United Way Alternative Spring Break sponsored by Deloitte

Hey Y'all! I hope everyone is doing well and I hope that you ASB'ers who are participating in week four are having an absolute blast!

I'm officially suffering from ASB withdrawal and I literally just got back to school four days ago. I can't even begin to say how much I miss waking up to the sound of 18,000 different cell phone alarms going off and hearing random voices from across the room curse the alarms that won't stop ringing. Now I have to wake up earlier and to my own alarm on its own.

Anyway, I basically just wanted to highlight my favorite events of the week so those of you who participated in Week 3 can read this and say, 'Ah yes, that was a pretty sweet time.' I will just mention that this is my personal recap and some of you may have experienced different things.

So here we go:

I am a member of the Women's Crew team here at Ohio University and I traveled in my Crew apparel because my teammates were leaving for rowing camp at the same time I was leaving for ASB. I talked to them all day and wished I had made the decision to go to rowing camp instead of to SWLA. I was a late arrival on Saturday night because of plane issues and the like and I was definitely on the phone with Ashley about 15 times within a 9 hour time period. When I got to the airport, I was greeted by some enthusiastic, yet obviously tired-of-waiting-around-Houston Airport Team Leaders. I was the only one, besides Megan, who also resides in Ohio (O-H!...) to make the 3 hour trip to Lake Charles. When I got there, I met up with some more Ohioans (I-O!) , really started missing my teammates and then basically passed out.

The next day, we had our tours of Cameron Parish. I couldn't believe how awful it was (and still is) and I couldn't understand how people who had suffered through so much devastation could come back to that same place and rebuild homes, knowing that the same thing could happen this hurricane season. The thing I remember most was how quiet it was in our van as we drove through the parish. No one really knew what to say and we couldn't really make any jokes or do anything to break the ice in fear of the whole wrong place, wrong time thing.
After we returned to the volunteer center, we had dinner and met our teams for the week and found out a little bit about where we'd be working for the week. We came up with silly nicknames that somehow stuck, got spread around the camp, and used quite frequently throughout the week (I think more people knew me as B.E.T. - I like rap music and keeping it gangster - than they did as Kadi).

Then we began a game of kickball. Now let me tell you, us 3rd weekers don't play around with our kickball. It is a serious competition that continued all week. Although there were times when people got a little salty, the games were relatively harmless.

Monday morning was our first day on site. My group was one of the two to be stationed in Cameron Parish, which was a huge honor, let me tell you. On the first day, we got our assigned locations from Ms. Julie. I went to Ms. T Mae's house in Grand Chenier and did some painting inside her house. Ms. T Mae's house was built in the 1930's and had made it through both Hurricane Audrey and Rita. It moved back about 6 inches from its original place.This house, however, was not her original house. She actually rented it out to duck hunters. Her house was just to the left of this house, but was lost completely in the storm, along with her large grocery store.
She made us lunch and we were sure to get the two rooms she'd asked us to get done finished for the day. The house is absolutely beautiful and will be more so when everything is finished. I hope that whoever is working in Cameron this week gets the chance to go there.

Tuesday, I went out to Klondike to scrape and prime Ms. Eula's house. We got all of the scraping and most of the priming done. We ran into a pack of REALLY annoying dogs (there were 6 of them) and I saw quite possibly the biggest pile of cow poop ever. On the way home, we stopped at a little restaurant (Nott's Corner in Lake Arthur) and took a picture by a large crawfish statue. We bought brightly colored t-shirts with risque sayings on the backs and wore them to dinner that night. Everyone was jealous. The Americorp folks actually finished that house on Thursday and from my understanding, it looks really nice.

Wednesday, I went with a group to Ms. Becky's house and put the final coat of paint on her house. I got the chance to talk with her for a bit and she told me that she had lost the entire back of her house and her carport to a tornado within Hurricane Rita. She said the weather service stopped counting tornados in Rita after #200. Luckily, she didn't lose much in the way of possessions and her house looks really nice now, both inside and out. After we finished up with that, Ms. Julie came to pick us up and we went to work on some things at Head Start for the rest of the day. Once we finished everything there, we played some card games and hung out with the group who had been at Head Start all day. Ms. Julie even bought us ice cream. I had a Choco Taco and I KNOW you're jealous. That evening, we went to Holly Beach for dinner and some fun before heading back to the camp. Holly Beach was really eerie, but we made sure to make some fun out of the situation. It's wonderful to see that people are rebuilding their homes there because I'm sure it's a beautiful place to live.

Thursday I went to Ms. Layla's (spelling?) house and culked some boards that were coming loose from her house. We also spot primed the house so they could paint it the next day. We finished everything up and got to play with their little dog who was pretty much insane. Then, since the Cameron group was so far out, we drove into Lake Charles to meet the FedEx truck for pizza - oh, and some Starbucks.

Friday was the last day of work and let me say, it was pretty much the most amazing day ever. I went back to Ms. T Mae's house to do some more painting, but this time, with 3 of the girls from my group and another girl that goes to my college (Alex, Amy, Nicole, Marty - I love you!!!). We got the two rooms Ms. T Mae asked us to do finished and then she made us lunch again - probably the best crawfish etuffle' EVER. She invited us all back in the summer after her house (and hopefully her store) were finished to stay for a few days. I'm pretty sure we might take her up on that.

Working in Cameron Parish taught me a lot. At the beginning of the week, I couldn't understand why these people would come back, fight for thousands of dollars from insurance companies that will likely never come and attempt to rebuild in a place where their lives could be washed away again this hurricane season. But then it hit me - this is one of the best places in America. Not only do you have the scent of saltwater in the air, but you have a large farm down the road. You know the names of your neighbor's neighbor's neighbor's neighbor's etc. and the names of their parents and cousins. You have quait little shops at your beck and call and if you're feeling daring, you can even go to the marshes and wrestle an alligator. In all honesty, SWLA is amazing. The people are so amazing and so surprisingly hopeful and compassionate. It kind of grows on you just from being there. I am sold.

Aside from the amazing opportunity to do work and meet the residents in Cameron Parish, I found most of my memories coming from the time I spent with my team and all of the people who flocked around our team (who knew they could group so many amazing people together in one group?). However, what I liked most about the whole thing was that everyone seemed to be friends...long time friends. Once Tuesday hit, we were all being the cynical, dry-humored, swearing college students we all are and it was amazing.

I just want to post a few of the inside jokes that took place throughout the week...for those of you involved, please take the time to laugh...because it's okay to laugh: T-squared, the party van, CHIGGERS, Seeeeeeeeee yuuuuuuuuh, Numa Numa Yay, BS!, "Get in the van.", I'll meet you on the trampoline, shut the .... up!, "Just making sure you're awake." And I also want to quickly shout out to all of my wonderful teammates (Alex, Nicole, Josh, Tristan, Jenny, Sunshine, Holly Pocket, Beth, Marty, Jess, Jenny and Heather). One hour van rides would never have been the same without you.

So thanks for an awesome week, ASB! I wouldn't have had it any other way!

Labels: awesome, cameron parish, chiggers

After a blazing night of karaoke from the ASBer's, I have in front of me 25 participants playing pictionary. They sang their hearts out and let loose ... From "I want to dance with somebody" to Pretty Woman songs...

