As you know, we paid a visit to New Orleans about a month ago to attend the very successful Beaucoup Blues/Democrats for a Blue Louisiana state organizing conference. We met a lot of good people and organizers who had been working endlessly for progressive values in one of the toughest political environments in the country. The conference had already been postponed once due to Hurricane Dennis in early July—as such is life in New Orleans during the hurricane season.
But, last Monday that life was turned upside down when the unprecedented Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, and changed millions of lives forever. Now we think of our friends, our families, and all others who have fallen victim to this massive devastation.
This post is for them and all the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama who have lost so much over the last three days. They will lose much more in the coming months and endure great hardships. They need our help.
Today, we join so many others in heeding the call to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Community support and activism is what we are about, and this is a time when we must all step up to the plate.
We urge you to donate or volunteer, and the Red Cross is one of the best places to start. Every action—big or small—makes the difference. Please lend a helping hand to our fellow Americans today.
www.redcross.org
Or find your local chapter at:
www.redcross.org/where/chapts.asp
Thanks for all you are doing.
Jim Dean
Chair, Democracy for America