New Orleans Neighborhoods Partnership Network

The Lower 9th Ward Neighborhood Empowerment Network Association’s (NENA) Community Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at 1120 Lamanche Street, New Orleans, LA.

NENA’s Community Meetings are regularly scheduled every second Saturday of the month.

To find out what services NENA provides, or for additional information contact NENA at 504-373-6483, or .

Lower 9th Ward NENA provides assistance to New Orleans Metropolitan Area residents who want to purchase a home. NENA offers homebuyer training classes. NENA’s Homebuyer Training Class Schedule is listed below.

Lower 9th Ward NENA is certified through the Louisiana Homebuyer Education Collaborative.

To register for a class, call 504-373-6483.

Homebuyer Training Classes are held at 1120 Lamanche Street, New Orleans, LA on Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following dates:

August 21 & August 28;
September 18 & September 25;
October 16 & October 23;
November 6 & November 20.

For additional information contact NENA at 504-373-6483 or email .

Help your community
Gain valuable leadership experience
Develop professional skills

HandsOn New Orleans is seeking motivated, responsible, and goal-orientated individuals to join the Volunteer Leader Program.

Volunteer Leaders are volunteers who make a commitment to help manage a volunteer project. These individuals help us mobilize thousands of volunteers every year, and address any number of community issues including homelessness, hunger, animal rescue, disaster recovery, environmental protection and more.

This is a great way to give back, while gaining valuable leadership experience and professional skills in the areas of management, marketing and recruitment.

Time Commitment:
The time requirement for Volunteer Leaders is very flexible – you can volunteer once a week, once a month, or a few times a year. It all depends on your schedule and how much time you want to commit as a Volunteer Leader.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers attending the project
• Answer volunteer questions leading up to each project date
• Recruit volunteers for project as needed
• Attend the project to make sure everything runs smoothly
• Orient new volunteers to HandsOn and the volunteer project
• Report volunteer attendance after each project
• Act as the liaison between HandsOn staff, our volunteer base and our non-profit partners

Benefits:
• Work with great people and help your community
• Earn internship credit for school
• Receive free leadership and volunteer management training
• Become a part of a community of local leaders who take action to solve community problems
• Gain valuable leadership experience and job skills

To Apply:
Send a letter of interest to Lindsay Nash, Volunteer Coordiantor at HandsOn New Orleans. Include why you are interested in the Volunteer Leader Program, a little about your volunteer history, and any community issues you are passionate about addressing through service.

Contact Information:

504-483-7041 ext. 107

Q-1: Is a taxpayer required to include in gross income payments the taxpayer receives for lost business income, lost wages, or lost profits?

A-1: Yes. The law requires that a taxpayer include in gross income payments the taxpayer receives for lost business income, lost wages, or lost profits. For information on whether estimated tax payments may be required, see Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax.

A self-employed individual who receives a payment that represents compensation for lost income of the individual’s trade or business should include the amount of the payment in net earnings from self-employment for purposes of the self-employment tax. For more information about reporting self-employment income and paying self-employment tax, see Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business (For Individuals Who Use Schedule C or C-EZ).

Generally, a payment to an individual to compensate for lost wages will not be wages for purposes of the social security tax and Medicare tax because it is not an actual payment for employment within the meaning of the law. These payments will also generally not be subject to income tax withholding, unless backup withholding applies. See A-2, below, for a discussion of backup withholding. However, if the payment is made by an employer to its own employees, or by a third party to employees of another employer in satisfaction of an obligation of that employer to its employees, the payment may be subject to social security tax, Medicare tax, and income tax withholding.

Q-2: Are payments that are made to an individual for lost business income, lost wages, or lost profits required to be reported to the IRS by the person making the payment?

A-2: Generally yes. A person making payments to an individual for lost business income, lost wages, or lost profits must report the payments to the IRS on a Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, if the payments aggregate $600 or more. Generally, these payments are subject to backup withholding at a rate of 28 percent if the individual fails to furnish the individual’s taxpayer identification number to the payor at or before the time of payment.

A payment that is treated as a payment of wages is subject to reporting on Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and to the same social security tax, Medicare tax, and income tax withholding rules that apply to regular wage payments made by an employer to an employee. For more information about withholding from employees’ wages, see Publication 15, (Circular E) Employer’s Tax Guide.

Under current law, a person making payments to a corporation for lost business income or lost profits is not required to report those payments to the IRS. However, a person who makes payments to a partnership, limited liability company or other non-corporate entity for lost business income or lost profits generally is required to report those payments to the IRS in the same manner as for payments to individuals, and the payments are subject to backup withholding at a rate of 28 percent if the entity fails to furnish its employer identification number to the payor at or before the time of payment.

Q-3: Is a taxpayer required to include in gross income payments the taxpayer receives for property damage or destruction?

A-3: A taxpayer is not required to include in gross income payments the taxpayer receives for property damage or destruction if the payments do not exceed the taxpayer’s adjusted basis in the damaged or destroyed property. If the payments for property damage or destruction exceed the taxpayer’s adjusted basis in the damaged or destroyed property, the taxpayer will realize gain for federal income tax purposes. If the damage or destruction is an “involuntary conversion,� the taxpayer may defer the tax on any gain if the taxpayer purchases qualifying replacement property that costs at least as much as the payments received for the damaged or destroyed property. (Tax is deferred until the qualifying replacement property is later sold.) An involuntary conversion occurs when a taxpayer’s property is destroyed, stolen, condemned, or disposed of under the threat of condemnation and the taxpayer receives other property or money in payment, such as a condemnation award or insurance. See Publication 544, Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets. A person making payments for property damage or destruction is not required to file information returns with the IRS reporting the payments.

Q-4: Can a taxpayer claim a casualty loss deduction if payments the taxpayer receives for property that has been damaged or destroyed are less than the taxpayer’s adjusted basis in the property?

A-4: A taxpayer may be able to claim a casualty loss deduction if the payments (including insurance proceeds or payments for damages) the taxpayer receives, or reasonably expects to receive, are less than the taxpayer’s adjusted basis in the property. See A-5, below, for a discussion of how to compute the possible deduction.

Q-5: How does a taxpayer determine the amount the taxpayer may claim as a casualty loss deduction?

A-5: With respect to personal-use property, the taxpayer generally may claim as a casualty loss deduction the lesser of (1) the difference between the fair market value of the property immediately before and after the casualty; or (2) the adjusted basis of the property. The amount of the deduction is reduced by any insurance proceeds or other payments the taxpayer receives or reasonably expects to receive. An individual taxpayer must reduce the amount claimed for each casualty loss deduction for personal-use property by $100, and reduce the total amount of casualty loss deductions claimed for personal-use property for one taxable year by 10 percent of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income.

With respect to business or income-producing property that is partially destroyed, the taxpayer generally may claim as a casualty loss deduction the lesser of (1) the difference between the fair market value of the property immediately before and after the casualty; or (2) the adjusted basis of the property. The amount of the deduction is reduced by any insurance proceeds or other payments the taxpayer receives or reasonably expects to receive. However, if business or income-producing property is completely destroyed and its adjusted basis exceeds its fair market value, the taxpayer may claim a casualty loss deduction equal to the adjusted basis of the property, reduced by payments the taxpayer receives or reasonably expects to receive for the property (including insurance proceeds or payments for damages).

Q-6: How does a taxpayer establish the decrease in the fair market value of the property after a casualty?

A-6: A taxpayer may use either an appraisal or the cost to repair or clean up the property to determine the decrease in fair market value of the property after a casualty.

Q-7: How does a taxpayer report a casualty loss deduction on the tax return?

A-7: A taxpayer claims a casualty loss deduction on the tax return for the year in which the casualty occurred. An individual taxpayer claims a casualty loss deduction for personal-use property by reporting the amount of the loss on Form 4684, Casualties and Thefts, and claiming an itemized deduction on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, of the taxpayer’s return. A taxpayer claims a casualty loss deduction for business or income-producing property on Section B of Form 4684, and on Form 4797, Sales of Business Property, if required. For more information on casualty losses, see Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts, and Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook.

Q-8: Is an individual required to include in gross income payments the individual receives for personal physical injuries or physical sickness, or for emotional distress that is attributable to personal physical injuries or physical sickness?