Four days ago, none of them knew each other.

Now they are connected.

Sunburned. Exhausted. Excited. All of them looking forward to the rest of the week's service projects. After Saturday, many of them may never see each other again ... at least in person.

It's different now: Many of the bonds formed here will last longer in digital life than they would have otherwise. People link up and share stories now in ways that were totally unrealistic even five years ago. It's hard to imagine what a volunteer center would be like without internet, video-blogs, myspace pages, facebook groups after this experience. Before my arrival, it was hard to imagine such a thing at all.

This is the connected generation, and I'm lucky to be a part of it.

Many will leave here changed. Many will return home to do more volunteer work. Some will share the story and get others passionate about giving back.

It will be easier--I hope. Because now, loved ones, families, friends, frat brothers and sorority sisters ... all of them can follow us in real time. See how we're making a difference in Southwest Louisiana and get that fire burning through the stories, images and the amazing time we are having here.

So keep following along ... in real time ... and watch these incredible people flex there service muscles to make great things happen this week.

See how the picture unfolds.

So I set my alarm for for 7 a.m here in Minnesota to tune in to "The Amazing Break". Clearly, its not amazing judging by the half hour time slot and the time of day in which the show aired. I found myself rather annoyed by the documentary. MTV can showcase spring break in Florida throughout the day yet they can't give us time to tell our story of the liberating spring break that we had helping humanity. Its sad to see teens of America who chose to get intoxicated and waste their life away to get more attention that those who chose to pour their souls into helping people.

On a side note, I just want to let everyone know who did participated in ASB this year that you are amazing people and that your work does pay off. The fact that you can sacrificed your vacation time to helping others shows the compassion that this world lacks at times. Thank you for being the wonderful people that you are and I hope that you can continue to make a difference in the world and the community.

Hey YALL this is not Bronco Keli Everett...this is her wicked most favorite team member Michelle Cleps Wright. So it's 2:14 am on sat march 24,(no I'm not going to sleep during my last hours here) and i'm sorry to say it's the VERY last day of asb magic twa pod "week 3." It's been an amazing week, and I can't believe all our work here is over. To think that I almost stayed home because I was sick! One of the greatest testaments to the power of this experience being that the moment I was amongst all of these amazing individuals, I felt 100% better. The positive energy just hums through this group of people, everyone is just so happy to be here and so willing to give their time and hearts to a common and beautiful cause. Having never done anything like this, I had no idea what to expect coming into this program, but I came in with an open mind and an open heart and it's been such an awesome, life changing experience. I've met so many wonderful, fun, halarious, "super fabulous" people, many of whom are now life long friends. The devastation here in SWLA has been so underrepresented in our country, I my self was even unaware of the capacity of Rita's affects here. But asb has been a vehicle for awareness and change, bringing some wonderful young people together to do some powerful and inspiring work. I just want to give a shout out to my awesome BIG TEAM E! (E= estrogen=man free= whole lotta woman power!) To Chedda and Bronco, you two encouraged, inspired, and cracked me up every single day. To bones, pickles, papi, hemi, playa, naners, ducky, patch, bandy, Shyra, and Kathy Ellen, I couldn't have asked for a better group. And to all the other awesome people I've come to love, Alicia, Maddie, Ali, Marty, Layla, Bryan, Gabriela, Christina, Megin, Michael, Travis, Keith, Steve, Nicole, Clark Kent, Darryl, Suzannah, Emily, Shawn, and of course to Emily "best ever" Burns, you're the reason I'm here and I can't begin to thank you enough, we're pretty much the best ever.
....love you all! Can't wait for next year....keep being awesome.
peace, Michelle

I've got my blogging shoes on: I'm ready to go.

This is my first time in Louisiana, first time in Lake Charles, first time serving with MTV/United Way ASB.

But it's familiar.

I recognize the energy, the logistical challenges, the passion on people's faces. The unknown. The yearning to contribute.

I recognize the AmeriCorps *NCCC teams and their signature grey t-shirts (I served Western Region Class VII ... a remarkable 6 years ago). I recognize Alternative Spring Break. I recognize United Way mobilizing multiple partners and people to make it happen.

I'm excited for the next ten days -- the intense conversation, reflecting on our role as volunteers and how to make a difference. Excited to get my hands dirty and to get to work. Excited to make the experience as valuable as possible for participants. Excited to have them go home and take on volunteerism in their own communities. Excited to get things done.

Bridging Passion to Action

That's my motto this week.

Before I get into my Top 10 for ASB Week #2, let me say that I miss you guys! I miss being able to walk down the Hallway and see the faces of people that I admire and care about so much every day. For everyone there for the final 2 weeks of ASB, don't let one moment slip by without taking advantage of it! You only get to be around 150 people like this once a year after all.

Of all the wonderful memories from ASB week 2, how do I pick only ten? I enjoyed every second of the experience and am so thankful for all of the amazing people I met!
My top 10:
10) The first shower on the left...you ladies know what I'm talking about. Thank goodness for hot showers!
9) Bowling!
8) Late nights full of hilarious games and great conversations.
7) Camp Wi-Ta-Wentin - painting, building tables, lizards, picking up debris, playing in the rain...
6) Accidentally off-roading in a giant 12 passenger van. Who's idea was it to let me drive?
5) Getting lost for an hour on the way to taking LB to the doctor. Good thing it wasn't life threatening…
4) Meeting all of the awesome team leaders Y'all are such a fantastically energetic and inspiring bunch. I better see you next year!
3) Building the most amazing picnic tables the state of Louisiana has ever seen!
2) My doggs- hands down the coolest group of people I have ever met and my 10 newest best friends. I'm looking forward to the reunion road trips that are sure to come!
1) Knowing I had at least a small part in this experience which literally changed people's lives and opened their eyes to the impact we can make when we come together to help others.

Love you all!

10) Getting to know everyone before y'all showed up as Angela and I knew names and emails of EVERYONE while having to coordinate travel.
9) Working "behind the scenes." This year was so different than last year because we got to work with the national team (Stephe, Nicole, Jess, Val, Adam, and Bpham)
8) Taking the tour of Cal Perish. It was eye opening to see the town of Cameron and how different it looks when you compare it to how it looked before.
7)Saturday March, 10th 2007. A day that shall forever live in emphamy. With 60 people leaving and 136 coming in, this was quite possibly the most hectic day of my life. But with the great support staff, it went by with minimal hitches.
6)One word, two syllables: Catchphrase. Dig it.
5) Late nights, early mornings. pogs.
4)Working with Habitat. These guys were fun to work with once we got passed the 18 hour introduction, ok bit of a stretch, it was only 13 hours.
3) My team. The ASBER OWLS or team "Shut up, our name is better than yours" I loved leading a team of junior team leaders. So much fun was had everyday and I think I was very privileged in having such a great team who started slow but finished hot, Holla Back "Hoot hoot"
2) Meeting all the new friends that I'll keep. Everyone this year certainly had their heart in the right place and was there for a common goal
1) Reuniting with old friends. I couldn't wait to see everyone again, and as soon as we said hello we had to say goodbye again. I love all of you cannot wait to see you again, you all know who you are.
1.b) The team leaders who I had the opportunity to work with. You are amazing people with a multitude of talents. I cannot wait until we meet again. I love you all as well.


