Katrina Evacuees: Next Steps?

[mojogeorgo]

Posted: 2005-09-12 20:35

This dicussion started at 8 pm Eastern at the My Vote is My Voice blog, but there should still be time to join in.

Katrina Evacuees: Next Steps?

This discussion is being led by Quintus Jett, the head of African Americans for Democracy.

"African Americans for Democracy" is developing steps to re-establish democratic mechanisms to empower New Orleans evacuees, particularly those in the poorest and predominately black parts of the city which also bore a catastrophic level of destruction.

There are three steps, in order of priority and complexity:

1. Putting a more personal face on the evacuees (online posts, audio, video)

2. Helping the evacuees develop local "meetups" where they are now displaced

3. Reconnecting the evacuees with the local elected officials who represented them in New Orleans

This last step is the most ambitious, but offers a tangible vision that speaks to our ideals as Americans. It is providing a mechanism for "virtual democracy" for the people of New Orleans, given that events have scattered them throughout the country and effectively shut off their political voices.

The handling of Katrina's aftermath has revealed some plain truths about racism and classism. These truths provoke many of us to anger. Through this project, we can turn our anger and the tragedy of this hurricane into something lasting and positive for affected Gulf Coast residents.

If you have any thoughts to share, please swing by here to discuss.
http://blog.myvoteismyvoice.com/