A-8: No. An individual generally is not required to include in gross income payments the individual receives on account of personal physical injuries or physical sickness. Personal physical injuries include observable bodily harm such as bruises, cuts, swelling, and bleeding. Likewise, an individual is not required to include in gross income payments the individual receives for emotional distress that is attributable to personal physical injuries or physical sickness. Payments for personal physical injuries or physical sickness, or emotional distress attributable to personal physical injury or physical sickness, are not required to be reported on an information return filed with the IRS by the person making the payment.

Q-9: Is an individual required to include in gross income payments the individual receives for emotional distress (or symptoms of emotional distress such as insomnia, headaches, or stomach disorders) that is not attributable to personal physical injuries or physical sickness?

A-9: Yes. The law requires an individual to include in gross income payments the individual receives for emotional distress (or symptoms of emotional distress such as insomnia, headaches, or stomach disorders) that is not attributable to personal physical injuries or physical sickness. However, an individual excludes from gross income payments for emotional distress up to the amount of medical care expenses the individual paid related to the emotional distress if the individual did not deduct the expenses in a prior taxable year.

Q-10: Are payments made to an individual for emotional distress that is not attributable to personal physical injuries or physical sickness required to be reported to the IRS by the person making the payment?

A-10: Yes. A person making a payment to an individual for emotional distress that is not attributable to personal physical injuries or physical sickness must report the payment to the IRS on a Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, if it is $600 or more. If the individual does not furnish the individual’s taxpayer identification number to the payor, the payor must backup withhold on the payment at a rate of 28 percent.

GBRC Monthly Panel Discussion

Global Green USA is proud to partner with the AIA, New Orleans Chapter and the USGBC-Louisiana Chapter for our monthly panel series on issues of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

For this month’s panel discussion, hosted by the USGBC, LA Chapter – Thomas Rush, Director of Business Development at GNO Inc., will be on hand to discuss GNO Inc.‘s Green N.O. Initiative.

Green N.O. is a collaborative economic development organization serving the 10-parish region of Southeast Louisiana. The initiative focuses on establishing New Orleans as an epicenter of sustainable industries, particularly in the areas of water management, green building, energy efficiency/renewable energy, coastal restoration, and disaster preparation and mitigation. Mr. Rush will provide overview of the Green N.O Initiative and its various subparts, including marketing, policy and green jobs.

Green Building Resource Center
Wednesday, June 16th
5:30pm to 7:30pm
841 Carondelet Street
New Orleans, LA

Global Green events are free and open to the public.

Light refreshment served at 5:30pm, meeting begins at 6pm.

Warm thanks to our good friends at Whole Foods Market and Atchafalaya Restaurant for their very generous support.

For updated information on this and past panel discussions, please contact Heidi Jensen at our Green Building Resource Center: :
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Since 1968, the Bryan Bell Metropolitan Leadership Forum (BBMLF) has sought to identify emerging community leaders and stimulate their interest and involvement in community service. Drawing from all sectors of the community – business, faith, nonprofit, neighborhood and civic groups – the purpose is to provide information about, analysis of and opportunities to explore key metropolitan issues and needs.

The Leadership Forum begins with a Saturday morning city bus tour. Participants take a narrated tour of key facilities and neighborhoods, including schools, housing developments, community centers, industrial sites, and other institutions. Historical perspective is mixed with current circumstances to provide a context for the following Forum sessions. Most participants find themselves in New Orleans locations they have never seen before, and expand their knowledge of the city’s history. The overarching theme is the impact of the physical components of the city on the quality of life experienced by its people.

The remaining sessions are conducted in various locations throughout the city, based on the session topic; for example, the City Management session takes place in the chambers of the New Orleans City Council. Each session focuses on a specific issue, and begins with presentations by a panel of leading local experts on the issue. Presentations are followed by lively question and answer/discussion sessions, during which participants develop both a broader understanding of the issue at hand and their own perspective on the topic.

BBMLF sessions include:

Human Relations

Housing

Education

Economic Development

City Management

Public Safety

Health Care

Transportation and Regionalism

Environment and Coastal Issues

Networking and Graduation

In addition to the regular session, each year participants complete a community service project. Participants choose either education and housing as their preferred area of focus; then form teams for each project, determine and design their project, and carry it out. Each team then does a presentation on its project at the final Networking session. These projects further expand participants’ knowledge of these issues, while connecting them to service opportunities. Many continue to serve in these areas once the Forum has concluded.

By introducing emerging leaders to the issues they will face as they assume leadership roles, the Bryan Bell Metropolitan Leadership Forum provides a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and insight into the serious problems that face our community – as well as potential solutions to the problems. In particular, the focus is on addressing these issues at systemic levels, as that tracks the fundamental approach of CBNO/MAC.

In addition, the Forum brings together individuals from diverse ethnic, racial and socio-economic backgrounds. By providing the opportunity for socializing over dinner (served at the beginning of each regular Forum session) and then engaging in frank and open discussion among themselves and with experts in the various fields, the BBMLF promotes human understanding and encourages commitment to solving the problems and overcoming the barriers that divide our community.

Participants in the Leadership Forum are selected through an open nomination and review process. Self-nominations are welcome. If you are interested, or wish to nominate an emerging leader, please email for a nomination form. Nominations are usually accepted in June of each year, with the Forum itself taking place September to November with one session each week.

Individual BBMLF sessions are sponsored by far-sighted business and civic entities. Sponsors for the 2009 Leadership Forum include:

Harrah’s New Orleans Casino

Peoples Health Network

Jones Walker

The Greater New Orleans Foundation

The Reily Foundation

Educate Now!

The Bryan Bell Metropolitan Leadership Forum offers a powerful opportunity for emerging and potential leaders in the New Orleans community. If you are interested in participating, or in sponsoring a Forum session, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Phone: (504) 267-4666

Email:

Love farmers markets, local food and our local community? marketumbrella.org seeks a full-time Market Community Programmer (MCP). The MCP works as part of a team to coordinate operations for our three weekly Crescent City Farmers Markets (Tuesday Uptown 9am-1pm; Thursday Mid-City 3-7pm; Saturday Downtown 8am-12noon) and outreach programs to bring a diverse community to our markets. Please note that this position requires some physical labor outdoors (2-3 times a week; rain or shine, year-round, like our markets!) and a schedule that revolves around our markets’ operations. An ideal candidate will be comfortable working at a fast pace, with diverse communities and in public settings, and have excellent communication, analytic, organization and time management skills. Cash handling or retail experience a plus. Sunny disposition a must. Excellent benefits. More information on our markets and organization is available at crescentcityfarmersmarket.org and marketumbrella.org. Please direct questions and resumes to Director of Markets Emery Van Hook: . No phone calls please.

The neighborhoods of Pines Village, Rosedale, and Melia Subdivisions are working together to bring back Digby’s Park. We are looking for volunteers, organizations and corporations to help us to restore the Park. We are looking for donations to buy supplies such as uniforms, sports equipment, tools and other essential supplies to maintain the Park.

For more information or questions, please contact Cheryl Diggins at or call at 504.715.1217

If you would like to donate to our fundraiser via PayPal, please click the button below and help up make Digby’s Park beautiful!

On April 22, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began implementation of the new Lead: RRP rule. The rule currently calls for extensive precautions to be taken by a firm contracted to perform renovations on pre-1978 “targeted homes*� and child-occupied facilities where paint is disturbed.** However, the EPA has announced the release of an amendment which will remove what’s called the “opt-out provision,� which means this rule will apply to ALL homes built prior to 1978. This amendment, which also requires contractors to provide a copy of the records they are required to keep under the rule, will go into effect on July 6, 2010.

This information is especially important to renters and home-owners in the New Orleans vicinity, as nearly 90% of the homes in our area were built pre-1980. There is no way to tell without individual testing how many of our homes contain lead paint, but the hazards of this paint are known: it has been known to cause damage to children’s brains and nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. It is important to everyone in our community, including those in the home-building industry, to take necessary precautions to prevent the spreading of this toxic substance to our children.

In order to comply with these federal safety regulations, contractors are required to undergo comprehensive training – consequently incurring additional costs. As a result, contractors will be forced to increase their rates to consumers. It is important that all consumers are aware of this, and know that their contractor MUST be registered and certified with the EPA for the work done on their home to comply with this federal rule. Undoubtedly, there will be those contractors who choose not to comply, so their bids will come in lower than those of certified contactors. As an informed consumer, it is your responsibility to make sure you work with only the law-abiding and responsible builders & remodelers.