There you have it folks, my top ten for ASB 2007, the order may be a little skewed but deal with it. I hope weeks 3 and 4 have as good a time as we did, but I really, really doubt it.

The joy, love and happiness that we all feel during an ASB and for the weeks that follow cannot always be translated into words and pictures can say much more. We feel a sense of accomplishment that ignites a need to change the world. My hope is that everyone will use their pictures and memories to tell their story and help make that feeling last a lifetime.

So my advice is to REACH for the sky like we did in this picture and remember TO SERVE is the VERB!!

I HEART you all and I cannot wait for an ASB reunion!!!!

ASB teams did! As volunteers at the Calcasieu Parish Animal Control & Protection Department, the participants gave dogs baths and walked them.






























Keep up the good work!

Labels: ASB 2007 post

....and the games begin!

FedEX delivers all the way down in Cameron (over 60miles away)? I'm not sure, but they certainly do 'Special Deliveries' for our hard working ASB'ers. After a 1.5hr drive in the shotgun of the FedEX truck, we finally make it to one of many work sites down in Cameron Parish... to which we find one of the niftiest houses ever.

At first glance, we (FedEX Rep. Brian and Me) saw that they were covered in white paint...so much paint that I was curious if they ever got any paint on the walls ;-). But I was soon proven wrong as soon as I stepped into the house to see newly pointed up walls with at least 2 fresh coats of white latex paint.

I've met nearly 200 participants in the last two weeks...and I can honestly say that each and everyone has done their part...in some way, shape, or form... to help out with hurricane relief down 'herre' in SWLA.

So thank you for all of your work guys...


.BRi

Driving. Painting. Laughing. Dancing. Hanging. Caulking. Highs. Lows. Stress. Relief. Embracing. Fulfilling. Experimenting. Attempting. Loving. Hating. Day Four.

Tuesday involved an immense amount of change from the prior day. The plethora of tasks was at times overwhelming and at other times boring and monotonous; however, we were still making progress towards completing the two homes for the future homeowners, which is what matters most.

After a day of caulking, painting, and hanging things, we came back for dinner prior to a karaoke session. One of my participants, Ross, got up and sang a Third Eye Blind song, where he ran out into the crowd. Later he and I sang NSYNC, which was frightening but fun. We also got up to sing Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Grease Summer Nights with the team leaders. After a long day of hard physical labor, it was nice to relieve stress and let loose with the other participants and team leaders.

Sometimes in the face of adversity and hardship, feeling emotional and expressing oneself deeply and in therapeutic detail only furthers the situation. Therefore, allowing ourselves to entertain and be entertained at times, gives us the opportunity to separate ourselves from the hardships we witness and are attempting to rebuild each day of this ASB. To entertain is to allow one to feel some sense of satisfaction or happiness during an allotted time, and this is exactly what we all need in spite of the circumstances. ASB is all about helping others, giving back, uniting community, but to get through the process and be successful we must be able to entertain and be entertained.

I have been here for so long I am hating to go back home. I have seen roofs torn off of houses, lives and homes destroyed, houses lift off there foundations and traveled 20 miles, and empty graves since RITA carried them away. After seeing all the horrible things that happen during a hurricane, I got to see and appreciate all the good things too. It is so nice to see all these young people from all over the country come togther and make a difference. As a team leader i get to build an amazing team not just once but twice. I have been blessed to have been able to have the best teams so far. As you look around here at ASB, you immediately see friendships start as soon as they load into the vans from IAH. These friendships build so quickly. We are making a huge impact here in SWLA, but most importantly inspiring, motivating, and empowering the team to make a life long impact here and at home. I have to give a huge a "shout out" to my fellow co-leader J.Feld "I love you gurrl", Steve McM., Nicole Ga., and Randy"Without your drive and mentorship I would not be here to experience ASB07, I also have to say thanks to my teams, team leaders, and all the team members to experince this with me. Thanks for making my experience AMAZING.

Yeah day 2!!!!! We went back to OD's house and almost finished the floor. We finished the kitchen paneling YEAH! Last of the painting, drywall, and taping. I am happy to almost finish. Bill from rebuilding together has been amazing as well as the non-profit Rebuilding Together has been great too. Tomorrow we are at both houses.

Waiting. Driving. Directions. Turn arounds. Confusion. Waiting. Raining. DeQuincy. Painting. Drilling. Cutting. Sawing. Thinking. Waiting. Standing. Carrying. Talking. Waiting. Day Three.

Today, after an orientation with Habitat for Humanity at a local church, we drove to DeQuincy, about thirty miles from the volunteer center. At our work site, we were reconnected with Chester, a contractor that emits the greatest vibes of the Louisianan spirit. He had such a great personality mixed along with his willing to go with the flow. He is missing three of his fingers on his left hand; however, this loss does not equate to a decreased efficiency level or the need for sympathy or excuse.

The two houses we are working on have been completed structurally, and we are adding interior aesthetics, along with necessities like flooring and cabinetry. Even with little or no experience in such implementation, the teams were so willing to hop in and get dirty to help complete whatever they could. This willingness to be flexible and experimental made the site more enjoyable and the time more meaningful.

Today was the beginning of work for us as a team, for the ASB week 2 work week, and for the entire true rebuilding experience for most of the young people here. Though this may be the beginning for us, these people have been dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Rita for over 17 months. This may mark the beginning of our mission to help and assist this community, but hopefully with the impressions left on all of us by the people of this great region, our support and assistance will not end here.

Champion, full zipper, gray with blue letters. Last seen hanging from a fence, either outside Miss Roxy's house or Miss Gwenn's house. Can't live without it. If you find it, please leave it at the main office at the Volunteer Housing Center.

We built this ish!

With the help of their AmeriCorps N triple C leaders, an ASB team helps to rehabilitate Camp Wi-Ta-Wentin.

ASBers built picnic tables...
























And rocked out!

After their first day on the job, Lake Charles resident "Miss Roxy" shows her appreciation to the United Way Alternative Spring Break volunteers who are rebuilding her home.

The ASB teams got to work yesterday and they weren't afraid to get wet or grimey.

Keep up the good work ASB vols.

Check out a whole new batch of photos on the official ASB Flickr group. Special thanks to Michael, our volunteer photographer.



http://www.flickr.com/groups/asb

Waking. Breakfast. Watching. Thinking. Understanding. Grasping. Driving. Looking. Fearing. Alligators. Devastation. Houses. Marsh. Fishing. Abandonment. Hope. Future. Singing. Dancing. Bayou Katz. Happiness. New friends. Continuation. Faith. Day Two.

After finally having the week 2 ASBers here for the week, this day gave us a chance to actually see the devastation first hand. Miss Catherine gave a presentation in the gym for the participants and team leaders portraying some of the damage and important numbers about the aftermath of Hurricane Rita. Even with pictures, we were all wanting to see what was depicted personally.

After driving for what seemed like forever, we arrived in Cameron Parish. We pulled over to talk with Miss Julie, a resident of Cameron. Her lexicon and accent were enchanting, but even more so, her spirit was unforgettable. She spoke with such an immense amount of hope, and she looked towards the future so much rather than dwelling on the past. She said some amazing facts and numbers, but she said a few poignant things that stayed with me:

- Not only were the living left homeless, but so were the deceased; she talked about the amount of coffins that were washed away, many of which will never be found

-The schools were destroyed for the most part, with only remnants of the high school left. I cannot imagine being a senior in high school, with no school to call my own

-One of the strongest things Miss Julie said was about the Cameron Courthouse; She said the Courthouse survived Hurricane Audrey nearly 50 years before Rita, and it survived Rita as well. She stated that if the Courthouse could survive and carry on so could the Parish and its people.

The resiliency of these people and their want and desire to go home is motivating and inspiring for each of us, as we try to rebuild even a small fraction of these people's lives.

After the tour, we returned and worked on group activities concerning cultural diversity. We worked with our teams and ate with each other prior to enjoying the fine tunes of the Bayou Katz. Coming from Texas, I have some experience with Southern music; however, what the band brought to my ears was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Dancing with friends, new and old, gave us the opportunity to see what Louisianan culture is all about. After a day of seeing carnage and an area torn apart by a natural disaster, it was nice to remember why and for who we were rebuilding.

Shock. Uncertainty. Depth. Heavy. Sunshine. Past. Present. Future. Missing. Found. Unfair. Unimaginable. Unbelievable. Lucky. Unfortunate. Looking. Awe. Passion. Emotion. Drive. This day culminates in the notion of context. After hearing and reading about Hurricane Rita for so long, we were all able to finally see the devastation firsthand, even after the passing of over 17 months. Often with context comes understanding, as we can usually define or comprehend a word when given in a sentence. After this, we were able to give our efforts and their hopeful impact a context for the week to come, and hopefully onward far into the future. To put Hurricane Rita into a fitting context would take pages and an amount of words and emotion I am uncertain I possess, but seeing these people, hearing their stories, and watching them fight for their families, homes, and communities, I have enough context to understand the amazing culture and dynamics present in Southwest Louisiana; with this context, I hope we all have enough to push through every pain, uncertainty, and struggle to help these people as much as we can over this week of Alternative Spring Break.

So day one on the site with the new team. We rocked it out hard. We got so much done. So the house we are at is Mrs. Gwendaline's home in Lake Charles. Her house has both hurricane and fire/smoke damage. WOW we have a lot to do. We were able to DEMO the Kitchen, Dinning Room, Ceiling, and Windows. After we cleaned out all the debris, we then started on prepping the studs for drywall. After all that we still did even more. We then supported the ceiling braces, rafter beams, and room divder between the kitchen and dining room. Mrs. Gwendaline was right beside us the entire time. FedEx was nice enough to deliver our lunch. another great start with Rebuilding Together. Our TEAM ROCKS!!!!! Tomorrow we are back finishing the house from last week. Tomorrow we will be all be able to give him a home.

Some people would find it hard to find something positive in the situation we were in today. Painting the exterior of a womans house while it is pouring outside, every piece of clothing soaking wet including your socks and shoes, standing in puddles about your ankles....doesnt exactly sound ideal. But our team had an absolute blast. At one point while we were huddled together eating sandwiches under a porch, someone made comment. "This is the weirdest lunch I have ever had." It might have been true, but it was a memory that we will have forever. Despite the conditions, not one person complained.

These people are incredible, the energy level is so high and everyone is always positive. Its had not to have a smile on your face 24/7 when you are surrounded by people like this. Some of my team members didn't bring rain gear. One would think that this would keep them from standing on a ladder and painting, but it definitely didnt. We traded on and off painting on the ladders, some of them standing out there in their t-shirts. We didnt get to finish, but we got a large part of the house done before we had to call it an early day.

I would like to point out that while some people would have loved to call it a day, we were all disappointed to have to stop working. Talk about enthusiasm!!! We met two extremely sweet older women today who we able to share their experiences and some photos. One even invited us into her home, which we had to decline as we were muddy and didnt want to get her floors muddy. Our team name is the Frogs, which we decided was quite fitting as we practically lived in the water today :). Overall, the first day was incredibly enlightening. We were scheduled to finish this house after a day and a half, but we will probably finish it within an hour tomorrow and move onto the next one. I cant wait to work more with these awesome individuals.We are already starting to form a really close bond. I couldnt ask for a better team. Go Frogs!!!

Huge thanks to the American Red Cross volunteers who prepared about 200 meals for our ASB squad. After a long tour of Cameron Parish, we were pretty hungry, and chicken n' sausage gumbo hit the spot!

Driving. Driving. Driving. Traffic. Confusion. Luggage. Lack of room. Tank of gas. Airport security. Sonic Drive-In. 9 new ASBers.

Perspective, the way in which we view and take in the world, alters with experience and circumstance. Last year, we were blessed with so many scenarios that gave us the opportunity to see the world differently. This year we have the chance to help Southwest Louisiana, and at the same time help develop our perspectives (on life, hope, faith, etc). There are people from all over, of different races, religious preferences, genders, and cultural identities. However, we have one common purpose: to volunteer in an area so desperate to rebuild and so grateful for our willingness to help.

We all bring different challenges, views, knowledge, and prior experience; however, together we can forge a commonality with one another that will be held only with one another. I hope to help a community here in Southwest Louisiana, but I also hope to take what I learn and apply it to a different take on giving back and giving in to change.

Hope. Acceptance. Flexibility. Renewal. Revival. Assistance. Understanding. Cope. Growth. Progress. With all of this comes change, and with change comes a new perspective. Throw away the ideas and notions of old, embrace this community, and these new people, and change yourself; this way we can change the world.

How do you sum up the greatest experience of your life?

Seven days ago I left on an overcast flight from Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania. I was alone, tired, and second-guessing myself about this "Alternative Spring Break." I didn't know a single thing about rebuilding houses, caulking guns, or flooring. I also didn't know seven days ago that seven days could impact my life so much.

I want to sum it up. I tried to sum it up. But I can't. As I write this on my flight back to Pittsburgh, I am wondering how I will respond when a roommate, friend, or professor asks me how my trip to Lake Charles, Louisiana went. Sure, I can say I learned new construction skills, ate a crawdad, helped a family out, and met new people, but those simple words completely underestimate my experience during ASB. How can they even begin to realize that I didn't just learn new construction skills, I got filthy dirty, mudded walls, painted trim, and used a caulking gun - all without the patience of my team would have been impossible? How I can explain to people that I didn't just eat a crawdad, I hovered over a garbage can feeling like I was on Fear Factor while Adam Cox demonstrated how to crack the thing in half? I didn't just help someone out, I worked with a team of ten others fixing a single mother's house whose southern-twanged "thank you's" are still ringing in my ears?

How can I even begin to explain to family and friends that I didn't just meet new people, I made new friends with people from places I have never visited with different backgrounds and lifestyles, and yet they all seemed so similar to me? How can they even begin to realize how alike Patricia Beaven and I are, or how caring Cecilia Romero is, or how easily Barb "Barn" Gordon can put a smile on my face? How can I feel so home with these people even though I was a thousand miles away from it?

