Work for Common Ground Relief Tour of the French Quarter
DAY 3
Work for Common Ground Relief Dinner with local family
DAY 4
Work for Common Ground Relief Dinner with local family
DAY 5
Work for Common Ground Relief Swamp Tour
DAY 6
Work for Common Ground Relief Closing Dinner
DAY 7
Departure Day
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JANUARY 10, 2012
SStS releases final trip details for new programs in Cambodia and Tibet.
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The SStS New Orleans Program was born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. After the devastation and the floods that the storm brought into New Orleans, volunteers from all over the country rushed to aid in the recovery of the Crescent City. While governmental funds were not accessible, several grassroots organizations sprang to life putting volunteers into action and assisting homeowners with the rebuilding process. SStS students will experience the community's efforts to rebuild by working with one of these organizations, Common Ground Relief (www.commongroundrelief.org). Common Ground Relief empowers residents to facilitate their own recovery through their support of projects ranging from home construction and rehabilitation to wetlands restoration and community gardening. The end goal of all of their programs is to restore viable neighborhoods and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
While in New Orleans, the SStS group will spend the majority of their days working in areas of the city that have yet to fully recover. Students will also have a chance to experience the Lower 9th Ward where much of Katrina's devastation is still clearly visible today. Additionally, throughout the trip, students will explore the city of New Orleans. After hearing the music that fills this city, they will learn about the history of jazz while visiting the French Quarter. Another highlight is a swamp tour that provides the students with a firsthand perspective on rural Louisiana. Several nights will also be spent with local families to hear their accounts of how Katrina directly affected their lives. Throughout the trip, students will be able to experience the unique food, music, and culture of New Orleans while also helping the community to rebuild and revitalize.
SStS: New Orleans is structured in three phases:
Phase I: Pre-departure education and preparation
- Includes staff meetings, reading materials, detailed travel information sessions (e.g. vaccinations, insurance, clothing, etc);
- Students will be included in all sessions through teleconferencing, email, phone, fax, blogs, and mail;
- Introduction of the "5 lenses" curriculum through on-line activities.
Phase II: In-country Service Trip (June 17 - June 23)
- All projects have definable goals that will be outlined in pre-trip meetings;
- The in-country experience includes varied projects with Common Ground Relief;
- Other activities may include jazz, southern cooking, a swamp tour, a ghost tour, a tour of the Super Dome and other historic landmarks, time permitting;
- Evening "debriefing" sessions will focus on cultural, political, geographic and economic variables that affect the area.
Phase III: School and Public Presentations (January/February)
- Students will coordinate to create presentations appropriate for their community at large and for a younger, school-based populations;
- Students at each school will be expected to coordinate with their classmates to create a cohesive presentation;
- The multi-media nature of these presentations has unlimited potential, yet the goal will be to share collective insights through the 5 lenses of SStS.
* PROJECTED COSTS - $825
SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students. We are an investment in the future. Thus, we will do all that we can financially to support students whose circumstances preclude paying the full cost. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate so on the application.
Please note, price does not include airfare.
Trip costs are all inclusive with the exception of personal expenditures (e.g. souvenirs).
Tickets are purchased as a group whenever possible.
Talbot Travel Agency provides pro-bono travel services for SStS, working personally with us to find the least expensive fares.
TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS Please note that we expect all participants to arrive in New Orleans within a defined window of time to be picked up the their trip leaders. Additionally, traveling as a group inevitably includes "the unexpected". SStS will adjust the itinerary accordingly, making the best of uncontrollable situations. Due to the unknown variables in travel, participants are asked not to make travel plans or to enroll in programs that start immediately after their return. SStS is not responsible for expenses incurred due to missed flights if the group is delayed in their return.