The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO), along with the Louisiana Home Builders Association (LHBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), have been working collaboratively for several months to find a way to keep costs down for all parties, while still complying with the rule. For now, though, it is important for everyone to stay informed of the rule – whether you are a remodeling contractor or a homeowner considering a future home project.

• Targeted Homes: Homes with children under 6, pregnant woman, home where a child visits regularly.
  • Disturbing paint: Methods include but are not limited to – sanding; grinding; demolition of interior plaster walls; small surface disruptions such as drilling and sawing; removing paint using heat guns, open flame torches, chemical paint removers; dry scraping; using a power planer.

Brief Overview of the Rule:
The RRP rule applies to renovations on homes and child-occupied facilities built prior to 1978; providing those renovation projects disturb at least 6 square feet of painted interior surface or at least 20 square feet of painted exterior surface.

The new regulation will require firms working in pre-1978 homes to register as a Certified Firm, and at least one employee from that firm will need to be a Certified Renovator.

Stay Informed! Visit http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm for the most up-to-date rule information and lead paint hazards. An updated list of Certified Renovators is available by visiting the Remodelers Council section of the HBAGNO website:www.home-builders.org.

Questions? Visit our website listed above, or give us a call.

Fernando Arriola
New Beginnings Enterprises, LLC
2010 HBA Remodelers Council Chair
(504) 339-2006 •

Lauren Booksh
HBA Education & Communications Director 504.837.2700

Global Green USA is proud to partner with the AIA, New Orleans Chapter and the USGBC-Louisiana Chapter for our monthly panel series on issues of sustainability in the built environment. Please note change from our usual date.
The Oil Spill in the Gulf and Our Community Response

We will be devoting this month’s panel to the collective response to the Deepwater Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico – to discuss strategies as we mobilize, organize and promote training opportunities for volunteers and paid workers who wish to join the efforts to save our coastal communities, wetlands, and way of life.

Please join us for this important evening as we come together as a community with agency, organizational and community representatives to discuss current and future action plans in response to this man-made and avoidable disaster – how we’ll clean up the mess in the coming weeks, and how we can protect our environment for the future.

Wednesday, May 26th
5:30pm to 7:30 pm
Green Building Resource Center
841 Carondelet Street
New Orleans, LA
Global Green events are free and open to the public. Light organic refreshment served at 5:30pm, meeting begins at 6pm.

Warm thanks to our good friends at Whole Foods Market and Atchafalaya Restaurant for their very generous support.

For updated information on this and archived past panel discussions, please see our Global Green website here: http://globalgreen.org/events/13 or contact Heidi Jensen at our Green Building Resource Center:
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Recently, the Lafitte Senior Center welcomed the following new members: Loretta LaFrance, Eileen Calegan, Cheryl Thompson, Jack Thompson, Dale Lindsey and Marion Bourg.

The Lafitte Senior Center is also a RSVP volunteer station, which is a part of the national Senior Corps retired/senior volunteer program associated with AmeriCorps. To become a RSVP volunteer in Lafitte, contact the center at Dorothy Wiseman, center supervisor at 504-689-4403 and Amber Martinez, RSVP clerk at 504-736-6165 and email at .

For the month of May, the Lafitte Senior Center has named Jules Caulfield as the center’s volunteer of the month. The center’s staff said Caulfield’s extra efforts are greatly appreciated by every member. Congratulations Jules for a job well done!
Lafitte Senior Center is also a RSVP volunteer station, which is a part of the national Senior Corps retired/senior volunteer program associated with AmeriCorps. To become a RSVP volunteer in Lafitte, contact the center at Dorothy Wiseman, center supervisor at 504-689-4403 and Amber Martinez, RSVP clerk at 504-736-6165 and email at .

The Lafitte Senior Center would like to welcome Cheryl Thompson as the center’s new Nutrition Site Manager. Welcome abroad, Cheryl!

Don’t forget to submit your applications for the 2010 Farmers Market coupons. Submit all applications at the Lafitte Senior Center. For more information, Dorothy Wiseman, center supervisor at 504-689-4403.

It takes many people to plan activities at a community center. If you feel you can help or would enjoy donating your time, please visit our center. Volunteers are always needed. Lafitte Senior Center is also a RSVP volunteer station, which is a part of the national Senior Corps retired/senior volunteer program associated with AmeriCorps. To become a RSVP volunteer in Lafitte, contact the center at Dorothy Wiseman, center supervisor at 504-689-4403 and Amber Martinez, RSVP clerk at 504-736-6165 and email at .

The Lafitte Senior Center will host jewelry classes at 11 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of every month. To register, contact Dorothy Wiseman, center supervisor at 504-689-4403.

Saturday May 15, 2010 8:30 AM – 6:00PM
Saturday August 7, 2010 8:30 AM – 6:00PM
Saturday October 16, 2010 8:30 AM – 6:00PM
Saturday December 4, 2010 8:30 AM – 6:00PM
Dorothy Watson Community Center
1300 Myrtle Street
Metairie, Louisiana 70003
504-736-6480

Our Mini-Financial Fitness Training and First-Time Homebuyer Educational Workshops will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the hours of 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM on the Westbank at the Marrero Community/Senior Center and on the Eastbank at the Dorothy Watson Community Center. If there are any questions, please contact the JeffCAP Housing program 736-6159.

On behalf of the Backyard Gardener’s Network, the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association Garden Committee and the entire Lower Ninth Ward community, I ask for your help to win the Cox Conserves Heroes contest. Please go to

http://www.coxconservesheroes.com/new-orleans-la/votingform.aspx

and vote for me, Jenga Mwendo! Cox Conserves Heroes is a contest that awards an “environmental hero” $5000 to his/her charity of choice. If I win, the money will go towards renovating a blighted cottage next door to our community garden for use as a storage/education garden center.

*The Backyard Gardener’s Network is a Lower Ninth Ward based not-for-profit organization founded by Jenga Mwendo, whose mission is community building, neighborhood revitalization and cultural preservation through urban agriculture in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward.

Dear Neighbor,

Do you need tools to complete the finishing touches on a community garden box? Are you looking to connect with other local volunteers to take on projects in your neighborhood?

HandsOn New Orleans offers the assistance you need to strengthen and rebuild your community. We offer local and visiting volunteers support in the form of tools, training, housing and volunteer recruitment, in order to contribute to the revitalization of New Orleans.

We provide:

• Daily Volunteer Opportunities-Access our online project calendar of flexible volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups by logging on to http://www.handsonneworleans.org.

• Volunteer Leader Trainings- Receive free training to help you plan and lead projects that meet critical needs in your neighborhood.

• Non-profit Orientations- Help your non-profit utilize the HandsOn New Orleans project calendar and other available partner resources (volunteers, trainings, tools, etc.).

• Weekly Volunteer Orientations- Learn more about meaningful volunteer opportunities and non-profits in your community.

• Tool Lending Library-Take on a project of your own, without investing in expensive powertools. More than 4800 tools are available to New Orleans residents, non-profits and volunteers for planting community gardens, repairing homes, beautifying area schools and parks, and more.

• Volunteer Housing- Stay at our HandsOn New Orleans bunkhouse while giving back to the city.

We would like to speak with you more about volunteer resources and tools available to area residents. Please contact Charlie Ho at or (504) 483-7041 ext. 107 to schedule a 30 minute in-person meeting at your earliest convenience. Our outreach staff is also available to speak at neighborhood association meetings and other large community gatherings.

Thank you in advance for the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,

Charlie Ho
Volunteer Coordinator

Central City Renaissance Alliance is a growing non-profit in search of innovative community development professionals, social entrepreneurs, and change agents to join its efforts to support residents, businesses, and associations. Visit our website, http://www.myccra.org, for detailed information about open positions. Central City residents are encouraged to apply.

NPN seeks a highly organized, dependable individual with a flexible schedule to be our new Trumpet Magazine Distribution Contractor.

