Back to New Orleans

As the entire Gulf region continues its recovery efforts, the Continuity Insights Management Conference remains committed with its support of its annual event in New Orleans. But there’s always more that can be done… In cooperation with the Sheraton New Orleans, the New Orleans Recovery School District, RP Risk Advisors, Edwards Disaster Recovery Directory, and Continuity Insights magazine, CONTINUITY CARES is an invitation for you to be a part of the solution by extending your post-conference stay in New Orleans and getting personally involved in much needed construction projects . No special skillsets are required of the volunteers… just a desire to help.

If you are interested in participating post-conference, on May 8 and 9, 2008, on various infrastructure rebuilding projects such as firehouses and schools, please take a few minutes to let us know of any particular skills or interests you might have. All responses are COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL and completing this survey is NOT a formal commitment to participate. It is for preliminary informational purposes only.

NOLA Photos are on Flickr

The Team

As I was uploading the photos from last month’s trip to New Orleans, I had a opportunity to reflect on the moment each photo was taken and the moments when photos weren’t.
The photos here don’t show the moments when on day one we all shed more than a few tears as the family of this house walked in weeping because they knew that soon they’d have a place to call home again. They don’t capture the new friendships made. They don’t tell the story of the family that we were rebuilding the house for.
In any case, the photos are online.
Check out: http:www.flickr.com/photos/devlen

Continuity Cares in New Orleans

Imagine living in a city, a large city where miles and miles of houses are abandoned, gutted and charred.  Where firehouses are barren, moldy and entire departments operate with so few men, their lives are at even greater risk for the job they do every time they respond to a call.  Where crime is widespread and where the local economy has collapsed.  Imagine this is an American city.  One where a generation will be lost if action isn’t taken.   

I don’t have to imagine.  Neither do the people of New Orleans.  Just last week I traveled to New Orleans for my regularly scheduled annual trip.  In addition to speaking at the Continuity Insights conference and spending time with our BCPWHO members, I had the privilege of participating in the Continuity Cares Initiative.  In cooperation with BNP Paribas North America, the Sheraton New Orleans, and various
New Orleans civic leaders, Continuity Cares was an opportunity to get personally involved in much needed construction projects.  This is not the only work this group has done and the work will continue and expand.  This is just the beginning of the series of entries on my blog about this issue as it is a complete outrage that families and their livelihoods have been destroyed and that they continue to be abandoned by their government and their fellow Americans.   

Now don’t misunderstand me.  I don’t believe the people of New Orleans need your pity, sympathy or charity.  They need your sponsorship.  This is a call to action to every person reading this.  And understand this is not just for the people ofNew Orleans.  We must look at what can be done in disaster affected areas and focus on grassroots initiatives designed to create sustainable communities.  Let each and every one of us be part of creating a world of empowerment, not dependence.  Be a part of hope and unity.  That’s how communities are built.  That is how we change the world.