• New Orleans: A Labor of Love or: #000000;"> commissioned the National Society of Black Engineers Information Technology Think Tank to build www.nolaborofl ove.org, a state-of-the-art social networking community, to heighten the impact of our work. We invested significant resources in researching emerging technologies and determining how they might best assist and further the growth of Gulf Coast volunteers.

• We created a social networking partnership with Community Connect, the parent company of BlackPlanet.com,MiGente.com, AsianAve.com, GLEE.com, and FaithBase.com. Through Community Connect’s invitations to their 25 million+ users, we expect to attract a minimum of 300,000+ friends.

• We met with the offices of U.S. Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas) and Maxine Waters (California) to discuss youth and housing needs. We will continue to offer testimony and other vital information to support Reps. Jackson Lee and Waters as they work on behalf of these issues. 

• We researched, reviewed and categorized more than 1,000 Gulf Coast organizations and resources to be included in the relaunch of www.nolaboroflove.org.

• New Orleans: A Labor of Love formed a relationship with the Black Leadership Forum (BLF). The BLF is an alliance of over 30 national African American civil rights and service organizations, including the NAACP, the National Urban League, and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. We are utilizing our relationship with BLF to connect interested community members with policy initiatives that relate to restoring the Gulf Coast.

• We formed a relationship with Tavis Smiley Productions, which held the 2008 State of the Black Union Address in New Orleans. A member from Tavis Smiley Productions has agreed to participate in our Think Tank and to introduce our work to important contacts.

• We formed a relationship with the Hip Hop Caucus (HHC). The HHC was established to provide a comprehensive agenda for the Progressive and Hip Hop communities both domestically and abroad. HHC’s noteworthy organizing includes the 2008 “Respect My Vote” campaign, which consisted of celebrity endorsements from rapper T.I. and actor Omar Epps; a nationwide bus tour; and a significant radio presence, all of which aided in registering tens of thousands of new voters. An HHC member has joined our Think Tank.

• We formed a relationship with Dr. Rani Whitfield, the Hip Hop Doc. Dr. Whitfield is a Baton-Rouge based Internet personality who promotes healthy living to the Hip Hop generation. Previously, he’s partnered with Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons, legendary Emcee Chuck D., and BlackPlanet.com. Dr. Whitfield has agreed to promote our work through his e-mail listserve and personal relationships.

• We conceptualized and pre-produced the DreamBig Series™, a program for artists and musicians who are committed to rebuilding the Gulf Coast. Funding contingent the program will launch during 2010.

• We formed a partnership with Afro-Punk, a cultural movement and lifestyle brand, which hosts the 9-day Brooklyn-based Afro-Punk Festival in conjunction with BAMcinematek and Toyota. Afro-Punk has agreed to promote our work to their e-mail listserve of 100,000 plus members and has made contributions to developing the DreamBig Series™.

• We formed a partnership with Fusicology – a lifestyle brand that promotes progressive music and culture in New Orleans, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and 12 other major North American cities. They’ve agreed to promote our work to their e-mail listserve and web community, and have made contributions to developing the DreamBig Series™.

• As a part of our Viral Video Series, we filmed a promotional video with Poet/Actor/Rock Musician Saul Williams on location in New Orleans. The video will be used to kick-off registration for the relaunch of www.nolaboroflove.org.