That is what amazes me the most about this trip - you guys - the people I met, the team I was blessed with. Seven days ago I thought I was coming down to Southwest Louisiana because I didn't think there were enough people who cared about rebuilding the area, and as I leave seven days later I have to thank every one of you for disproving that false idea I had. I have never in my life been involved with something where a group of people had as much energy as you all had. Yes, the devastation and locals' stories both influenced me tremedously to be even more involved with the community; however, it is you all that have made me want to become a better person, and I cannot thank you enough for that.

This trip has also forced me to recognize a completely inescapable truth: I hate goodbyes. As my team - Jeffrey's 11 - began to break off Friday afternoon, I had to keep silently repeat a quote to prevent from wanting to kidnap them all:

Jack Kerouac once wrote in his novel On The Road:
"What is the feeling when you're driving away from people and they recede on the plain til you see their specs dispersing? - It's the too-huge world vaulting us and it's goodbye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies."

We were indeed vaulted Friday afternoon as one by one we began to return to the places that we came from. Will we ever meet again? I'd like to think in my heart-of-hearts that we will, but if not, I hope they all know how much they taught me. They simply amazed me. After long and tiring days of toxic mold, pain-in-the-butt ceiling tiles, and stubborn door frames, we were all still able to laugh and joke on our unforgettable rides back to the Housing Center. Rebuilding a community is only a fraction of what I learned from the ten of them - You can be small and mighty, never fall into the "abyss" of the couch, and you can always get to where you need to go by taking all left turns.

I went on a paradise spring break this year, but instead of beaches there were bayous, and instead of swaying hammocks there were creaking bunks. Instead of silly stories shared between a few friends for a month or two, there are stories of new ceilings, working doors, freshly painted walls - a new home - that will live on in familes' conversations for years to come.

So I hope you all "lean forward" to whatever "crazy venture" is next in your journey through life. Thank you, United Way of Southwest Louisiana and the coordinators for making this possible. Thank you Jeffrey's 11 and all my new friends for the laughs and the memories. Thank you all for sharing this experience with me.

So how do you sum up the greatest experience of your life? I don't think you can. How do you return to reality after a week like the one we just had? You just do. You take the free t-shirts and the email addresses, the stubborn paint stains and the sore limbs with you. You take the memories and the laughs, the inside jokes and the pinky promises to call and to visit and you take them with you. It's all you can do. The paint, mudd, and caulking stains may fade, but as long as you have the memories you can pull them out, peer in close, and remember the people, the laughter that you'll see there.

The first week of ASB 2007 has come to an end. It was pretty sad saying goodbye to all my team members last night and this morning. I was the van driver for crew to the airport and on my drive up while others talked, laughed and slept, I reflected on the week. I can now say, I am old enough to be many of their mother and maybe even grandmother. But, I fit right in most of the time, and was able to keep up with their enthusiasm and stamina.

The Morning Star Baptist Church looked pretty good when we closed the door and said goodbye to the neighbors who had become our friends. We know on one day we put up 45 sheets of drywall, so multiply that by five days - that's a heck of a lot of drywall, nails, tape, and mud. But we had fun. Great friendships were made or strengthened.

We thank Sunny and Rev. Jackie, and the community of Deridder for making us feel so welcome.
We loved the Dairy Queen treats and the Sno Cones. The Pizza Hut buffett was a good lunch as well.

We'll remember Holly Beach and the the kick boards, and the swimmers on our team, Keith, Kathy Ellen and Jake.

As everyone is heading home, Tiffany and I are sad that we didn't leave with everyone today, as we keep expecting to see you in the halls, or in the cafeteria. All new faces, and set up. Now there are the state of the art laptops. I took a picture and will put it on face book, whenever, I get it set up.

Sorry to my readers, that I never got the pictures on, maybe next week.

I would like to finish by saying, this has been a wonderful experience and something I am going to recommend to other members of the Metro United Way staff to become team leader or team member next year.

Hat's off to the United Way of Southwest Louisianna for stepping forward and welcoming us this week and giving us various lifetime experiences and friendships. I know as we all head home we are much more appreciative of what we have in respect to what your community has lost and suffered. Cheers to Kathy and her incredible team, and Calvin you were unbelievable with those toilets.

Bravo to United Way of America, to develop a good program to engage young people in the mission of United Way. How better to get young people, leaders and donors knowledgible about our business then emerse them in many volunteer experiences.

Thanks to all.

Mary

The Michigan Crew

Filling out millions of forms.

Quentin from Philly picks up his gear for the week.

Here are a few shots from last night's closing ceremonies for week 1 of United Way Alternative Spring Break.

Adam and "K-Pham" give shout-outs to week one volunteers.


"We're going to miss you guys," said Tom Morris, President and CEO, United Way of Southwest Louisiana. "This thank-you banner isn't big enough."


Every hour of volunteer service is worth about $18 toward repaying Louisiana's debt to FEMA. The hours contributed by the week one crew added up to more than $109,000!


Local resident Ms. Williams, who has been living with her son in a FEMA trailer since 2005, thanks the week 1 crew for all they did to build her new home.



"Here's to new beginnings, new friends, and the next generation of United Way community leaders."


More pics from last night on the official ASB 2007 Flickr site.
www.flickr.com/groups/asb

Now that we have been here a couple of days, I am starting to feel really comfortable. Alot of the week 1 participants left this morning and it was sad to see everyone go though. They were all so amazing and had a wonderful experience. We are going to be leaving here very soon to pick up all the week 2 participants at the airport and I am so excited to meet them!!
The National Team and the other team leaders are all so amazing and I know that this week will be a huge success. I expect that everyone will bond immediately and react well to the amazing energy level here. Things are about to get hectic and exciting as over 100 new people come in to the volunteer center from all over the country!!

01:19am

day 1 has concluded for myself. tomorrow starts a whole new week to the alternative spring break 2007 in lake charles, louisiana. in the following week i'll be capturing in my posts all the visual documentation i can collect to show you the work and progress as well as the fun and excitement behind week two of this event. most likely minus capital letters. ;)

here is what i've learned from my first visit to the dorms:


seriously, if you're true to hardcore wrestling, you'll not need a softer bed to body slam your best friend or new best friend in the midnight hours of the night, but keep in mind: save that energy and ambition for the work you'll be putting into during the day. plus, this is what the outdoor trampoline is for! ;)

-todd

There is so much going on around here that its hard to choose what to write about. Mr. Wilson's (the man whose house team Purple Dipset is working on) house is looking better and better each day. Thrusday all of Mr. Wilson's new appliances were delivered (Rebuilding Together was able to get him a new washer, stove, and water heater). The whole team felt good to see those things loaded into the new kitchen. We won't be able to finish by the end of the week, but a new team will be heading out there to finish the job early next week. I also found out yesterday that it is Mr. Wilson's 54th birthday on Saturday. Moving into a "new" house is'nt a bad way to celebrate. Friday we are going to work double time so that Mr. Wilson can move back into his house this weekend and celebrate his birthday in style!

First night in Lake Charles, LA and can't wait for Week 2 ASB to get started.

