Field Report: Green Light New Orleans

 

July

In order to connect with the volunteers for the ELCA event, we’ve designed a social media map to help them and their families find out about the projects they’re working on. We’ve designed a google map with different icons at the location of each project (like a vegetable at each address where a backyard vegetable garden is being built, a lawn mower at each empty lot that is being cleared, etc). The icons will all be colored red and then changed to green when they are completed. As soon as a volunteer group finishes a project, they will take a picture of themselves and send it to the Green Light office. People working in the office will upload the pictures to the map at the address of the project and change the icon on the map to Green so we will have a live update when volunteers finish a project. We will also be posting the pictures of the volunteers to Facebook. Hopefully getting to see their projects on the map will give the volunteers more of a connection to Green Light and the project they are doing.

 

August

            The ELCA event was pretty successful over all. We definitely couldn’t have pulled it off without our awesome NCCC team, River 7! They were incredibly helpful in preparations for the event and leading groups of volunteers during the event. The only unfortunate thing was that almost all of the projects got rained out on Friday the 20^th. In the morning, the buses all arrived at the different sights and the volunteers waited, hoping the thunderstorms would stop. After a while, it became clear that it was not going to stop raining, and the streets were started to flood. Eventually, we decided to send the morning volunteers home. We hoped that the afternoon volunteers might be able to work, but the rain continued throughout the day, and eventually we had to cancel the afternoon groups too. That was disappointing, but Green Light is partnering with 400 volunteers from the AARP in September and they will be able to complete all the projects that were not finished on Friday.

I ended up working in the office during the event, answering phone calls and live updating the impact map, which I wrote about in my July field report, as volunteers sent pictures. The impact map was pretty cool, especially for bragging purposes. A lot of the volunteers never ended up sending pictures of their groups, so we don’t have pictures of everyone, but for most of the projects, we were at least able to list the names of the volunteers.

 

You can check out the impact map here: http://www.greenlightneworleans.org/ELCA/ELCAeventimpact719.html

 

Things are going to be much quieter here now that ELCA is over, but soon we’re going to start planning for the AARP event in September. 400 volunteers are going to seem pretty easy to deal with after 2,400!

 

-Selena Poznak, Tulane AmeriCorps VISTA, Green Light New Orleans

 

Field Report: Green Light New Orleans

 

You might not know this, but Green Light New Orleans does things other than installing light bulbs. In fact, we have a whole other program called Tip the Block, through which we connect residents with other non-profit organizations that can provide them a variety of other services. Residents can receive backyard vegetable gardens, rain barrels, home weatherization, and attic insulation among other things. Green Light sees this program as the next step for the organization once energy efficient light bulbs have been installed for all interested residents.

 

This summer, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America is having their youth conference in New Orleans. During this conference 36,000 Evangelical Lutheran youths will be arriving in the city. The conference involves 3 days of service, and about 2,000 of them will be working with Green Light on Tip the Block. They will be installing light bulbs, building backyard vegetable gardens and rain barrels, and canvassing, among other things.

 

This is the biggest event Green Light has ever had, and will give us the opportunity to get a lot done for Tip the Block. Since it is a month away, a lot of our time is going towards preparing for the event. It will be a great learning experience for all of us, and will hopefully be a good example for us about how to host similar events in the future.

 

-Selena Poznak, Tulane CPS AmeriCorps VISTA, Green Light New Orleans

 

Field Report: Green Light New Orleans

Lately, I have been working on putting together a brochure for volunteers about what to do when they come to New Orleans. A lot of our volunteers from come from out of town, and they’re always asking us for suggestions of stuff to do in the evenings or on their days off. It’s been really fun to work on, and gave me a chance to think about some of my favorite places around the city. Elizabeth, a photographer friend of Andreas’s came to visit and took some amazing pictures of the places we wrote about. Here is a random sample:

Angelo Brocato’s Italian Ice Cream        $

Brocato’s is a popular pastry and ice cream parlor located conveniently off the Canal streetcar line. Stop in for gelato, coffee, Italian ice, and classic Italian pastries like biscotti, pigniolata, or cannoli.