Job Requirements:
-manage spreadsheet of distribution locations
-physically distribute The Trumpet Magazine to all locations (every two months; must be available on at least one week day (Friday or Monday) as well as the full weekend for delivery).
-return checked off spreadsheet of locations that have been distributed to, as well as gas receipt and invoice for stops.
-contractor is responsible for his or her own transportation
-must be able to lift magazine bundles – approx. 20lbs

Strong Candidates will posses the following skills:
-highly organized
-extremely dependable
-self-motivated
-Excel spreadsheets
-Google Docs
-good written and oral communication skills

To apply, please send your resume along with a brief statement on why you would like to apply for this job and why you are qualified to . The subject line should say “Distribution Applicant.” Very strong candidates will additionally submit a recommendation from a former employer or coworker.

Operation REACH, Inc is a non-profit community education corporation dedicated to providing high-quality educational opportunities for youth and their families. Our programs are designed to foster life-long learning and personal success in the areas of work, recreation and community service.

Operation REACH is currently seeking individuals to contribute to its Gulfsouth Summer Youth Action Camps (GSYAC), as Camp Directors, Instructors and AmeriCorps Teacher-Counselors, in summer camps in New Orleans, LA; Birmingham, AL; and Atlanta, GA. The GSYAC is a specialty service-learning camp designed to engage 400 urban middle school youth in meaningful service-learning activities. The GSYAC is a six-week, intensive, holistic, cutting-edge youth leadership and service-learning program for disadvantaged students entering grades 6–9 that focuses on social justice, youth empowerment, community diversity, and service-learning.

Camp Directors provide daily supervision of camp activities and operations in each community, while instructors and AmeriCorps members promote and facilitate service-learning and youth leadership activities for youth attending the camps.

Ideal candidates are hard-working, motivated, has experience with disadvantaged youth, instruction, and service-learning and possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or is enrolled in a degree-seeking institution.

To apply, visit http://www.operationreach.org and click on the Careers tab.

Locations: New Orleans, LA; Birmingham, AL; Atlanta, GA.

Compensation: Dependent upon experience. All positions are seasonal.

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) enables volunteers age 55 and over to contribute their time, experience, knowledge and interests to others in the community. We are dedicated to helping seniors retain useful roles after retirement.

Who can be an RSVP volunteer?

Anyone who is 55 years or over and who wants to volunteer can join RSVP.

What do RSVP volunteers do?

Some of our more common positions are gift shop clerk, meals delivery, receptionist and patient escort.

How often and how long do I have to volunteer?

The length of commitment and the number of hours vary with the assignments. It is usually established by the place where you work. For our part, we only
require that you volunteer one hour every three months. Specific stations may require more.

Where do RSVP volunteers work?

RSVP maintains agreements with social services agencies, health care institutions, senior and community centers to accept RSVP volunteers. These sites are located throughout the parish.

How do I find a volunteer position with RSVP?

Many of our new volunteers come to us knowing exactly where they want to work and what they want to do. If you don’t know, RSVP will assist you in finding a placement based on your interests, experience, where you live and your schedule.

Can I volunteer at more than one place?

Yes. Many volunteers do.

Can I change the place where I volunteer?

Yes. Just let our office know you’d like to make a change.
Recognition

RSVP volunteers are invited to attend the annual luncheon celebration each year. Usually this is held in the fall.

RSVP Meals Reimbursement Request
Request need to be submitted by the 5th of the month to your volunteer station
supervisor. If the Volunteer Station Supervisor submits documentation to the RSVP Coordinator by the 15th of the month they will get paid by the 30th of the month.

THE BEST AGE IS THE AGE YOU ARE.

The Jefferson Community Action Programs (JeffCAP) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age. For more information, contact JeffCAP RSVP at (504) 736-6165 and email .

Global Green is proud to partner with the United States Green Building Council – Louisiana Chapter, and the American Institute of Architects, New Orleans Chapter, to present a monthly panel series on issues of sustainability in the built environment. Please note change from our usual date and location.

This month’s event, hosted by USGBC-LA Chapter in partnership with Historic Green:

Green From the Ground Up: How Putting People First Changes What We Do Next.

Wednesday, March 10th
5:30 p.m. to 7:30pm
All Souls Church
5500 St. Claude Ave
Lower Ninth Ward

USGBC-Louisiana is excited to welcome Historic Green’s invited speaker, Rick Fedrizzi. Mr. Fedrizzi, founding chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1993, was appointed President & CEO in April 2004. Under his leadership, the Council has tripled its membership, broadened its influence, and cemented its role as a leadership voice in the global sustainability movement.

The evolution and extension of the internationally recognized LEED Green Building Rating System to all building types and expansion of LEED certification and accreditation through the spin off the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), of which Rick is chairman, has helped build in speed and capacity to the organization. Collaboration, through work with the Clinton Global Initiative, the International Codes Council, AIA, ASHRAE, ASID, ASLA, BOMA and IFMA has broadened the base of green building. Expanded outreach and education, advocacy support for public policy initiatives, and a heightened emphasis on green building’s role in social equity progress are part of Rick’s vision for the organization.

This event presented by Historic Green: http://www.historicgreen.org . Light refreshments will be served. AIA Continuing Education Credits apply.

The New Orleans Citizen Participation Program is competing in the Pepsi Refresh challenge for a $50,000 grant. Bringing these funds to New Orleans will help us to complete the final stages of this project which will empower citizens throughout our city to have a voice in city government policies and decisions that impact their city, their neighborhoods and their lives. You can vote once per day per email address and it takes less than 60 seconds to cast your vote. The steps to help us win this grant are very simple:

1. Go to http://www.refresheverything.com/neworleanscitizenparticipation and sign up using the “Join Pepsi Refresh Everything” link located on the lower left side of the page. All you need is an email address.

2. Vote for NOLACPP

3. Spread the word among your friends and networks — please share this as widely as possible (your email contacts, through Facebook, Twitter, etc. — there are icons on the site to do these), because the competition will be strong and we need every vote we can get every single day.

4. Return every day during the month of March to vote for NOLACPP.

Thank you for your support. With your help we can bring this money to New Orleans and give our people a voice in our future.

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) announces the availability of up to $658,000 in Community Advocacy Grants to foster community involvement in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, preventing youth tobacco initiation and reducing tobacco-related health disparities.

TFL Community Advocacy Grants will be awarded statewide in amounts up to $18,000 each. The funding period for the Community Advocacy Grants is for one year and will be from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.

For those interested in learning more about the request for applications (RFA), technical assistance calls regarding the scope of work for the grants are scheduled for March 2. Please contact Cassandra at for information on how to participate.

Scope of Work Option 1: Tobacco Prevention and Control Advocacy with Youth (11-17) Tuesday March 2, 2010 1:00pm

Scope of Work Option 2: Tobacco Prevention and Control Advocacy with Priority Populations (women, LGBT, persons living with HIV/AIDS, mental health/substance abuse professionals, service industry employees/musicians, persons over 50 years of age) Tuesday March 2, 2010 3:00p.m.

Scope of Work Option 3: Tobacco Prevention and Control Advocacy with Young Adults (18-24)* Must be a college or university. March 2, 2010 10:30 a.m.

The deadline for submission of completed applications is March 24, 2010, 4:00 p.m. CST.

The official Request for Applications (RFA) is available now for download at http://www.tobaccofreeliving.org.

Cassandra Contreras, MPH
Region 1 Coordinator
The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL)

504-301-9839 direct
504-905-7609 cell
504-301-9801 fax

Project Sprout, has an opportunity to win $25,000 that would go towards removing blight in New Orleans neighborhoods. GTECH Strategies, a partner in Project Sprout, is involved in the Pepsi Refresh project, an online voting platform whereby Pepsi is giving away $1.3 million per month to social enterprises. Right now, GTECH stands to win $50,000 in February if they can move up at least 4 spots in the rankings (they are currently ranked 14th and the top 10 get funding), and half of this money would come to New Orleans in support of Project Sprout.

Project Sprout is a joint-venture between two Echoing Green fellows from the class of 2008, Green Coast Enterprises (GCE), a New Orleans-based green real estate company, and GTECH Strategies (GTECH), a vacant land management social enterprise based in Pittsburgh, PA. Project Sprout has adapted GTECH’s innovative and successful model to the unique circumstances of New Orleans, by emphasizing vacant land reclamation and green jobs development. This model is coupled with GCE’s innovative real estate practice to create a joint venture that provides unique solutions for community revitalization.

Help us to transform blighted property throughout NOLA! Your vote can help us get over the edge. Go to the link below (up to once a day through February 28th) and please tell your networks about this project and ask them to vote as well. With your help, we can bring much needed resources to blight removal in New Orleans! Want to vote, just go to the link below.

http://www.refresheverything.com/gtech

http://www.refresheverything.com

Ready to file your 2009 taxes? Don’t pay for it; come have your taxes prepared for free by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers! ASI Federal Credit Union and its non-profit partner A Shared Initiative are once again providing free tax preparation for community members through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. ASI Federal Credit Union will operate sites at its Westwego and Harahan branches, while A Shared Initiative will host free tax preparation at the Clifford N. Rosenthal Community Resource Center on St. Claude Avenue in the Upper Ninth Ward.

Each VITA site will operate on Fridays from 9 am until 4:30 pm and Saturdays from 9 am until 1 pm from January 22nd, 2010 through April 3rd, 2010. Tax preparation is performed on an appointment basis, but walk-ins are also welcome as time permits.

Please call 504.733.1733 ext. 79211 and speak with Tonnette Rising to schedule an appointment.

Site locations:

ASI Federal Credit Union – Harahan
5508 Citrus Blvd
Harahan LA 70123

ASI Federal Credit Union – Westwego
1554 Westbank Expressway
Westwego LA 70094

A Shared Initiative – St. Claude
Clifford N. Rosenthal Community Resource Center
3401 St. Claude Ave
New Orleans LA 70117

Longue Vue House and Gardens
7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124 â–ª 504.488.5488 â–ª http://www.longuevue.com

For Immediate Release
Contact: Flora Williams, 504.488.5488, ext. 323, or

After a five-month national search, Longue Vue House and Gardens has hired Joe Baker—curator, educator, and accomplished museum professional—to serve as the institution’s Executive Director starting January 4, 2010. Baker brings to Longue Vue a long track record of results in enhanced exhibits and programming, revitalized collections, increased funding, new audiences, and greater community support at universities, museums, and cultural organizations across the nation.

Baker is charged by Longue Vue’s Board of Directors with stewardship of Longue Vue’s many facets: the house and collections, the gardens, programming, and community outreach. Board President René Fransen, speaking on behalf on the entire Search Committee, notes that Baker excels at operating at the intersection of the creative process and best business practices. He adds, “Joe is a visionary individual who has national contacts with the potential to help Longue Vue to continue its important philanthropic work in a post-Katrina environment, where local funding sources are strained.�

Baker comes to Longue Vue from the Herberger Institute of Design and the Arts at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. As the first Director for Community Engagement, he strengthened the public and civic purposes of the arts through innovative campus-community partnerships. Some of his key successes include creating an experimental exhibition space, Night Gallery, a partnership with Vestar Development Corporation and the ASU School of Art; researching health disparities in urban populations through a partnership with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, resulting in the establishment of a community garden; and hosting an all elements hip-hop event that explored grassroots arts activism.

Prior to his tenure at the Herberger Institute, Baker was the Lloyd Kiva New Curator of Fine Art at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. There, he pioneered new opportunities for emerging and underrepresented artists through innovative exhibits and programming, such as Holy Land: Diaspora and the Desert, which won international acclaim for its examination of seven displaced artists and their cultural ties to desert concepts.

Baker has also held senior leadership positions at the Institute of American Indian Arts and the Phoenix Office of Art and Culture and teaching positions at Colorado College (Colorado Springs, Colorado), the University of Incarnate Word (San Antonio, Texas), and East Carolina University (Greenville, North Carolina). He currently serves on several boards, including the Editorial Advisory Board for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian and the American Indian Advisory Board for Idyllwild Arts. He is also an award-winning artist himself.

Known for his willingness and proven ability to work within museums and structures undergoing periods of significant transition, Baker is the perfect match for Longue Vue, which is poised between recovering from Hurricane Katrina and moving forward as a leader in the region’s cultural economy.
The former estate of philanthropists and civic activists Edith and Edgar Stern, Longue Vue is comprised of a Classical Revival mansion, housing an extensive collection of 18th to 20th century decorative arts, surrounded by numerous formal and informal gardens, many of which were designed by premiere landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman.

Longue Vue, which now serves as a cultural and educational nonprofit, upholds its mission “to preserve and use the historical and artistic legacy of Longue Vue and its creators to educate and inspire people to pursue beauty and civic responsibility in their lives� by offering extensive programming to the public, often at no cost. Longue Vue is also an active partner in the community, working, for example, to re-green Pontchartrain Park, the historic African American neighborhood that Edgar Stern helped to develop.

Baker recalls that upon seeing Longue Vue for the first time, he was stilled by the experience. He adds, “While all of us are forever imprinted with the potent memory of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures, Longue Vue compels me to dwell in a different place. What I see when I am here is a beautiful and powerful setting, wrought from the efforts of dedicated and curious staff and from the contributions of countless supporters.� Pondering for a moment, he continues, “Longue Vue, now, resonates with humanity. Its recovery is a living reminder of the human spirit, of the call to action that was answered by supporters from around the country.�

The Garden Conservancy was one of the organizations that answered the call to action by sending a team of volunteer gardeners to help with the clean up following the storm. This led to designating Longue Vue as a Preservation Project. The Garden Conservancy then partnered with the New York Botanical Garden to raise $100,000, divided between Longue Vue and the New Orleans Botanical Garden, and hired Heritage Landscapes to develop a renewal plan for the gardens that was much more in keeping with their original beauty and distinction. Baker notes, “The Garden Conservancy’s commitment to and investment in Longue Vue is visible every day. I welcome the continuation of our partnership and the exploration of future possibilities.�

The Garden Study Club of New Orleans, which has given grants to Longue Vue to revitalize and maintain Oak Allée and the lawn that flanks it, is another organization that has been paramount to Longue Vue’s recovery. Longue Vue’s Head Gardener Amy Graham explains, “Without the generous financial support of the Garden Study Club, we could not have restored Oak Allée, an iconic element of our estate.�

Visitors and locals interested in viewing Oak Allée and seeing Longue Vue’s recovery may tour between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and between 1 and 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 504.488.5488 or visit http://www.longuevue.com.

###

About Longue Vue House and Gardens
Longue Vue House and Gardens is a magnificent 8-acre Country Place Era estate comprised of a Classical Revival-style mansion surrounded by beautifully landscaped formal and informal gardens, including the interactive Lucy C. Roussel Discovery Garden for children. The former home of philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern, Longue Vue was designed by renowned architects William and Geoffrey Platt and by Ellen Biddle Shipman, one of America’s premier landscape architects. Longue Vue, which now serves as an educational and cultural resource, offers tours daily and hosts numerous events centered around design, preservation, gardening, architecture, and civic engagement. Longue Vue is a designated National Historic Landmark, is accredited by the American Association of Museums, and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in New Orleans at 7 Bamboo Road, Longue Vue is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. For more information, call 504.488.5488, or visit http://www.longuevue.com.

We invite Central City children to make ornaments and decorate cookies and a holiday tree on Mahalia Jackson Center’s campus (at the playground at 2405 Jackson Ave., between S. Robertson and Freret St.) on Saturday, December 5th, from 11AM-1PM.

The Trumpet Editorial Board meets every other month on a Wednesday morning at 8a.m. at the NPN offices.

Duties:
-Brainstorming on story and theme ideas for future issues of The Trumpet
-Make calls/send e-mails on behalf of The Trumpet Magazine
-Attending and volunteering at Trumpet Release Parties (every other month)
-Editorial oversight for Trumpet Content
-Submitting one piece of content for each issue (either that you write or have someone write)

The ideal candidate should be familiar with or interested in learning about The Trumpet Magazine. Journalism background is a plus but not necessary.

Candidate must be a member of their neighborhood association and that neighborhood association must me a member of NPN for applicant to be considered.

