Disaster Relief Resources for Recovery

Posted by on January 27, 2006

Disaster Relief Through Resources for Recovery

In response to the tremendous long-term needs of those affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the National Youth Leadership Council has introduced “Resources for Recovery” — an effort to tap the power of young people through service-learning as a sustainable, effective part of the recovery effort.

“Resources for Recovery” connects the individuals and organizations — including local state education associations — that are mobilizing youths through service and learning, creating a network for sharing ideas, coordinating responses, identifying best practices, and providing support to affected communities. Participating organizations and individuals have been meeting regularly, and have made an initial trip through the Gulf Coast region, meeting with young people, educators, state education associations, AmeriCorps, local Learn and Serve grantees, community-based organizations, and other residents to identify needs and resources.

Participants are currently planning and implementing a number of events and programs to support those affected, from free service-learning training to partnerships between schools in New York City and New Orleans. (A list of scheduled events follows.)

Though the initiative focuses on the current crisis in the Gulf Coast, it’s also understood — in this year of earthquakes, hurricanes and a tsunami — that there is a massive need both to engage young people in devastated areas in the rebuilding of their communities and also to provide a route for youths outside of those areas to play both direct and supportive roles. To this end, “Resources for Recovery”‘s end goal is not only the recovery of the Gulf Coast, but also the creation of replicable, youth-centered disaster-preparedness and relief models.

For further information, please contact NYLC Director of Professional Development Tony Byers at tbyers@nylc.org or (651) 999-7378.