*214 North Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans, LA  70119

Open: All day

Closed: Monday

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve              Free

This park consists of six separate sites and a headquarters. One site, the Barataria Preserve in Marrero, Louisiana, has trails and canoe tours through hardwood forests, swamps, and marsh. Barataria was where the legendary pirate Jean Lafitte and others docked their ships and traded pillaged goods. Now, it is a great way to see the beautiful swampland of Louisiana.

*6588 Barataria Boulevard, Marrero, Louisiana  70072

Staff recommendations: Andreas-Coquille Trail

Mississippi River                Free

No trip to New Orleans is complete without spending some time at the Mighty Mississippi. Make sure to check out the houses on the other side of the levee. Those who live in these one-of-a-kind homes are exempt from paying property taxes. You can find them by walking two blocks south of the office to Oak Street, turning right, and walking to the end of the street. For more information about the Mississippi River batture, as they’re called, and the people who live there, read this NPR story: http://www.npr.org/2011/09/17/140553646/on-the-edge-in-mississippi-residents-cling-to-land

 

-Selena Poznak, Tulane CPS AmeriCorps VISTA, Green Light New Orleans

Field Report: Green Light New Orleans

 

First of all, the most exciting thing that has happened at Green Light recently, is that at the end of March, we reached our goal of installing 90,000 light bulbs from 2011-2012! I wasn’t here when they started working towards that goal, but from what I have heard, at first it seemed pretty intimidating. The year came to a glorious end, in which we had our biggest month ever… thanks to our spring break volunteers, we also installed over 16,000 light bulbs in the month of March! So basically we are all very excited over here. It’s amazing to set a goal and actually be able to achieve it, especially when it seems impossible.

 

The other thing I wanted to write about was a really great volunteering event we had in March. The Notre Dame University Gospel Choir worked with us for a day canvassing and installing light bulbs. We convinced them to do a mini concert before going out on their routes.  It was a great way to start the day, plus some people who were driving by in their cars, and employees of the streetcar barn across the street stopped and came outside to listen. I really liked that other people came to listen because it made it more of a communal event. Events like this are great because they make the day more special and different.

 

-Selena Poznak, Tulane CPS AmeriCorps VISTA, Green Light New Orleans

 

Field Report: Green Light New Orleans

March 

            One exciting thing that happened at Green Light recently was that our staff got to find out all about a New Orleans icon: the streetcar! The Streetcar Barn, where many streetcars are kept when not in service, built, and repaired is across the street from the Green Light office. Since I have worked here (and probably before too) there has often been tension between Green Light and Streetcar Barn employees for a multitude of reasons. The streetcar tracks go right in front of the office, which means that when volunteers park their cars in front of the office, the streetcars cannot get in and out. Sometimes, they also play loud music, which can be distracting.

Recently, our Executive Director went over to the Streetcar Barn to talk to them about the tensions and try to get some of them resolved. During that conversation, the Streetcar Barn employees invited us over for a tour! We got to see all of the different machines they use to fix streetcars, and different parts of the streetcars that they had around the shop. We learned about the differences between the old streetcars, the green ones, and the red ones, which are newer. We also got to see people working on all different parts of the streetcars from spray painting the outside to sanding the wood for the seats to putting wheels together. The Streetcar Barn employees do everything involved in building and repairing streetcars and are the only people who know how to fix the machines they use to build and repair them.

I had no idea that any of this was going on, even though it was right across the street. The tour definitely gave me a greater appreciation for what goes on at the Streetcar Barn, and streetcars in general.

February 

              This month, we have a really great NCCC team working with us. They’ve been doing installations, canvassing, tabling, and helping us out in the office. It is really great for the staff, because we get a chance to work on some more specialized projects that we don’t have a chance to do most of the time. I’ve gotten to work on grant writing, which is something I am really excited to learn more about.

            First, my boss and I developed a timeline for grant writing. The timeline is helpful to use working backwards from the grant deadline and breaks the process of grant writing down into smaller steps. As a beginning grant writer, it was really helpful to me to think about the process that way and have several deadlines before the actual due date. It is also interesting to see the different ways organizations handle grants. For some, I submitted only a short paragraph, and might be asked to submit a longer proposal later, which was something I didn’t realize that organizations did but is apparently very common. I know a lot of people don’t enjoy writing grants, but so far, maybe because it’s new, I have found it really interesting. I know that grant wring is an important skill to have in the non profit world and I hope to gain more experience with it in the future.

