Nothing has changed, everything is different

 

Posted by a volunteer who participated in our January volunteer trip in New Orleans.

I've been through this before.  The re-entry phase, when everything feels all wrong, when you can't stop thinking about what you've just experienced, when you email the people you traveled with just to reassure yourself that this was real, this actually happened, the attempt to put into words for others something that you can't describe to yourself yet.  Only, I have to tell you, I've never experienced that after traveling to another American city.  Because here's the thing-- I'm not sure that New Orleans is part of this country.  Sure, there's the whole historical melange, the glorious cacophony of cultures, but mostly it's because surely our country wouldn't let this happen.  Wouldn't let a city drown (thanks, Army Corps of Engineers!) and then, two and a half years later, cede the recovery effort to the persistent dedication of volunteers.  Wouldn't give flood victims poisoned trailers to live in.  Wouldn't kick people living in tents out of the park in front of city hall and remove them to a highway overpass.  Wouldn't allow the agency charged with emergency management to so badly bollix the whole situation.  Wouldn't allow people to live in such desperate straits to begin with that recovery after a set back like a double-barreled hurricane / levee collapse is next to impossible.  Our country wouldn't do that, right? 

What I've learned:  the situation in New Orleans has everything to do with economics and power.  We weren't cleaning up damage from Hurricane Katrina so much as attempting to bolster children and senior citizens against grinding poverty and post traumatic stress disorder. 

I didn't notice the hollow looks in residents' eyes but I definitely saw it in the faces of the Hands On New Orleans coordinators and project leaders.  Life in the Big Easy is pretty hard for those who are taking on the rebuilding efforts.  I think idealism must fade pretty quickly. 

I'm 32.  My own idealism was tempered by reality long ago, in a different conflict (because yes, New Orleans is a conflict zone).  What I have now is anger on a low simmer and a determination to do what I can where I am, to look for the places where people are weary and find a way to help make the load easier to bear.  I've started looking for tutoring opportunities and our group is already talking about coordinating a project with Seattle Public Schools like the one we worked on at Carver Elementary (in addition to watching "When the Levees Broke" and going to Mardi Gras in Fremont on Saturday night-- it's not ALL work!).  And, yes, I know what it means to miss New Orleans.  There is much more to do there.  But the work that needs to be done includes the work of justice and equity and that is an issue no matter where you are.  Even here in Seattle.  Let's just not wait until we have a disaster of epic proportions to see the fault lines in our systems and safety nets before we take action to make our community stronger.  Don't sit there, sipping your microbrew, planning your ski trip or complaining about your commute to the Eastside.  Do something.  Volunteer.

Susanna

Comments

[Noelle]

Wow... Susanna... tears of inspiration are welling in my eyes right now. You shared my own feelings and thoughts with amazing eloquence. Thank you for sharing!!!

[Matt Keller]

Great piece Susanna...it's inspiring to have worked with someone who, in regards to New Orleans, 'gets it'.

After almost a year and a half of volunteer work in Louisiana, I am not angry at politicians. The Army Corps of Engineers has an obligation to build damn strong levees, and they failed us. However, WE are the Army Corps of engineers and we elect the Congress that writes them a check every year. Get ahold of your elected officials, and personally tell them your story. Show them your pictures. Tell them about the incredible people you met. And, ask them what YOU CAN COUNT ON from them to continue these efforts. All you Seattle Works people were inspirational to me, and I hope you keep on keepin' on!

[stress]

That is a very interesting post on post traumatic stress! In fact, to find out more about post traumatic stress, check out http://www.howtorelievestress.org
, they have many great articles and tips to guide you.