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New Orleans to Host Presidential Forum Powered by Google and YouTube
Gov. Jindal, Mayor Nagin and the New Orleans Consortium – Women of the Storm with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, Dillard, Loyola, Tulane and Xavier universities – announces plans to work with Google and YouTube in a Presidential forum on September 18 that will address issues critical to the nation's future. The forum will be held in the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. "This forum that will use technology to ensure that real citizens with real challenges are a part of the conversation, which will take place in a city whose own citizens personify resilience and rebuilding," said Women of the Storm Founder Anne Milling. Click Here to read the news release. Click Here to view the video.
Postcard Project Targets Volunteers
Women of the Storm has developed postcards to distribute to volunteers and other visitors, encouraging them to urge members of Congress from their states to see New Orleans firsthand. For more on the postcards, click here. To obtain a supply to distribute, e-mail info@womenofthestorm.net.
Setting National Policy Priorities
To keep New Orleans in the forefront of national discussion, we have submitted policy suggestions for potential inclusion in the platforms of both political parties. These policies can benefit everyone across America––in the areas of emergency preparedness, disaster relief, infrastructure and protection of coastal communities and our valuable wetlands. We also plan to have a presence at the conventions, which are scheduled on or near the third anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Click here to read the platform suggestions.
Click here to read a Times-Picayune column about them.
Our Habitat, Our Future
Women of the Storm has joined with America’s WETLAND Foundation, the National Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Audubon Society, among other organizations, to invite members of the 300-strong Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus to New Orleans in 2008 to learn first-hand about the ecologic implications of Louisiana’s disappearing coast – a critical habitat to 79 species of endangered plants and animals.
Click here to read the letter of invitation.
Congressional Committee Chairs: 50% Absent
We also encourage chairs of Congressional committees to visit New Orleans - and to hold field hearings here. Only 16 of 32 chairs of Congressional committee chairs have first-hand experience: In the House of Representatives, 10 of 16 chairs have not visited; in the Senate, 6 of 16 have not witnessed New Orleans’ devastation and progress. We’re happy that our city hosted several field hearings this spring and summer. Please encourage committee chairs to schedule more such events.
Click here to view Committee Chairs who have - and have not - visited.
Thanks to 57 Senators, 132 Representatives
Almost two years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we thank the 49 states from which at least one Member of the 110th Congress has visited. Some 57 Senators and 132 members of the House of Representatives have seen conditions in Louisiana for themselves. No Member of the U.S. House of Representatives has visited from 9 different states. No Senator has come from 11 states. Only one state - Vermont - is completely unrepresented. We reiterate our invitation to those Members of Congress who have not yet visited New Orleans, and extend it to candidates for the Presidency in 2008.
Click Here to view who has visited.
WOS Named a Hero of the Storm
Friends of New Orleans has announced that Women of the Storm will receive its second “Hero of the Storm” award, to be presented at the national political conventions. The first “Hero” was musician Fats Domino. Click here to read more.
Lunch with Louisiana’s First Lady
Supriya Jindal joined some 150 Women of the Storm for a lunch and informal conversation on April 1 at the Pavilion of Two Sisters in City Park.
Click here for photos from the event.
W Magazine includes WOS in 60-page photographic tribute to New Orleans
Click here to read a Times-Picayune story
Click here to see a preview on the “W” web site
Click here to see the photo of Women of the Storm from W
Learn More About Women of the Storm
For the latest on our plans, progress and initiatives, click here
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