuate and well as those who are trying to. Only people with clear search and rescue or medical skills should consider staying. A curfew will likely be in effect with threat of arrest possible. We ask that all volunteers, act in solidarity with this effort and come prepared to evacuate yourself. Please read Hurricane Season for Volunteers.

Trip to Ft. Benning to Close the SOA

Sat, 11 Nov 2006 05:00:48 +0000

Volunteers from Common Ground Collective will join thousands of others traveling to Ft Benning Georgia in solidarity for closing WHISC (Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation) formerly the School of the Americas.

While in Columbus Georgia, members of the affinity group from CGC will be speaking to other activists about the work being done in New Orleans, distribute Breaking Ground newspapers and collect donations for Common Ground.

For more information, contact Alex at the House of Excellence 504-583-0749 or visit School of the Americas Watch webs

Skilled Labor Needed

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 17:58:37 +0000

The Common Ground Kids & Community Project needs skilled labor! In order to run some of our programs (please see our website for details: www.kidsandcommunity.org), we need to make numerous repairs at several different sites.
Volunteers proficient in painting, carpentry, drywall, flooring, window, electrical, and roofing repairs are needed for mostly minor renovations. These include some large-scale projects, including major repairs at the Woodlands Apartments Community Center, but most tasks can be completed in a day or two.
If you intend

Media Team Seeking Volunteers

Sun, 14 May 2006 19:38:36 +0000

Stories and images depicting reality on the ground in New Orleans have subsided in recent months, perpetuating systems of oppression and collective amnesia.

Common Ground invites independent journalists whatever their medium to volunteer with our media projects.

Our media production teams need support this summer to document and get the story out about the state of New Orleans.

In our media promotions team we need:
skilled media people experienced with writing press advisories, posting online and doing media callbacks.

Video Production: CGR holds a vision for a video collective that works with projects to document their progress, and completes autonomous projects of their creation. So far, noone has taken the role of coordinator of this project.

volunteer registration form

Fri, 12 May 2006 22:05:38 +0000

Please register two weeks in advance so that we may prepare for your arrival. If you are planning on bringing a group, please contact our volunteer coordinator BEFORE filling out this form directly by emailing commongroundvolunteers (at) gmail.com or by calling (504)218-6613. EACH INDIVIDUAL in your group must submit this form separately.

Thank You For Registering!

Fri, 12 May 2006 02:40:04 +0000

Thanks For Registering!

We have received your information and look forward to seeing you at Common Ground!

If you have further questions or if your plans change, please contact the volunteer coordinator at 504-218-6613 or commongroundvolunteers(at)gmail.com

volunteer handbook:
PDF | DOC