June 1 – July 31, 2012The New Orleans Initiative offers a unique and highly-selective 8-week program in New Orleans. The program's 20 students will investigate notions of urbanism, ecology, and social policy, both in seminar style-classes and in demanding internships. Students will be expected to take two courses and intern up to 40 hours per week.
Each internship will be facilitated and overseen by a mentor within the partner organization as well as a summer-semester faculty member. Internship opportunities include:
The Broadmoor Improvement Association (BIA) is one of the oldest neighborhood associations in New Orleans. Established in 1930 as the Broadmoor Civic Improvement Association to address the needs of the developing Broadmoor neighborhood, it was incorporated in 1970 as the Broadmoor Improvement Association, Inc. to stop "blockbusting" in Broadmoor, a multi-racial/multi-ethnic community. Since Katrina, the Broadmoor Improvement Association has worked to re-establish Broadmoor as a vibrant, diverse, and thriving community in the heart of New Orleans.
Link: http://www.broadmoorimprovement.com/
The Central City Renaissance Alliance draws together outside resources and institutions with the needs of community members and community business as they rebuild the historically and culturally vibrant Central City neighborhood.
FutureProof is a sustainable design consultancy providing progressive and viable solutions for smart building and development. It works directly with architects, engineers, builders, developers, property owners, and neighborhood associations to integrate efficient and climate appropriate design principles into their projects.
Link: http://www.futureproofnola.com
The Holy Cross Neighborhood Association advocates for resources and rebuilding in the historic Holy Cross section of the Lower 9th ward. HCNA seeks to establish Holy Cross as a model sustainable neighborhood, integrating green design and construction methods into their revitalization plans.
Link: http://www.helpholycross.org/
The Lower Ninth Ward Neighborhood Empowerment Network Association (NENA) was established in the aftermath of Katrina to play a lead role in rebuilding New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward. Organized and controlled by residents of the Lower Ninth Ward, NENA addresses not only the immediate recovery needs created by the storm’s destruction, but also the institutional neglect and disinvestment that plagued the neighborhood long before Katrina. NENA works with current Lower Ninth Ward residents, displaced residents living in other parts of New Orleans, and the broader diaspora who want to return to the neighborhood.
Link: http://www.9thwardnena.org/
Neighborhood Housing Services provides a range of services and programs to educate low-income New Orleanians on homebuying, homeownership, and financial literacy. Through partnerships across the city, NHS works with neighborhood associations to promote economic health and quality of life among residents.
Link: http://www.nhsnola.org
The Neighborhood Partnership Network connects neighborhood associations and Community Development Corporations with information, resources, and opportunities for collaborative recovery initiatives.
Link: http://www.npnnola.org
Internships are available with a range of city governmental offices, including the Office of Recovery and Development Administration, the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, and the New Orleans City Council.
Link: http://www.cityofno.com
Rebuilding Together is a neighborhood revitalization program that brings together volunteers and skilled trades people to renovate and repair the homes of low-income elderly and/or disabled homeowners in neighborhoods throughout the city. Supported by grants from the City of New Orleans' Division of Housing and Development, the PRC's Rebuilding Together is a local affiliate of Rebuilding Together based in Washington, D.C.
Thanks to the Rebuilding Together program, low-income senior and/or disabled homeowners have their homes repaired at no cost. These joint efforts of neighborhood associations and volunteers stabilize the community, give those who care an opportunity to stand up for our city, improve the quality of life for our citizens, and help preserve the ethnic and economic diversity vital to New Orleans' character.
Link: http://prcno.org/programs/rebuildingtogether/