We spent the first few hours on the ground traveling from Houston International to the Volunteer Housing Center- it was certainly an eventful trip, with a nice detour through the State Park. I never thought of how scenic this area would be!

When we finally arrived we were greeted by the very enthusiastic Week 1 team- who can't stop talking about how they want to stay longer. And all I have to say is that crawfish are delicious!

For all of you 2nd weekers getting ready to head down...get excited, cause it's gonna be a wonderful ride!

Hey, Everybody. The volunteers who are already on the ground in Lake Charles have probably seen images like these first hand, but if you're coming in week 2,3 or 4, check out this video that I just found on YouTube. It was created by one of last year's participants. Good stuff.

Usually we would all convene back at our wonder Volunteer Housing Center (VHC) to wind down, but today was no usual day. After work ASB'ers headed straight to what is known as the 'Cajun Riviera' aka Holly Beach.

Holly Beach is just 50 miles away from the VHC, but some participants who worked in Cameron were fortunate enough to only have to drive 10 miles... which included a 5minute ride on one of the local Ferry boats. Holly Beach, known for crabbing and drives on the beach, use to be occupied by tons of beach-front cabins. Unfortunately, Hurricane Rita is one of two hurricanes (other one being Hurricane Audrey in 1957) to completely level the beach.

As we arrived @ the beach, we were kind of overtaken by this eery feeling of 'What use to be here?' It's weird, you can see that some people were fortunate and brave enough to rebuild their homes on the beach, but other than a hand full, it really was just a looooong stretch of beach with nothing else in site. You can see the areas that were reserved for campers, trailers, and cabins...but no campers, trailers, or cabins.

It was the perfect place to have our ASB'ers to reconvene to have dinner, enjoy the beautiful sunset, and our wonderful campfire. Almost every night we're lucky to have some type of activity that gives us a little insight on what Louisiana living is like and to celebrate our hurricane relief efforts somewhere that at one point was completely submerged in water from the Hurricane was just so compelling.

So, ASB'ers and others alike, keep up the good work... and continue helping with the move forward while remembering
'What Use to Be There'

-BRi

Week 1 team leaders and participants are incredible! Being a TL for week 2, I know their eagerness and energy levels are going to be hard to beat. Last night, we had an amazing campfire experience at Holly Beach, which is about an hour away. We built a massive bonfire and ate some delish grilled chicken. After dinner, we all were able to witness the extraordinary sunset over the water, take long walks in the sand, and continue to grow our friendships with one another. I’m glad I had the opportunity to drive in a few days early, to be able witness this amazing group of young people, and how they seem to be changing the world one day at a time. Week 1 compares to ASB last year, which really captured my heart and my attention on volunteering and what it means to truly give back to our communities. I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience this level of intensity in volunteering; to wake up every morning and WANT to go hand sheet rock, move debris, or build a fence on Spring Break and not think twice about it. I think this says a lot about our generation of youth and that we can really make a difference in the world!

Labels: Week 1

On Monday morning a good team of 13 headed for Deridder, LA, 45 miles from Lake Charles. Our team members are Lisa, Bridgit, Jessica, Kate, Tiffany, Phillip, Walt, Jake, Crystal, Mary, Tiffany, Kathy Ellen and Keith. We were met by Sunny and Rev. Jackie. The Rev. said a prayer and we started to work. His chuch lost the roof and had rain as a result of the strong winds of Hurricane Rita. We are converting an old furniture store into a church. Our goal is the finish the small sanctury so they can worship. We have been drywalling, taping, mudding and bedding. Lots of new skills, new words and hard work. We have become a great team. We are moving along and will finish our goals by Friday night. On Tuesday we hung 45 sheets of drywall. We feel good that we are able to help the Rev. and his congregation to have a new home. Many have stopped by and amazed by our work, as are we!

On Tuesday, we stopped at Diary Queen after work, and they gave us the order at half price and my blizzard for free. We'll be back there!

Pictures tomorrow.

Mary

It's been six days since I have arrived in Lake Charles. The trip so far has been amazing. The people and places that I've seen have made my volunteer experience worth while.
The first couple of days we met for training...with other team leaders. The 12 of us varied in age, race, religion...education...basically we were a slice of nearly everything you can image. I immediately bonded with Jessica...I learned a lot from her since she has worked with young peole and volunteered a lot in her life. And her personality is a lot like mine...a little off center.
The organizers of Alternative Spring Break couldn't have been more welcoming. I have learned a lot in my time here so far....but also have been able to express some thoughts of my own.
Saturday the "participants" arrived...i don't like to use that term..it's to clinical...they are college students...volunteers and the future of our country...they are an energitic bunch that is committed at a young age to make a difference. When I was their age, the only thing I was doing on break, was finding the next party...i wish i had this opportunity back then.
Sunday we took a tour of Cameron parish. It was hit the hardest by Hurricane Rita. But just like in Mississippi the people there are coming back stronger than ever. Scott Trahan the police pursor epitomizes the spirit there. Tears welled up in his eyes telling a story....not from the devastation that his hometown suffered...but from the softball championship that his daughter and her teammates won in the season following Rita. The Red Cross served us food that day and the volunteers expressed how important our work meant to the people in the Lake Charles area.
Monday was our first day of work...my team is one of the smallest of the group, just eight of us...plus three AmericaCorp NCCC. We are known as "JEFFERY'S ELEVEN". I'll explain in a later blog. We maybe a small group, but we are getting things done. We are at Ms. Vera's house in N. Lake Charles...It's a house that she grew up in when she was a child...she moved back into it after her husband's house burnt down..and then came RITA.
The house suffered roof damage which affected the ceiling inside the families living room. We stripped out the ceiling, killed the mold (hopefully) and replaced it with fresh tile. We also repaired and painted the four bedrooms. But our group not wanting to do an unfinished job...wanted to do more..so we completed the front room ceiling complete with textured paint. Ms. Vera was soo excited she gave Chris one of the college volunteers a big hug..(one of the better moments) of my trip.
Not everything has come totally smoothly....the airport van ride back from houston was long...and changing the flat tire in Cameron wasn't fun..but it's all a part of the experience right?!??! Just the experience of meeting new people from different parts of the country who have different personalities and traditions and games...like "spoons"...which got a little crazy.
It's tuesday...We are all a little..no make that a lot tired...but we are moving ahead. When I signed up for this...I didn't know what to expect...but I am so glad that I came...

The link below is the official Alternative Spring Break Flickr group. Please feel free to post photos of your experience. Remember mom and dad are watching... so keep it clean.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/asb/

So the first day! It went really well. We got all our supplies a little late but we still got ahead of our day. We will be on the same house all week working with REBUILDING TOGETHER. We are doing everything in the house except the roof. So for the first day we ended up scrapping the entire house to prep for paint, primed some, removed rotten boards, demoed the bathroom, scarpped and cleaned all roomes, and a lot of kitchen work. We got all the done day one isn't it hot? lol We had sweat, bonding, and lot of laughs.

Day 2 on site. We ended up painting, caulking, replacing more side panels, putting the bathroom in, and painting the entire house outside. What a win for us. we also primmed the bedrooms too YEah US. So far it is going so good. Oh yeah it has been hot here. I will see you all soon. Team Purple Dipset ROCKS!!!!!!!