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2009
Contact: Lauren Anderson, 504.899.5900 × 105 or

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans Supports Extension of Homebuyer Tax Credit
Urges Homebuyers to Seek Homeownership Education Prior to Home Purchase

New Orleans, LA — Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans (NHS) applauds the decision by Congress and President Obama to renew the homebuyer tax credit and make it available to both first-time homebuyers and existing homeowners. In addition, NHS joins with other regional housing advocates to call for a clarification of Congressional intent to make eligible those homeowners who, due to the storms and the federal levee failures of 2005, have not lived continuously in their homes for five years.

“Whether a first-time homebuyer, someone moving back who’s ready to repurchase in the greater New Orleans region, or even someone looking to upgrade, NHS urges all homebuyers to seek homeownership education – ideally from NHS – but definitely from a HUD-approved nonprofit member of the Louisiana Homebuyer Education Collaborative, before purchasing a home,â€� encourages NHS CEO Lauren Anderson.

Participation in homeownership education helps homebuyers determine if they are ready for homeownership. Through homeownership education, potential homebuyers will:

For over 30 years, NHS, a local NeighborWorks organization, has worked with homebuyers to help them achieve their dream of long-term homeownership. We have trained counselors on-staff ready to advise families one-on-one and help them make the right homeownership choices for them. To find out more about our homeownership education courses, please call (504) 899-5900 today.

About NHS

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans, Inc. revitalizes communities by increasing the number of homeowners and transforming vacant or substandard properties into sustainable homeownership. We improve quality of life through informed community development initiatives, leadership development, education, outreach & collaboration.

What: Rebuilding Together New Orleans’ Annual October Build Project is a volunteer opportunity exclusively for local organizations, corporations, families and friends to, join hands, pick up a hammer or a paint brush, and make a difference in the lives low income elderly or disabled homeowners.

When: Friday and Saturday, October 2nd, 3rd and 9th, and 10th (with rain dates on the 16th and 17th)

Teams of 10 people or more are encouraged to sign up to participate. Volunteers are asked to provide their own lunch and transportation and must be at least 15 years or older. Each team will self appoint a House Captain, who will take ownership of the project, creating supply lists, overseeing the workscope, and working directly with RTNO House Captains and Construction Managers.

To sign up, contact Rebecca at:

Rebecca Crenshaw
Special Projects Officer
Rebuilding Together New Orleans
923 Tchoupitoulas Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

Fax: 504-636-3072
Please call 504-636-3383 for questions.

While there is no volunteer fee for this event, RTNO welcomes pledges or in-kind donations to utilize in all stages of the rebuilding process. Pledges of any amount are welcome and are used to cover materials, safety equipment, and overhead costs. Valuable in-kind donations include paint supplies, lumber, tile, flooring, hardware, hand tools and power tools, and safety gear. These items represent our most frequently used supplies, which we constantly replenish throughout the year to complete rebuilding projects.

Now is the time to roll up your sleeves and help your neighbors!

*To be included as a project sponsor in media outlets and t-shirts, please sign up by July 31st, 2009

Thanks for your support! Hope to hear from you soon!

CLICK HERE FOR VENDOR INFORMATION

The annual Crescent City Celebration will take place Saturday, November 7th at Harney Elementary in Central City (map: http://tinyurl.com/yaa973o) from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. We will have live music and other entertainment, vendors, a raffle, and a cook-off.

For more information, or if you have interest in performing at, vending at or sponsoring the Crescent City Celebration: A Taste of New Orleans Neighborhoods, please contact Kelly at either or (504)940-2207.

Join UNITY of Greater New Orleans, a progressive, award-winning 17-year-old nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness and rebuilding an equitable New Orleans. We offer competitive nonprofit salaries & benefits for FT jobs.

INTAKE MANAGER. At least 2 years experience providing direct service to poor or disabled people. M.S.W. preferred.

PROGRAM SERVICES MANAGER. Launch & manage intake & outreach services for large new rent assistance & case management program. At least 2 years experience providing direct services or managing programs for poor people; supervisory experience. M.S.W. preferred.

PROGRAM AND CONTRACTS MANAGERS. At least 2 years experience managing social service or housing contracts; budgeting skills. M.S.W. or advanced degree preferred.

FISCAL PROGRAM MANAGER. Accounting or business degree or fiscal management experience.

RECEPTIONIST. M-F; 9 am-1:30 pm. Phone reception, word-processing, & filing skills.

Apply by sending resume, with cover letter explaining your commitment to serving the poor and which position(s) you are interested in, to Shanda Jordan-Smith at , 2475 Canal St., Suite 300, NOLA 70119. For more info, see http://www.unitygno.org.

Saturday August 29
3-5pm
Contemporary Arts Center
Free & Open to the Public

Speakers include:
Bob Berkebile, FAIA
Majora Carter
Walter Hood, FASLA
Byron J. Mouton, AIA

An event coordinated by the Make It Right Foundation and the Contemporary Arts Center.

On June 11th, LDEQ will host a public hearing asking for public comments regarding the Louisiana Generating proposal. We need to let LDEQ know we don’t want more dirty coal in Louisiana. The Big Cajun II coal plant makes no sense financially or environmentally. Louisiana Generating already sends all of the power generated by Big Cajun II out-of-state, leaving our communities to suffer the health and environmental hazards and their current proposal will only add to these problems.

http://action.sierraclub.org/StopBigCajunII

Louisianans cannot afford to pay the long-term costs of coal emission exposure: mercury poisoning, impaired childhood development, respiratory diseases, contaminated fish, waterways and soil. Louisiana Generating should do what dozens of other utility companies are doing across the country: Invest in energy efficiency programs and renewable sources of energy to meet electricity demands responsibly, instead of investing in an expensive, polluting technology that jeopardizes public health and damages our environment.

Please follow the link to take action, and send a comment to LDEQ telling them you don’t want new coal in Louisiana.
http://action.sierraclub.org/StopBigCajunII

For More Information, Please Contact:
Jordan Macha, 504-861-4837 /

The Phoenix of New Orleans (PNOLA), a neighborhood recovery non-profit, invites you to the first ever PNOLA Kids’ Fair! Join PNOLA for a fun-filled day of games, arts and crafts, music and more! The event is Saturday, May 16th from 10am-2pm at the Sojourner Truth Community Center (at the intersection of N. Galvez St and Lafitte Ave.). Many groups will be participating in the event including HandsOn New Orleans, KidsmART, The YMCA, YA/YA, The New Orleans Food and Farm Network, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. In addition, there will be a petting zoo with the LSU Agricultural Center, an educational activity with pets from the SPCA, food vendors, mural painting, community service, story-telling and a drum circle from the Ashe Cultural Center. Books will be given away and there will be a raffle with great prizes as well! In the afternoon, enjoy music from a local brass band! Attendance is FREE!

For more information about the event, contact Allison at (504) 613-0177 or .

Job Title: Office Assistant
Position Reports to: Executive Director

POSITION OVERVIEW

Provides administrative and clerical support to Executive Director; serves as administrative point person for the network

DUTIES

Administrative

-Manages day-to-day operations of Neighborhoods Partnership Network’s office and oversees efforts to locate new office and residential space.
-Prepares newsletter layout, assists with copy editing, and oversees printing and mailing.
-Serves as site liaison with vendors, including landlords, repair companies, and utility companies.
-Maintains supplies and replenishes stock.
-Screens telephone calls, answers routine questions, and takes messages.
-Assists in coordination of logistics for annual event, programs, and meetings.
-Performs administrative and clerical duties including preparation, photocopying, and dissemination of correspondence, reports, minutes of Board meetings, and membership acknowledgments.
-Updates and maintains Salesforce database.
-Performs any other operational-related duties or special projects as directed by management.

Financial

-Tracks monthly expenses, donations, and reimbursement utilizing the Quickbooks system.
-Processes checks and bills. Maintains, tracks, and replenishes petty cash.

Programmatic

-Work with Community Programs Manager to book and schedule programming events.
-Assist or lead event set-up as needed by Programs Manager.
-Serves as first touch for potential members. Provides them with relevant membership information.
-Assists Community Programs Manager with intern/staff/volunteer orientation and retreats.

QUALIFICATIONS

-Excellent administrative and organizational skills; strong attention to detail.
-Excellent facility with or ability to learn Microsoft Office products, Quickbooks and Adobe Suite.
-Familiarity with Salesforce or similar database, preferred.
-Strong writing and editing skills.
-Team player, with a positive attitude.
-Ability and willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
-Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Please send a cover letter and resume to to apply.

