July 26, 2008
Legislators Help New Orleans With Recovery, Restoration Efforts
Volunteer activities during the Legislative Summit promote hands-on involvement
NEW ORLEANS - Legislators from across the country are helping to provide, paint and preserve Louisiana while attending the 34th Annual National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in New Orleans, July 22-26.
Since Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans community has been the beneficiary of an incredible outpouring of support from visitors to New Orleans. The National Conference of State Legislatures is continuing this tradition. Not only are legislators from across the country able to take part in more than 150 different policy sessions during NCSL's Legislative Summit, but they also have three distinct opportunities to help the city of New Orleans in its recovery and restoration.
Provide
Attendees have the opportunity to purchase pantry items for the hungry in South Louisiana. NCSL, with the help of Aramark and the Morial Convention Center, is donating extra food to Second Harvest Food Bank a non-profit organization that helps feed people in need.
Paint
No artistic abilities required! This is a paint-by-color project that is easy and fun. Participants at NCSL's Legislative Summit are dedicating a few minutes of their time to help create colorful, soothing multi-panel murals for the Foundation for Hospital Art. Studies show art has a beneficial effect for healing sick patients who are in stressful environments.
Preserve
Conference attendees are also learning about the impact the loss of wetlands will have through Louisiana's largest awareness initiative, America's WETLAND: Campaign to Save Coastal Louisiana. Their efforts are helping to conserve and save coastal Louisiana. The America's WETLAND campaign has a booth set up in lobby A of the convention center for legislators to learn more.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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