Dr. Ernest Johnson of the Louisiana NAACP is making a huge move and we need to get the word out. Dr. Johnson needs the netroots to stand with the NAACP in solidarity.
This bottom up, grassroots model is scalable and could make a huge difference in the lives of refugees. This is democracy.
PSA's are running on the radio, but we need to catapult this. Check out the video release and full press release below.
LOUISIANA NAACP PRESIDENT
CALLS FOR EVACUEES TO TAKE CONTROL
OF THEIR OWN DESTINY AND FORM
"SHELTER COMMITTEES"
Ernest L. Johnson, President of the Louisiana NAACP called today for Katrina evacuees in shelters to take control of their own destinies by forming SHELTER COMMITTEES.
"Each SHELTER COMMITTEE should elect a Chairperson and a Secretary and begin holding meetings, organizing, and working as a team for better treatment," Johnson said. "In unity there is strength."
Johnson called for each committee to begin writing down the name, telephone number, and next of kin of every shelter resident.
This contact information must be put into the FEMA database for evacuees to receive financial assistance.
Johnson urged each SHELTER COMMITTEE to send this information to 1755 Nicholson Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802, or to fax it to (225) 334-7491.
The Louisiana NAACP is airing public service announcements on radio stations that explain the process for bringing participatory democracy to the shelter system.
"The Louisiana NAACP is with you in solidarity," Johnson said. "The NAACP will stand with all displaced people until each and every one return to a brand-new New Orleans."
How can we get the word out?
Update [2005-9-12 14:14:14 by Bob Brigham]: In the comments, people have described their outreach to their local NAACP office to join this effort and organize the shelters in their communities. It would be great if people could take the time to help with this. From a long-term perspective, having good distributed relationships between bloggers and the NAACP could be a powerful relationship.
Also, when you are down at your shelter helping with the NAACP organizing efforts, record some stories from the evacuees.
SOLIDARITY