The Phoenix of New Orleans is conducting a survey of properties in Lower Mid City. The purpose of the survey is to track recovery efforts and progress in the area, to gauge the resilience of the neighborhood properties in the case of another hurricane, and to determine how many residents live in the area. Our survey area is over 200 blocks, so we need the help of volunteers from the community. Times available for volunteering are 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Kevin Dillon at 504-208-4821 or .

The Trumpet Editor Position:

Neighborhood Partnership Network (NPN) mission is to improve our quality of life by engaging New Orleanians in neighborhood revitalization and the civic process. The Trumpet is looking for the next Editor. It is a great opportunity to lead an authentic and growing community publication. The Editor is a part-time position. Help carry the torch of community writing.

Job Duties

-Reach out to community residents, students and non-profits and work with them on their submissions.
-Edit and manage the design of the print edition of The Trumpet which is published 6 times during the year, with one of the editions being the “The Trumpet Anniversary Edition� – January issue.
-Act as a liaison with the Times-Picayune, the Gambit, and other local papers
-Coordinator graphic layout and printing of the Trumpet to ensure execution of the magazine
-Ensure the sustainability by researching potential underwriters.
-Collaborate with established leaders in the non-profit, community organizing, and government sectors
-Write editorials, give presentations, or undertake such additional tasks as may be requested by the Executive Director or the Board which are conducive to marketing New Orleans neighborhoods and promoting NPN events.

Skills and experience required:
-Excellent writing and editing skills
-Computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office and programs such as Adobe Photoshop and In-Design (preferred)
-Graphic design skills (preferred)
-Experience with use of the Internet
-Organized and ability to meet deadlines

Please send cover letter, resume, writing sample, and design examples to

Timolynn Sams
Executive Director

The Phoenix of New Orleans is a local 501©3 non-profit that provides rebuilding assistance to families that were affected by Hurricane Katrina and can not afford to return home otherwise. We focus primarily in Mid-City and hope to see continued neighborhood revitalization through our efforts. In order to continue to provide our services to families in need, we need the help of our neighbors.

We are currently in the process of planning our largest fund-raising event of the year, which is going to be a Bowl-A-Thon. Like a Walk-A-Thon, our Bowl-A-Thon is designed to allow local leaders who are involved in the New Orleans community and committed to the recovery of our city to involve their social networks in raising funds and awareness for our recovery efforts. Each participant will ask for pledges to our organization from their family, friends, and colleagues either in the form of a flat donation or on a ‘per pin’ basis. The event will be held on April 15th, 2009 at the Mid-City Lanes “Rock ‘n Bowl” from 5pm through 8pm. All participants will have three games of bowling to show their stuff and earn their pledges, while they and those who have pledged contributions can enjoy free food and music, a cash bar, and the opportunity to win one of the many prizes donated by local businesses. In addition, for those who are neither pre-registered bowlers nor sponsoring a bowler, they can enjoy the food, music, and fun for a 5$ entrance fee. Walk-in bowlers, or those who are not registered to bowl and don’t have sponsorships but would like to bowl as well as enjoy the festivities, are welcome to join and can do so for only a 10$ entrance fee!

For additional information, feel free to call Rachel Massey at (504) 717-4731 or email .

A Shared Initiative, Inc. (ASII) has completed construction on the new community center in the St. Claude community. The community center is located at 3401 St. Claude Ave. in the Upper Ninth Ward.

We are entering the finals steps before opening the doors to provide services to St. Claude, but we need help from the surrounding community! ASII is seeking in-kind donations to assist us in furnishing the community center. If you have any of the items below to donate, or know someone else who may, please contact Katie Triplett at or 504.733.1733 ×79214

We can use all the help we can get, but these are the items we desperately need:

- Refrigerator – Microwave – Kitchen table w/ (4) chairs – (4) shelving units for the offices – Artwork to be displayed within the center – Exterior landscaping- bushes, rocks and/or mulch

We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to serve the Ninth Ward and the surrounding communities. It has been a long process, but the we can finally see the finish line! Thank you for all of your help, New Orleans!

Non-profit homebuilder seeks motivated, dedicated individual to assist clients with every step of the rebuilding process. Responsibilities will include identifying individual families who are in need of new construction on their lot, working with these families to obtain financing and to address any other obstacles that may be preventing them from rebuilding, and remaining the client’s primary point of contact through the rebuild process. Rebuild Coordinator will act as liason between client and construction team, and will also assist client with tasks such as filing ICC paperwork and coordinating Construction Loan draws, as applicable. Familiarity with post-Katrina housing issues, neighborhood dynamics, and the financing process are a must, as is dedication to the rebuilding of New Orleans neighborhoods, one house at a time. Experience in construction and/or in the non-profit world preferred. If interested, please send a resume and cover letter via e-mail to

A Shared Initiative, Inc. is proud to partner with Ochsner and USA Triathlon to bring the Ironman to New Orleans on April 5, 2009. This race has a rich history, and this will be the inaugural running in New Orleans!

We are in need of more energetic people to come out and help between April 1-5. For more information, and to download the required volunteer forms, please visit:

Ironman Volunteer Sign-up Page

You can also contact our volunteer coordinator, Katie Triplett, at . We look forward to seeing members from the community this weekend!

SATURDAY, APRIL 4th @ 5 PM
Zeitgeist Interdisciplinary Arts Center • 1618 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

GNOFHAC partners with Patois: The 6th Annual New Orleans Human Rights Film Festival to screen “Some Place Like Home” and 2 other short films about the struggle for recognition of housing as a human right. “Some Place Like Home” by Families United for Racial and Economic Equality (FUREE) is narrated by writer and activist Kevin Powell and depicts the fight against the exclusion of low-income families and small businesses from the “new vision” for developing Fort Greene and Downtown Brooklyn. Also: Screenings of “St. Joe,” a visual dirge for the destruction of New Orleans’ public housing buildings by local filmmaker Luisa Dantas, and “Locusts,” in which Detroit-based HipHop artists Invincible and Finale rhyme about how short-term profit-driven urban development schemes displace communities in their city. Performance by Kourtney Heart and dialogue with filmmakers and housing advocates from Brooklyn, Miami and New Orleans to follow. Event is FREE and open to the public!

Watch the trailer for “Some Place Like Home” at http://furee.org/film/trailer.php
Learn more about the Film Festival at http://www.patoisfilmfest.org

If you have family, friends or clients currently residing in the Lower 9th Ward, struggling to renovate their home or residents seeking to rebuild in the Lower 9th Ward, please contact NENA at 504-373-6483. Phone interviews are available.

OUTLINE OF NEEDS:
1) Research assistance (Area of Interest. Govt. programs that allow buyouts) 2) Land use strategies for revitalization (Area of Interest. Plans for creation of town squares, community/urban gardens, zoning changes, etc.)
3) Help shaping a Master Plan for neighborhood revitalization

Please contact Nikki Najiola at or 504-458-5708.

OUTLINE OF NEEDS:
1) Research assistance (Area of Interest. Blight documentation methods, software support),
2)Creation and implementation of effective survey processes,
3) Needs assessment; blight assessment and documentation; human asset assessment.

Please Contact: Pax Bobrow; , (504) 975-0717

The Mission of the Broadmoor Moishe House (aka MoisheNOLA) is to establish an open, accessible space that serves to complement the young professional Jewish and secular communities. At the core of Moishe NOLA is a charge to spark meaningful relationships, creative expression and social action for the purpose of enhancing the city of New Orleans. Moishe NOLA, the local house supported by the Moishe House nonprofit, has been in New Orleans since May 2008, and was founded by Gill Benedek and Jonathan Graboyes. Working for the Neighborhood Partnership Network (NPN) and the Broadmoor Improvement Association (BIA), respectively, they deliberately chose to establish the Moishe House of New Orleans in the Broadmoor neighborhood, to encourage secular and interfaith community dialogue and to foster the growth of a community center within a diverse and thriving neighborhood.

