.png)
Warm Weather
Yes, Southern Louisiana is hot and humid in the summer so plan on waking earlier to beat the heat, and limit exposure to direct sunlight through mid-day. Prepare to SWEAT!
Loose-fitting lightweight clothing that protects your skin from sun damage is recommended. Bring a hat or two, and sunglasses as additional sun protection.
Close-toed mud-friendly shoes are a must for all activities.
Fine jewelry or delicate clothing is not recommended for project activities and should be left in a secure location.
Extra changes of clothes for evening activities plus shower shoes are recommended for folks staying at the Volunteer House.
Laundry and linens are available at the Volunteer House.
Cool Weather
Winter weather might dip below freezing at some point in January or early February, so remember to pack warmly!
Tall waterproof boots are recommended over porous tennis shoes or sandals to keep your feet warm.
Temperatures may rise mid-day so prepare to shed layers accordingly.
Rainy Weather
CGR always checks for threats of severe weather before a project starts. If the threat of a downpour is significant enough, we may postpone the project. Brief periods of light rain may interrupt projects, and intermittent showers may occur throughout visitors' stays in New Orleans. Non-slip sturdy shoes are always recommended, as well as lightweight rain jackets. Beware of deep puddles and low-lying streets when exploring our region.
Local wisdom for dealing with sudden, heavy downpours: sit tight, wherever you are, and wait about 20 minutes for the weather to pass. Especially if you're lucky enough to be stuck in a cafe where you can pass the time with a cup of coffee.
Regardless of the weather, plan to get wet and muddy.
So, it’s hot down there? And it gets cold too!
Common Ground Relief will provide full dress details once planting projects have been scheduled. In general,
-
Long pants (no blue jeans) are required for planting.
-
Dress in layers no matter what the weather.
-
Bring a hat to protect your face from the sun.
-
Bring an inexpensive pair of water shoes (we provide rubber boots)
-
ABSOLUTELY NO FLIP FLOPS WHILE WORKING!
-
Clean clothes for the evening
-
Sleeping clothes
-
Bring a water bottle
-
Bring some bug spray and sun screen (although we always have some on hand)
-
Personal toiletries
What should I bring?
-
Greyhound, Mega-Bus, and Amtrak all have terminals in the downtown area. Volunteers may also fly into the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Volunteers are responsible for finding transportation (taxi, ride share, city buses, or private airport shuttle) from the terminals to Common Ground Relief at 1800 Deslonde Street in the Lower Ninth Ward. Please confirm your arrival time by emailing us at volunteer@commongroundrelief.org.
Volunteers might want to bring their own vehicles to get them around town during their off hours. There are two bus lines that serve the Lower Ninth Ward (the 84 and the 88); please see the RTA website for details about schedules, routes, fares, and passes. Bicycles may also be purchased or borrowed while you are volunteering with us. Please make sure that you purchase a helmet and lock and bicycle safely (check out Bike Easy’s Safe Cycling Guide).
How do I get there?
We are primarily involved in coastal restoration efforts from Monday through Friday. This entails work at our nursery, tree potting and planting, propagation. Many of our plantings involve being out in the water. We provide canoes and power boats to move plant material and volunteers. You should purchase an inexpensive pair of water shoes.
Most Saturdays are dedicated to the Free Pantry, which involved lifting several pounds of produce at one time, standing, and conversing with pantry shoppers. Some coastal restoration projects also take place on Saturdays.
If you have a specific skill set that you would like to put to use, such as finish carpentry, cooking, administrative, legal, marketing, or fundraising, please contact us at volunteer@commongroundrelief.org. We can find a special project for you given enough prior notice.
What kind of work will we be doing?
Enjoy nature and make friends
What to expect when you volunteer with Common Ground Relief
Preparation is key
Don't get stuck up the creek without a paddle! For all CGR programs, we suggest to bring the following items:
-
reusable water bottle
-
lunch or snacks
-
sturdy, close-toed shoes
-
long pants recommended
-
layered, mud-friendly and comfortable clothing
-
sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
-
emergency medication for pre-existing conditions
-
dry bag for electronics
How to Prepare
Safe Space Policy
We have a Zero Tolerance policy regarding physical or sexual abuse; drug use or public drunkenness; weapons of any kind; racist, sexist, homophobic or any other discriminatory remarks; dishonesty and theft; illegal activity of any kind, including driving while intoxicated.
Physical and sexual violence will not be tolerated. Remember that “maybe”, “I don’t know” and silence mean NO as it pertains to a sexual act. Consent is saying “yes”. Report any action that you feel uncomfortable about to the Executive Director immediately.
We Got You
We Got You
Common Ground Relief provides the following supplies for all volunteers:
-
extra water bottles
-
mud boots sizes women's 5-mens 13
-
gloves
-
sun screen
-
bug spray
-
first aid
-
life jackets if needed
-
dry box for electronics
-
ice chest for lunches