All of us at United Way are very excited to be taking another group of young people down to the Gulf Coast during their Spring Break to spend a week rebuilding areas devastated by the 2005 hurricanes. This generation wants to make a difference-and they want to be directly involved. They're eager to see and experience first-hand the benefits of service to others. United Way's Alternative Spring Break (ASB) gives them that chance.

This year, the group will be working with United Way of Southwest Louisiana in Lake Charles to rebuild homes and a youth camp left destroyed by hurricane Rita. ASB volunteers will be clearing debris, roofing, installing drywall, painting and much more. It will certainly be tough work, but it will also be rewarding. United Way has put a stake in the ground around the long-term recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast and we believe the contributions of our young leaders are an important part of that work. Our hope is that United Way's Alternative Spring Break gives them their own outlet for service.

On behalf of the entire United Way system, thank you to all of the participants, team leaders, sponsors, partners and United Way staff involved in ASB 2007. These young leaders embody the very spirit of United Way's mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of community. I can't think of a better way to demonstrate that by harnessing the time and talents of young people in service to others. You have our deepest appreciation for all that you are doing.

Special Thanks to our corporate sponsors, FedEx, GameStop/EB Games and MTV. Without your support and commitment to United Way, Alternative Spring Break might not be possible.

Thank you again for all that you are doing to improve the lives of our neighbors in the Gulf Coast. Enjoy the journey.

We've done so much here already that is hard to believe that today is only our first day on our work sites. My team was sent to work with Rebuilding Together on a house in Lake Charles, LA. It was amazing to walk through for the first time - the house had so much damage. I am so impressed with our team and how well they worked together. Most of them had very little experience and yet managed to accomplish so much. We scraped, primed, washed, built, re-sided, installed new doors... all in less than eight hours.

I also love that we are teamed up with AmeriCorps NCCC members. As an AmeriCorps Public Ally (Like a Vista program) myself, seeing other AmeriCorps programs in action is always a treat. They work so well and contribute so much. Shout out to Sean, Anne, an Charlie - you guys are really helping team Purple Dipset dominate!

Hey everyone. For those of you who are already in Louisiana I hope your experience is having a profound impact. For those of you who have yet to head down, I hope that you are prepared to have your lives enriched and changed. I can't wait to arrive week three and take part in this amazing process that meant so much to me last year as a participant and this year as a team leader.

The reason that things like ASB and youth engagement are so important to me is not only because of the people that we're able to help, but also the perception that a lot of people have of our generation. I don't know what our generation is called these days, but I hear negative things about us so often. We're disrespectful, uncaring and generally unaffected.

This happened to me this morning. I was pulling out of my driveway at just after 9:00 AM (it's still frigid here in Wisconsin by the way, hello Louisiana weather) and was already running a few minutes late. A woman parked at the road flagged me down. She said that I had hit her car the other day while parking mine. After assessing the damage on her car and looking at mine, it was clear that there was literally NO POSSIBLE WAY that I caused the damage. Still she yelled at me saying things like "people like YOU have no respect for anyone".

Now, those of you who know me from last year or even those of you who don't...this could not be further from the truth. I remained calm throughout this entire conversation but as soon as I got into my car and drove to campus I was irate. This woman was in her mid forties and knows nothing about me. What gives her the right to disrespect me like that?

You may think that this story is a bit off topic and I know that it has gotten a bit long. I'm sure that many of you have heard these types of comments made about you or other people our age. And while I do acknowledge that there may be some truth to these accusations, I argue that these attributes exist in every age group.

Projects like ASB are of the utmost importance because they allow for us to not only help other people, but to counteract the images that people see when they look at us. If we keep working hard I have no doubt that we can change the world. I'm so proud of everyone that is participating in ASB and I hope that it will impact you like it has me.

Labels: ASB 2007 post

On Saturday, I had the bus station and airport duty to pick up volunteers for this week. On our first trip to the bus station, Phil was hold the United Way sign and I was ready to take a picture of Danielle. A woman came up to us and wanted to give us a $3.00 donation. I told her we weren't there for donations, but to pick up a volunteer. She said, you, United Way was there when I needed them most, and she would like to give the little she had. WOO-HOO!

And the week is only starting!

Mary Sullivan

So today was AMAZING!!!! We got up and watched and learned about what it was like through RITA. We then loaded up in the vans to start our three hour tour. lol Oh yeah I also got o write the tour. It was powerful to get to see what has happened and what was still there and to do 17 months after the storm. In the middle of the tour we stopped at the local high school; which is still in many pieces. The american red cross provided lunch and thier store about Katrina and Rita. We had lunch out of the ERV Emergency Response Vehicle. WOW amazing group of volunteers. After our lunch and tour we ended up doing some United Way 101 and Group Team Building team "Purple Dipset" rocks!!! Dinner was yummy, walmart for some group goddies, then oh yeah and amazing time dancing my rear off with some awesome live rocking CAJUN music. So bed soon. We start work tomorrow with REBUILDING TOGETHER. Can't wait to see u all MI people soon.

The Southwest Louisiana chapter of Red Cross volunteered their time today to serve hot lunches to all of our participants during a tour of Cameron Parish. The Red Cross "ERV" (Emergency Response Vehicle), stopped by the SWLA Volunteer Housing Center and picked up some hot gumbo, care of Chef Walter. From there the ERV drove down to South Cameron high school and met the ASBers who were anxiously (and hungrily) awaiting their arrival. Following lunch, the Red Cross volunteers graciously shared their personal experience surrounding Hurricane Rita. It was easy to see that it was a powerful and moving experience for both the Red Cross Volunteers and our participants. Thank you Red Cross!

I am excited to finally get to meet all the week 1 team members. WOW What a great group. So today I spent over 8 hours picking up team members from Houston what a long day. I was excited to meet and great and be the first HUMAN contact to them. We enjoyed all our bonding on our drive back what a great first day.

I am so excited to finally have ASB-ers in the building! Meeting all of the participants that I had only seen on Facebook and on Webinars before is amazing. We were fortunate to have three young locals tell us their stories about how Hurricane Rita has impacted their lives. It was very powerful and set a great tone for the week. After all of the preparation we have been doing these past few days, I can't wait to get started!

We are in between dinner and programs right now, but I just wanted to let everyone know how excited I am for this next week. Meeting all the participants today has been amazing and I can't wait to see what we can accomplish!

I've been here on the ground in Southwest Louisiana for nearly a week now. We've met with community partners, we've worked menus and we've transformed the Volunteer Housing Center to be ready for everyone's arrival! We're getting really psyched as volunteers arrive and as waves more prepare to join others from across the country to help families and communities rebuild after Hurricane Rita.

I want to do a special thank you and shout out to all my friends and family who stepped up and joined me in my efforts here by contributing at my website. I'm just a few dollars shy of my $2,500 goal!!! Thanks, everyone! Your contributions will not only support the volunteers who have joined us from across the country, but will also help to secure materials needed to rebuild people's homes -- filling the gaps where people's insurance and other agencies' resources reach their limits.

