NOALOL FAQs

What is New Orleans: A Labor of Love?

New Orleans: A Labor of Love is a non-profit, one-of-a-kind, grassroots, web-based public awareness campaign to recruit volunteers and resources to rebuild the Gulf Coast.

Currently, there is no other service like this available to Gulf Coast volunteers.

Why aren't you based in New Orleans?

Our work is about bringing the world to New Orleans and bringing New Orleans to the world. With regard to resource and volunteer recruitment, it is more cost- and time-effective if our staff members and in-house volunteers are based throughout the U.S., giving us access to a geographically diverse range of schools, churches, civic groups, and organizing opportunities. So we are in New Orleans, Durham, San Francisco, New York, and anywhere else there are New Orleans: A Labor of Love staff, in-house volunteers, etc.

How can I become involved with New Orleans: A Labor of Love?

We always need people! We need in-house volunteers to help research content for www.nolaboroflove.org. And we need people to community organize via the web. And we need folks to help fundraise. It can be big money in the thousands or modest money in the hundreds – all of it adds up. To get involved, e-mail us and let us know what you want to do. We thank you in advance!

Do you have non-profit status?

We have non-profit status through our fiscal sponsor International Humanities Center (IHCenter). We have been with IHCenter for 2+ years.

The primary function of IHCenter Fiscal Sponsorship is to help shoulder the overburdening tasks and costs of back-office work for grassroots nonprofit organizations. Their sponsorship services include banking deposits and disbursements, accounting, bookkeeping, filing, financial reports and management oversight, to help empower charitable Projects like New Orleans: A Labor of Love into operating with greater efficiency, insight and impact.

It is IHCenter's goal to work collectively at reversing the downward global trend towards unmanageable pollution, widespread disease, and social disconnection, by focusing our intentions and efforts on the ultimate goal of evolving a civilization that is centered in love, peace and natural harmony.

Do the full-time people get paid?

Yes and no. When we’re funded we pay; when we’re not, people volunteer. Speaking of which, if you like what we do (and you know you do, at least a little bit or you wouldn’t be reading this), please donate today and invite your friends to match your gift.

Do you like what you do?

Like it?!? We love it!!! It’s why we left our other gigs to do this. There’s nothing better than seeing people, plants, animals, or circumstances grow and change. And we get to see that on both ends, with the volunteers we send to help rebuild and the people who need assistance to get their lives back in order. All of it is good and warms the heart.

What does your work consist of?

Our work ranges. Lots of meetings where we encourage collaboration and find ways to motivate folks to volunteer, advocate, extend resources, etc. Lots of time in the Gulf Coast documenting progress and building with organizations and individuals. And, of course, lots of time on-line responding to requests and facilitating information sharing.

When do you work?

All the time. Generally, there will always be a New Orleans: A Labor of Love moderator monitoring the site.

Where do you work?

Physically, we all work from home, scattered across the United States and as far as Cyprus. But really we work online in order to maximize our access to potential volunteers and resources. Feel free to IM Katina, Jonathan or any of our other staff/in-house volunteers when you see us on-line just to say hello.

Who built this website?

Our Executive Director Katina Parker researched and developed www.nolaboroflove.org with consultation from viral media activist Krys Freeman. National Society of Black Engineers Information Technology Think Tank (NSBE ITTT) developed the site. Special Thanks to NSBE ITTT members and nolaboroflove.org developers LeAnne Dulce, Yolanda Turner-Smith, Andyson Utomudo, and Okiemute Omuta. Thanks also to Matt Lum, the digital backbone behind the original New Orleans: A Labor of Love site.

Do you have a political agenda?

No, we are not party political, and this project is neither left- or right-wing. We are about utilizing technology to maximize opportunities to recruit volunteers and resources to rebuild the Gulf Coast – and, wherever possible, raising our voices through grassroots media advocacy so that the people who suffered through Katrina are neither forgotten nor abandoned.

Why do you have a fiscal sponsor instead of being a stand-alone non-profit?

Quite simply to keep overhead low and to make sure that our taxes are properly filed. Our fiscal sponsor International Humanities Center (IHCenter) oversees and approves the distribution of all of our operating expenses and insures that we remain in good stead with the Feds.

IHCenter is our peace of mind when it comes to making sure we have a system of checks and balances to insure our fiscal sustainability.

What is your funding goal?

Our annual operating budget is $500,000. With that we cover program and operating expenses; employ our Executive Director, Chief Field Strategist, Viral Technology & Leadership Development Strategist, Web Community Outreach and Resource Strategist, and a Grant Writer; and development new technologies that enhance the resources we're able to offer those who are committed to rebuilding the Gulf Coast.

Yes, we do alot with a little!

Most of our funding is from private donors like you. Your generous support will help us reach that goal. Of course, all donations are tax-deductible. No amount is too big or too small. To donate click here.