SHRM VOLUNTOURISM IN NEW ORLEANS
SHRM OFFERS CONFERENCE ATTENDEES COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Through the dedication and hard work of residents and volunteers from all around the globe, downtown New Orleans is flourishing again. However, there are residential neighborhoods outside the downtown area that are still rebuilding more than three years after Hurricane Katrina. SHRM is partnering with Beacon of Hope, a local non-profit organization, to provide conference attendees with the opportunity to revitalize New Orleans homes on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. This is your chance to help rebuild a city in need and make a generous contribution to families in the city of New Orleans. It is also a great way to meet HR professionals from around the world. Please reference the Frequently Asked Questions below for more details and information. For questions, call (504) 524-0188.
Please note space is limited.
To register:
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 
What is Beacon of Hope?
Leading the way home, Beacon of Hope provides a model for recovery in neighborhoods devastated by Hurricane Katrina, as well as other areas affected by disaster. They encourage civic action, foster repopulation, provide information and resources. Beacon of Hope empowers residents to facilitate their own recovery while providing a hub of resident driven activities and a safe environment to create the synergy essential for restoring viable neighborhoods and improve the overall quality of life for residents. Beacon of Hope allows caring individuals the opportunity to participate in the process of rebuilding New Orleans to project a new hope for residents affected by the loss they incurred through Hurricane Katrina.
The Beacon of Hope Resource Center is an approved non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation, founded by Lakewood South homeowners, Denise and Doug Thornton in 2006. Located in New Orleans, this once flooded home served as a refuge for weary neighbors and a lifeline for all homeowners seeking information and resources to rebuild their devastated homes in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Their mission is to assist all homeowners in the City of New Orleans in the rebuilding process of their beloved homes and provide a sanctuary to neighbors looking for a way back home.
What is “Voluntourism"?
Voluntourism combines volunteering with tourism, and is a way to travel and give of ones’ time, energy, and skills to benefit the communities in which you’re traveling.
What will we be doing for the project?
We will be in Gentilly, a residential area of New Orleans, working on homeowner assisted re-building projects. In most cases, the homeowner will be working along with us, and the specific tasks you will work on will vary from house to house, as each home is in a different stage of re-construction and work could vary from laying sod and planting trees to painting and caulking.
Additional opportunities for voluntourism in local parks and schools may be developed as demand requires, should the Beacon of Hope voluntourism project reach capacity.
What does it cost and what is included in the fee?
There is a $75 fee to volunteer. The fee covers the cost for Beacon of Hope to purchase tools and materials for the re-building project, such as paint, brushes, mulch, wheelbarrows, plants, etc. It also includes transportation to and from the convention center, a brief tour of the devastation area and areas around your site, lunch, water and goggles. A portion of the expenses for the Voluntourism project will be underwritten by a donation from SHRM. None of the fee to volunteer will go to SHRM. Please note 100% of your contribution is tax deductible.
Should I bring food or water?
SHRM will provide a box lunch, snacks and water. If you have any special needs that require you to eat or drink specific items, please bring those with you.
Should I bring my own tools?
It is not necessary to bring any tools, as they will be provided for you. However if you wish to bring your own tools, you are welcome to. Safety goggles will be provided.
What should I wear?
Footwear needs to be sturdy and closed-toe and closed-heel. Boots or sneakers are both considered appropriate footwear, however boots are preferable and recommended. You are not required to wear long pants, but it is also highly recommended. Please prepare for the weather by checking the forecast before you leave your hotel; if it is sunny, please bring sunscreen, and sunglasses; if it is raining, please bring a jacket, raincoat, and/or rain boots. You may also want to bring work gloves and insect repellent. Please leave valuable items at home.
What if there is inclement weather?
Work will continue, rain or shine. It is very rare that a work day is cancelled.
Will there be an orientation or training?
You will receive a 20 minute orientation after you arrive at the work site, which includes safety information. In addition, you will receive on-site training and tutorials for the tasks you are assigned.
Where should we meet for the voluntourism?
We will meet outside the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. You will be advised of the exact location as the event draws closer. Please try to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure.
How far will we be from the Morial Convention Center?
It is approximately a 20-30 minute drive to Gentilly.
Will there be transportation available back to the convention center if we can’t stay for the entire time?
No. Buses will leave promptly at the assigned time and return as posted. SHRM will not be providing any shuttle service.
What time do the busses leave? How long will we be there?
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7 a.m. - Noon
Is there any paperwork I need to fill out?
You can register online, or via fax or phone. All participants will also be required to sign a waiver. If there is anyone under 18, guardians must sign for the volunteer.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
12 years old, when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Will we all be able to work together?
Each “homeowner assisted re-building project” will have a different number of volunteers assigned, based on the amount of work to be accomplished. Assignments will be made, as you arrive, upon boarding the buses. We will not be able to move volunteers around after boarding the busses.
Is it safe?
People should use their best judgment and use their instincts. The local police will be notified of the group’s voluntourism project and will be patrolling all areas.
Who can I call with questions?
Call (504) 524-0188. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm Central Time.
Do I need to be a member of SHRM? Do I need to be registered for the SHRM Annual Conference?
No. All volunteers over the age of 12 are welcome.
Can I make a donation?
Yes. Donations are accepted on the Beacon of Hope website.