So, again, thanks everyone! I'm looking forward to meeting all the young people who are taking such a huge part of their spring to make a difference.

Finally -- hats off to an amazing group of young people from the NCCC who have been AMAZING this week -- completing a much needed shower facility for waves of volunteers, building Adam's playground, and helping to receive, pack and ship everything you could dream of needing for hundreds of volunteers. Thanks so much, team G-1 and G-6!!!

Labels: Alternative Spring Break, ASB 2007 post, NCCC, united way

In a week I will be hanging out in LA with people from all over the country and I can't wait! I'm ready to get in there and do some hard work and meet all the cool people that have been invited to participate and the host community of Lake Charles too! I am even more excited to meet my team!! (can you tell I love exclamation points LOL)

Lil bit about me...
I am from the Queen City, Charlotte NC and I am a senior psychology major at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. I love power tools, drills, saws or anything loud and scary looking. I also love to volunteer and be involved on campus, but my favorite hobby is watching movies. I have blockbuster online so I am always ordering movies. When I graduate I hope to move to Chicago and get a job with a non-profit. But for now I am enjoying my last semester and looking forward to Spring Break!

Until next time folks,

PS Anybody from my team on here? Or any other week 2ers?

Wow... thats all I have to say. The housing center is GREAT! Since Monday, we've been working hand and hand with the local United Way and a few America Corps groups, along with the staff who runs the VHC to get everything setup for Week 1 of 4!!! ONE of FOUR! I don't know if you guys have realized this, but this year's program is 'kinda a big deal'! Everyone is in for such a great experience.

Well I'm off to bed because I have to get a good nights rest so I can be ready for all of you tomorrow...

.BRi

So i was happy to be picked up by a van full of people. Yeah Team!!!!!!!! From being picked up by 10 fellow team members, we went right into a tour of SW LA. Wow 17 months later and a lot to still do. I can't wait to pick up team members and get going.

This video explains why Alternative Spring Break 2007 is focused on rebuilding communities in Southwest Louisiana.

Meet Ronnie. Want to know why he's smiling? He's psyched to work at FedEx, one of the official sponsors of Alternative Spring Break 2007. In the past 2 days alone, he's picked up 30 boxes of supplies headed from DC to the United Way of Southwest Louisiana Volunteer Housing Center.

Thanks for all of your support FedEx (not to mention the free shipping)!

What's up, ASB vols?

My name is Gabe, altho most people called me "camera guy" in Biloxi last year.
The 2006 ASB was an amazing experience, and I'm really excited to be part of it again this year.

I'll be at your work sites in Lake Charles taking pictures and shooting video during the week of March 12th. And no, I am not with MTV; I work for UWA. Still, these pics and videos could end up anywhere in the world so you better get your hair did and get your smiles ready.

Labels: smile

Hi - I'm Jessica, one of the United Way staff members working on the ASB project. To introduce myself, I'm from the Midwest - Champaign, Illinois - went to school in Minneapolis (go Gophers!) and lived in London before coming to Washington, D.C. to work at United Way. I really like working at United Way - I love being involved in projects like ASB and feeling like I'm making an impact on communities.

When I'm not working, I like to run, listen to music, read, watch Big 10 sports, and be involved in the community. I've even finished two marathons! I love to travel, too - the picture of me is from a recent trip to Philadelphia. Whenever I get the chance, I go on a travelling adventure. I have too many favorite trips to choose from, but the highlights included visiting a friend in Tokyo, travelling with my college roommate in Scotland, and skiing in Switzerland with a good friend.

I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you in Louisiana!

Hey, Valerie again! I was wondering if anyone going on the week of 16th-24th was in/near the WV-OH-KY tristate? Maybe we could cut some costs by travelling together? Anyway, I'm really excited about meeting the bunch of you and having plenty of roomies for the week. See you there! :)

Hello everyone my name is Kira Putt and I will be a team leader for week two. I can't express how excited I am about Alternative Spring Break. It felt like so long ago that I was talking to Angela Walker about maybe being a part of ASB and now we are less then a week away. I love to travel and volunteer but have never been a part of a project that combines two things I love. I look forward to meeting all of the people that will be part of this experience and I look forward to letting everyone read about our adventures!

Hey, just thought I'd introduce myself. My name's Valerie and I'm in Milton, WV. I'm going to be down in LA starting the 16th. I hope to meet lots of new people and have a great time. My main page (if anyone wants to be nosey about me or add me) is http://www.myspace.com/ryaneugenebarr
Pretty much EVERYTHING about me is on myspace...but for the sake of those that don't feel like looking at myspace, I'm an 18yo junior at Marshall University and Huntington Junior College, my fiancee and I have a great 2 1/2yo son named Dylan, and although I'm in WV now, my hometown is West Palm Beach, FL and I am soooooo homesick! Anyway, check my page out and I hope to see a bunch of you all soon!

Hey Gang, Tom Ryan here, I'll be attending week 2 as a Team Leader and am really looking forward to it. This is my first outing with ASB and I can't think of a more worthy cause. I am a retired NYC Firefighter who is now back in school working on a degree for Special Ed. One of the main reasons I feel so privileged to help in the Gulf Coast is because of 9/11. In the aftermath of that tragic event was a great out pouring of support from every community in this Country as well as around the world. I look at my being able to help the Gulf Coast as a small way of my giving back.
I highly commend all the people who have worked on this program and all the ASB Students who have chosen to give the most valuable gift of all, and that is your time. Time is a very special commodity and as we all know from our crazy lives it is sometimes very hard to give up.
Again I look forward to working with you all and doing our share to bring some brightness to another human being. Peace Tommy Ryan

Hey ya'll! Can't wait to see everyone during week 4. My name is Allison Friar and I am incredibly excited to be a team leader for ASB this year. I do quite a bit of volunteer work around home (Raleigh, NC) but this will be my first traveling volunteer adventure.

As you may have already figured out from my "handle" and title of the post, I'm a HUGE UNC Tar Heels fan (Go Heels, Beat Dook!). I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill a few [stretch] years ago and then served for a year as a VISTA Volunteer in Durham, NC. After that I started my career with United Way. First at two member agencies (you have to work 2 jobs sometimes to pay the bills AND do what matters) and then 9 years at Triangle United Way in Research Triangle Park, NC. I moved up to the national level last August and now work for United eWay helping national corporations with their online charitable giving campaigns. Resume done!

Six years ago, I found a great outlet to do a a ton of community service through the Raleigh Jaycees and have been actively involved ever since. Some of my favorite projects include HOPE (where I tutor and lead a Cub Scout Den), Goodfellows (picture is me shopping last year with my Goodfellows child) and HOBY, just to name a few.

Enough about me! Where are all the week 4 folks? Are you excited? We're gonna kick some butt and take some names!!!

Labels: ASB 2007 post, united way, volunteer

I'm not really a fan of this group, but I saw this today and thought of you guys...who are about to change the world in your own ways.

I'm Michael... I will be capturing and posting your adventure on film as United Way's photographer. Looking forward to an exciting week.

Safe travels, Michael

Labels: mtv, storm corps, united way, volunteer

Thursday, March 1, 2007 8:54 PM Permalink |  8 Comments