-Selena Poznak, Tulane CPS AmeriCorps VISTA, Green Light New Orleans

Field Report: Green Light New Orleans

Well, its 9:30pm and for work-related reasons I’m still in the office.  This will be my last week at Green Light New Orleans and unfortunately my last field report with the Tulane AmeriCorps VISTA team.

It’s been a pretty crazy ride these past 12 months.  When I first began my term with Green Light, we were pretty broke (operating at a $0 budget).  A couple months in, Green Light gained some solid funding from Entergy through a city-backed initiative called Energy Smart.

Since that happened, it’s been non-stop at the Green Light office.  I found myself barely having time to think about anything else except how crazy work is going to be the next day.  I feel like that has partially plagued me this year.  Instead of taking advantage of as many special times in the city, I stayed in to rest because of my constant exhaustion from work (or maybe I’m just really lame).

A few special people truly understand how exhausted I felt this year.  I feel lucky that I was utilized to the MAX at my VISTA site.  I know a few people who may not have gotten to experience the craziness that I went through this year.  BUT, I must say that I’m very tired.  I think that Green Light was an amazing experience.  I’ve grown a ton from everything that I’ve learned.

I got the chance to eat some REAL SWISS FOOD, indulge in some amazing Swiss chocolate and drink the greatest thing from Switzerland, Kiershe—LOOK IT UP AND LET ME KNOW WHERE I CAN GET IT IN THE STATES.

The most difficult thing I am dealing with at the moment is leaving this amazing town.  Sure, I’m tired, I’m stressed, I’m still at work and its almost 10pm, but I don’t know if I’m ready to leave.  I came to New Orleans not knowing too much about it.  I was terrified, nervous, and unsure of anything.  This city has taken me so well and my transition into town was just too lovely.  She took care of me and there’s nothing that I’ll ever forget about this town.

Farewell and best of luck to everyone!

Much love,

Cindy

- Cynthia Corrales, AmeriCorps VISTA Visit Green Light New Orleans, to learn more about the outreach program and volunteer opportunities in your area.

Field Report: Green Light New Orleans

The August heat is accelerating and it certainly has been a challenge working in this energy efficient office.  Most especially after lunch, it becomes extremely difficult to concentrate when its warm.  It’s not so much of a complaint but more of a concern to stay efficient working in the office.  I suppose efficiency for one aspect reduces the efficiency of another.  Go figure.  Things are starting to slow down just a bit as far as volunteer flows, but we are still getting some wonderful groups donating their time with Green Light.

Surprisingly, I have been key in expanding Green Light’s internship program.  What we needed so much out of an AmeriCorps NCCC team is now transitioning into a more sustainable internship program.  Our Executive Director also hopes to turn our Social Media Intern into a small part-time position for the office sometime in the near future.  I finally feel like I am contributing to something longer lasting than my term.  This pleases me. =]

Until another field report, be well.

We invest our energy in people and assist New Orleans residents face to face, one household at a time. Our volunteers install free energy efficient light bulbs to demonstrate that a mass movement of individual actions creates a significant impact on our environment and community.We aim to connect New Orleans residents to relevant, local opportunities and encourage individual actions so that everyone can benefit from a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable community.

Check out the Green Light Blog! www.10000peopleforneworleans.org/wp

- Cynthia Corrales, AmeriCorps VISTA Visit Green Light New Orleans, to learn more about the outreach program and volunteer opportunities in your area.

Field Report: Green Light New Orleans

Wow.  It’s getting hot out there.  As an AmeriCorps VISTA serving an energy efficient organization, it is becoming more and more apparent to me how energy inefficient cooling systems can be during the summer months.

