If you can live on an AmeriCorps stipend, New Orleans is your promised land

[KamaAina]

if I were in a position to do this, I'd have been down there two years ago. All the nonprofits involved in the rebuilding effort (still very much ongoing, and will be for years) are relying on AmeriCorps slots rather than actual paid staff, so I guess I'm stuck in Hawai'i for now. :nopity:

But if you think you might be able to swing it, check this out!

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/npo

Many young people in particular are answering the call; I refer to them as "Generation K". Here's one just for you guys:

http://www.nolayurp.com

(a YURP is a "Young Urban Rebuilding Professional")

[RainDog]

1. what is the stipend?

they offer pay but don't indicate a salary. interesting to me b/c lately, tho my field has very good job outlooks, I keep thinking about New Orleans and trying to help out there. don't know why but it's on my mind a lot.

I guess it seems more relevant somehow, even if it's less money.

They also have student positions. I'd love to be able to go there with my kids and some of their friends, even. What a great opportunity to do something good for others.

[KamaAina]

2. Here, from a different posting

there are lots and lots more of them than just the seven or so today. That's just the most I've seen come up all at once.

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/npo/677540647.html

Benefits:
• Monthly Stipend - $860 approx
• Education Award - $4,725
• Health Care
• Exposure to many local and national non-profits, universities and government agencies.

[RainDog]

3. wow. below living minimum wage even.

so much for that.

[KamaAina]

4. Yeah you rite.

As we say. (yes, still "we"; there is no such thing as an "ex-New Orleanian"!)

Now you know why I'm still out here (well, besides the obvious :-) ).

I am seriously wondering where they're going to get enough people to fill all these slots. If we had that many idealists in America, it wouldn't be turning into Bushovia! Many of the postings are for professional-type positions like Corporate Project Coordinator and Community Technology Coordinator!

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/npo/665224656.html

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/npo/651032202.html

Who's going to do that for sub-minimum wage?! :shrug:

I just read a piece in the Chronicle of Philanthropy about the New Orleans neighborhood-based rebuilding movement. Someone from the Greater New Orleans Foundation suggested, without a trace of irony, that all these groups should hire a full-time development person! :eyes: