Volunteer

Since our inception, over 70,000 volunteers have helped Common Ground Relief realize our mission by contributing to the tangible rebuilding and restoration of homes, communities, and surrounding wetlands. Our volunteers range from a local high school student, to a service-learning group from California, to a Lower Ninth Ward neighbor, to an individual from France who has a specific interest in coastal engineering. Each volunteer and volunteer group receives training and education around our projects and programs, is provided with the necessary tools and supplies, and is immersed in a tactical, task-specific project.

Individuals

We strongly encourage individuals to contribute to Common Ground Relief’s efforts. Individuals may join us for an ongoing schedule, or on individual dates when wetlands planting projects, nursery care, and food pantry hours are scheduled. For weekly updates about individual volunteer opportunities, email volunteer@commongroundrelief.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. We also post recurring volunteer opportunities on HandsOn.

On-Site Individuals

Individuals who volunteer with Common Ground Relief may be eligible to stay in volunteer housing.

Groups

Groups of kids, teens, and adults are welcome to volunteer with Common Ground Relief. We frequently work with students in high school grades 9 – 12 and at the college/university level. Groups can participate in an immersive wetlands experience that may include informal learning sessions, presentations, plant propagation and care at the Common Ground Relief Native Plant Nursery, and site-based wetlands plantings in the Greater New Orleans area. We encourage high school, college students and others who have an interest in the outdoors, Louisiana food and culture, coastal restoration, urban reforestation, storm water management, or climate justice to join us.

On-Site Groups

Groups that plan to stay in Common Ground Relief housing will be scheduled for volunteer projects on weekdays during their stay. Projects may include planting trees and/or marsh grasses, work in our nursery, invasive species removal and work within the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood. “What to Expect” provides a detailed overview of the process for groups staying on site. Group housing may be available for groups volunteering with other organizations pending availability.

Off-Site Groups

Off-Site Groups can arrange for either a day(s) of tree/marsh grass planting, work in our nursery, invasive species removal, hurricane relief, and/or community trash pickup. Activities can involve being out in the water. We provide all the necessary equipment. We are flexible in our scheduling during the week in the event of a day of inclement weather.

Other Volunteer Needs

If you have a specific skill set that you would like to put to use, such as carpentry, cooking, administrative, legal, marketing, or fundraising, please contact us at volunteer@commongroundrelief.org.  We would love to find a way for you to use your skills to support our efforts!

Sign Up

If you are interested in volunteering with Common Ground Relief, please fill out our online volunteer application! Email volunteer@commongroundrelief.org with any questions.

Volunteers will be required to sign our Volunteer Waiver.