This just in on an all-member IABC email:
New Orleans, Louisiana is the site of IABC’s 2007 International Conference on 24-27 June, where IABCers will take part in restoring New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. In March 2007, IABC will recruit a healthy (and heat-resistant) team of volunteers and staff to partner with Habitat for Humanity on Friday, 22 June and Saturday, 23 June to rebuild homes in a recovering New Orleans neighborhood.
I think that is splendid. I was critical of IABC last year when it failed to respond vigorously to the disaster. While the organization (actually, the affected region) raised some money, it ignored ideas such as restocking the professional libraries of displaced professionals (which it could have easily done from inventory). And since IABC leaders actually had to evacuate New Orleans in front of Katrina, I've always wondered why five bright communicators, at the top of the profession, stuck in a 20-hour car ride to Baton Rouge, could not have come up with some ideas.
Now IABC is going up on the scoreboard. And I'm happy. Get ready to sign up.
Technorati Tags: IABC, international association of business communicators, habitat for humanity, new orleans, katrina
{ 5 comments }
I agree. It's a great idea. Not only do we need to get into "the C-Suite", we also need to be part of efforts to improve people's lives in old-fashioned ways, like giving and helping.
Shortly after Hurricane Katrina had blown through New Orleans, I had the pleasure to go visit the city. I was appalled by the scene that I found. Almost nine months later, cars were still in canals, miles and miles of homes had no power, and trees were still inside homes. Any help the citizens of New Orleans can get is a great idea. They are so hopeful and ready to get back to normalcy around there, and are really appreciative of visitors coming in and giving back to their community. Good job for the IABC for chipping in and lending a helping hand. I hope the trip is amazing and something you will keep in your heart for a long time.
I believe IABC could have been more active, earlier, but I am, as I said, delighted to see this initiative.
As I was planning to arrive in New Orleans early, I hope to take part.
It is so good to hear about different organizations taking trips down to New Orleans for relief efforts. About a month ago, I visited New Orleans for the first time since the hurricane, and although much improvement has been made through relief efforts, it is depressing to see so many businesses, homes, and streets destroyed. I am sure the residents of New Orleans appreciate any relief efforts they can get. Last September, right after the hurricane, I was in PR class that created a benefit to raise money to give to the Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina victims. It is encouraging to know that so many people have given their time and money to rebuild New Orleans. I can definitely say that much improvement has been made.
Hey Allan,
I completely agree with you on this one. This is a great thing that needs to be done. After Katrina, my friends and I decided we needed to help. Being in Auburn, AL. we had many refugees staying in our hotels and churches. At my job, we had a clothing drive for all of the victims here in Auburn and in one of my public relations classes we created and worked fundraisers that went to the Red Cross. We did what we could and I think it's great that people who can do more are now.
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