Description of Internship:
Intern will develop and promote programming for the Broadmoor Moishe House. Programming will focus on an array of local issues such as: hurricane recovery/rebuilding, New Orleans politics, the restoration of the Jewish community in the Broadmoor neighborhood/greater New Orleans, and social events for the Moishe House network. Intern will work to complete a 2-3 month independent project/study. Potential projects may include: sponsoring the rebuild of a Broadmoor home, a series of programs highlighting issues in New Orleans politics and policy, Jewish history in New Orleans and the post-Katrina efforts to revive the Jewish community, public relations and marketing, Moishe House New Orleans sustainability study. The New Orleans Moishe House sponsors 5-7 events per month. In addition to completing an independent project, expected outcomes include: event planning and promotion of regular monthly events (i.e. service Moishe House New Orleans projects, Shabbat dinners, social events, etc…) a complete schedule for a 6 month calendar of upcoming events, and regular contributions to the MoisheNola blog.

To Apply email or visit Broadmoor Internships

The ELCA National Youth Gathering is a Christian Organization who will be in New Orleans for a conference from July 22nd through 26th of this coming summer. There will be over 36,000 high school age youth and adult chaperons in town and all of them will be doing service on either the 23rd, 24th or 25th of July. We are looking for projects for busloads of volunteers (about 40 people per bus, multiple busses available). Transportation and food are covered, but we need projects and want to help! Please contact Scott Quillin to discuss your organizations volunteer needs. email or call (985) 705-0633.

We are a group of 21 Georgetown Law Students who are coming to New Orleans March 7-15. We are performing volunteer services through the Student Hurricane Network at a variety of locations in the city. We are looking for free or very inexpensive housing. We may be able to provide a limited amount of service in exchange for the housing. If you are interesting in hosting, please contact us at 774-254-1020, or .

The City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways teams with Parkway Partners for the annual Tree and Plant Sale offering local favorites including trees, shrubs, roses, citrus, tropicals and more at 2829 Gentilly Blvd. The Department’s staff consultation is available to all. Live, Dan Gill broadcast! COME EARLY for the best selection! Gates open at 8 am

Rebuilding Together New Orleans is currently accepting homeowner applications. If your house needs rebuilding or repairing, please consider applying to RTNO’s program for low-income elderly and/or disabled homeowners. If accepted into the program, we will help to repair your home using both volunteer and professional labor at little cost to you, the homeowner.

Having rebuilt more than 1,000 homes since 1988, RTNO is the largest rehab nonprofit in the city of New Orleans and a trusted member of the community.

To request an application, please contact Sara Moore at 504.636.3061 or

Rebuilding Together is trying to promote local volunteerism in the community. New Orleanians working to rebuild their city! One weekend a month is set aside for volunteer groups from the Greater New Orleans Area. The workdays are Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sign up for one day or the whole weekend! There is no fee for local groups.

The following weekends are set aside for local volunteer builds:

To volunteer, please contact Caitlin Metzguer at or 504.636.3076

Please spread the word throughout your community that if anyone has recently moved to New Orleans they are invited to attend our 7th Annual Newcomers Breakfast on October 23rd, 8:00am at Gallier Hall.
More information can be found at http://www.makeneworleanshome.com

We are a non-profit that promotes New Orleans as a great place to live, welcomes newcomers, and manages a one-stop nexus of information about life in New Orleans. or 561-0247

Looking for cheap building materials to use in the reconstruction of your home? Want to preserve the historic architecture and identity of New Orleans while saving the planet at the same time?

For all of your rebuilding needs, stop by the Preservation Resource Center Salvage Store on 2801 Marais St. (the orange building between the train tracks and St. Ferdinand). Look through our extensive supply of used architectural elements such as roofing tiles, doors, windows, cabinets, bricks and columns. Lower your rebuilding costs and decrease the amount of construction waste that goes into the landfill! There is something for everyone!

Store Hours: 9-4 Tuesday through Saturday.

Address: 2801 Marais St. (right next to the Green Project)

For more information please contact Melanie Linn at

For the past twenty years, Rebuilding Together New Orleans (formerly “ Christmas in October”) has worked with local community partners to provide home renovations for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners.

Weekend 1: Friday, October 3, Saturday, October 4
Weekend 2: Friday, October 10, Saturday October 11

Contact Sean Vissar, (504) 636-3076,

Montly outdoor Market promoting Local Farmers, Healthy Foods and Natural Products.

We are interested in looking for volunteers to assist with our youth programs. Call Janet Tobias at (504) 427-7969 or email or

The residents of Rosedale Subdivision are committed to revitalize our community. We need assistance to create a plan of action and volunteers to help with basic neighborhood clean up. Please feel free to contact Linda at or 504-244-8520.

If you are not aware Governor Jindal vetoed a lot of funds that will support non profit organizations and social services around Greater New Orleans and other areas of need. Take a moment to read the article about its impact on TCEP – Harmony House. Click on this link: http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/current/news_feat.php

Thank you to the Gambit for the story.

The New Orleans Women Shelter is looking for donations to support its non-profit shelter offering case management to homeless women and New Orleans children. Resident needs include kitchenware and furniture. Shelter needs include computers, cleaning products and other items. For a full list go to New Orleans Women Shelter and click on Wish List.

Email –

Our volunteers participate as ESL classroom instructors. They are responsible for leading all classroom activities for their assigned class, following a curriculum provided by HACS, but will also need to spend time planning and organizing their own lessons. Instructors should be able to maintain order in the classroom, make the class educational, and create an enjoyable atmosphere. They are required to attend a Teacher Training at the beginning of the semester where they will be introduced to HACS classroom and lesson planning best practices. Teachers should be energetic during class and committed to the program for the entire semester with as few absences as possible. ESL Teachers at the Tulane and Esperanza Sites will have Teaching Assistants from a Tulane Latin-American Studies class.

For more information or to apply please email .

Project Home Again is accepting applications for the new homes that we are building on St. Bernard Avenue in Gentilly. These homes are being built for families who earn less than 80% of the area median income. The families must own a damaged home or vacant lot in Gentilly that they are willing to swap for a new home. Two, three and four bedroom homes are available. Qualifications can be found on our website and in the resources section of this website.

see http://www.projecthomeagain.net for more information or email .

Small grants for unexpected emergencies. Modest Needs offers grants of up to $1000 to help people meet unexpected expenses such as auto repair, medical bills, or an unusually large utility bill.

For further information please go to modestneeds.org

Benefit: We can do a survey of your community members and give you the results, which you can use for planning and advocacy. Funders ask for data about your needs, and this will give you some. Benefits to your community are described here: http://www.lsu.edu/katrinasurvey/WhatLearn.htm. The questionnaire is here: http://www.lsu.edu/katrinasurvey/lsukatrinasurvey-nolageneral.pdf.

Applications are due by August 21st.

Forms can be found in the resources section.

Sign the Neighborhood Assistance Program Reinstatement petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/nola-neighborhoodassistance/

It has come to our attention that a much anticipated new city-wide program, the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), which was developed by the Office of Recovery Disaster Administration (ORDA), has been cut from the city budget. The NAP was a program that was to provide direct grants and matching grant money to neighborhoods and communities across the city. Many local organizations were not only informed about the NAP, but were eagerly awaiting the opening of the grant-making process. The program was to have started this fall, and would have had grants of up to $10,000 available for local organizations. It is greatly dismaying to see the dismantling of a program that truly embraced the power and effectiveness of citizen groups and recognized their vital roles in rebuilding our city.

FOCUS GROUPS REPORT ‘Identifying Perceptions and Concerns about
Transparency and Open Governance in New Orleans’

Committee For A Better New Orleans, Neighborhoods Partnership Network, and PUENTES recently partnered to conduct a series of focus group with Orleans parish residents to gather opinions and insights related to their experiences working with City Hall, accountability and transparency, political corruption and trust of public officials, race dynamics, and suggestions for improving civic life in New Orleans.

You can find the full Focus Group Report and the Focus Group Summary on our Resources page.

If you love music, sign up now to volunteer for the 10th Annual Satchmo Club Strut. Give us three hours of your time in return for free admission to the Strut! Email to sign-up. Check out our web site at http://www.nojc.org for more information about New Orleans Jazz Celebration and the 10th Annual Satchmo Club Strut.

Non-profit looking to pay a monthly administrative fee for the use of some shared office space. The office space will be utilized by our staff and intern while they are in the New Orleans area. Staff and Inter will need access to and use of a desk, a chair and printer, copier and fax machine.