Oxy in New Orleans

“Oxy in New Orleans” is a communal space for Occidental College students who have participated in volunteer efforts in New Orleans. The college first sponsored students to volunteer in NOLA over spring break of 2006. Thanks largely to the leadership of Professor Caroline Heldman, groups of students have continued to contribute to rebuilding and recovery efforts ever since, including group trips during the summer of ’06, winter and spring of ’07, and the winters of ’08 and ’09. Students have volunteered in many capacities, including house gutting, debris and trash clean up, tutoring at after school programs, supporting local organized protests, assisting at shelters for the homeless, wetlands restoration, and so forth. We strive to recognize our privileges in these efforts, and to understand that we receive more than we can possibly give. In solidarity, not charity.