Here are some summer tips (taken from Green Light’s very own Energy Saving Tips handout) on how to stay cool and save money on your energy bills:

• Turning up the thermostat by just two degrees and running your ceiling fan counter-clockwise can help better circulate the cool air while reducing energy usage on the AC.
• Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or the highest possible setting that is comfortable for you can help save a few dollars on the energy bill.
• Check, clean or replace air filters once a month during periods of high use.  This will ensure proper airflow, promote better health, increase efficiency, and save money too.
• Close your blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day (usually around noon) to block out heat generated from the windows (green house effect).

We invest our energy in people and assist New Orleans residents face to face, one household at a time. Our volunteers install free energy efficient light bulbs to demonstrate that a mass movement of individual actions creates a significant impact on our environment and community.We aim to connect New Orleans residents to relevant, local opportunities and encourage individual actions so that everyone can benefit from a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable community.

Check out the Green Light Blog! www.10000peopleforneworleans.org/wp

- Cynthia Corrales, AmeriCorps VISTA Visit Green Light New Orleans, to learn more about the outreach program and volunteer opportunities in your area.

Field Report: Green Light of New Orleans

Just finished VISTA month #7—BUT who’s counting! =]

I keep saying this repeatedly throughout my field reports, but I can’t help it.  Time is really flying by! I just can’t believe that over 50% of my term has passed.  A recap for this past month is the same as the last: Energy Smart is keeping us busy.  Seeking constant volunteer groups to install light bulbs is our main focus. On another note, our Learn & Serve program has come to a close with our very first partnership with Ben Franklin High School Students.

With the Learn & Serve Grant, our Ben Franklin students have installed over 3,000 light bulbs in the New Orleans area and have built 4 backyard vegetable gardens in the Leonidas Neighborhood. I commend them for all of their hard work.  Green Light New Orleans appreciates their sheer dedication this past semester.  Hooray!

Just to update you all on funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service.  The Learn and Serve Grants have been completely cut for this fiscal year so Green Light New Orleans will not be receiving a Learn and Serve Grant for this upcoming school year. HOWEVER, we will still be doing service learning projects with Ben Franklin High School again regardless of our lack in grant money.  There are also talks about us partnering with another local high school for service learning projects, but that is not official just yet.

I think that was the major highlight for this past month, so until another field report, be well.

- Cynthia Corrales, AmeriCorps VISTA Visit Green Light New Orleans, to learn more about the outreach program and volunteer opportunities in your area.

Field Report: Green Light New Orleans

The focus of Green Light New Orleans has drastically changed since the first time I had started here.  For the first couple months, the office was very slow as we could barely afford to purchase light bulbs.  With the passing of Energy Smart, our focus has changed to finding as many volunteers as possible.  At first, it was somewhat disorienting as this initiative began to be implemented.  Changing our focus on funding to mobilizing volunteers is an interesting change of pace.

Because of how our funding is arranged, Green Light will get paid based on the number of light bulbs we implement.  So, the more light bulbs we install, the more funding available for us to expand and continue to develop our organization.   It is difficult, most especially when we have weeks where there are little to no volunteers coming to install light bulbs.  In these cases, 2 out of the 4 of the office team, must spend half a day installing light bulbs.  It puts a strain on the work/tasks we need to get done that day, but at the same time I’m glad to be meeting the true and unique individuals that make up this amazing city.  I can’t appreciate the work that I do everyday without actually experiencing the fundamental work that makes Green Light what it is  It’s humbling and refreshing to get out there and do something positive.  Sometimes sitting at a desk all day can be a drag.

On another note, the third semester as a community partner in service learning has come to an end.  It was a very chaotic start with the beginning of the semester doing orientation, organizing service dates and getting the students to complete their service requirements.  Green Light had partnered with 5 service learning courses: 3 with Tulane, 1 with Xavier, and 1 with Loyola and I am glad the semester is over.  We had very few students who did not met their requirements, but I suppose with that many service learners, there is bound to be a few stragglers.    I am excited to see some of the work that these students have produced over the semester, most especially with Loyola University.  We have a group of PR writing students who are producing some potential brochures for our organization.  Can’t wait to see what they have crafted over the semester!

- Cynthia Corrales, AmeriCorps VISTA Visit Green Light New Orleans, to learn more about the outreach program and volunteer opportunities in your area.