So you’re ready to plan a trip to New Orleans to help us rebuild.  Thank you so much!  Volunteers like you are the backbone of the recovery effort, and we need your help more than ever in what will surely be a slow, steady, years-long process.  Here are some things you’ll need to do to organize and schedule a trip with us.

1)      Email (pnunnally@edola.org) or call (504-259-1417) the mission coordinator, Pete Nunnally,  to check if there is space available for the approximate dates of your trip.  Then, set firm dates and volunteer numbers for your trip. 

2)       Send/fax/email us a completed Team Intake Form.  We do not reserve beds until we receive this form.  For youth missions, please send us the Youth Team Intake Form.  We'll assign housing and try to accomodate requests.

3)      Collect release forms.  You may fax them in (504-895-6637) or give them to Pete Nunnally when you arrive.  All volunteers must sign the release. 

4)      Meet with your group to build team unity and discuss our guidelines and parameters before traveling to New Orleans.  This is also a good time to sign and collect forms.  It’s important for you to establish cohesion before you arrive here to volunteer, and it really helps your group become more productive and efficient.  If churches or groups have combined forces, please establish a leader.  Leaders of youth groups should remember to be firm and communicate with their kids.    We require that a member of the church or school represented be present for youth missions, and we do not allow youth under 16 to work within the ODR programs.

5)      Points to remember:

·         Rental cars: You’ll need to have enough vehicles and drivers to shuttle groups to different sites (we have multiple sites in our programs).  Although we do our very best, we cannot guarantee your entire group will be working together, so one car for every 7 people is a good ratio.  Vans are fine, but you may want to rent one extra smaller car, as well, for further flexibility.  This ensures that you won’t lose time ferrying people to different sites.

·         Meals, lunches, and water:  Your group is responsible for all meals.  Each housing site has a kitchen that can be used for breakfasts/dinners.  Lunches should be bag lunches that will be eaten on the worksite.  You are also responsible for your own water, so please bring plenty. It can get very hot down here!

·         To bring:  You’ll need to bring sturdy shoes, good work gloves, and clothes that can get very dirty.  Also bring a willingness to jump in and learn something new!

·         Return intake and release forms:  Complete and return the Team Intake Form to reserve your group’s space as soon as possible.  Collect releases and fax them or turn them in when you arrive.

·         Please schedule an orientation session with Pete Nunnally, the volunteer coordinator.  Your orientation should take place on the first or second day or your arrival.  Its purpose is to provide historical and contextual background to the work you're doing and equip you with the information you'll need to become capable advocates for New Orleans.  This is where you get a chance to have your questions about the storm and life in New Orleans answered.  Times and locations are flexible according to your schedule.

·         Ask questions:  We’re here to help you have a smooth and successful trip, so please ask us any and all questions you have.  You can direct your questions about the trip to our Mission and Volunteer Coordinator, Pete Nunnally, at 504-259-1417, or pnunnally@edola.org.