The Katrina Krewe

The Katrina Krewe: Service Learning and a Sense of Community It started with a simple e-mail in November 2005. Becky Zaheri, a New Orleans mother of two, decided to send out an all-call to everyone on her e-mail list. She was seeking volunteers to join her in combing the streets of New Orleans, cleaning up bits of trash strewn about the city after Hurricane Katrina.

The response was overwhelming. Young and old, residents from around the city showed up with heavy-duty garbage bags, old gloves and shoes, ready to work.

What started as a small group of acquaintances looking for a way to help their devastated city grew into Katrina Krewe [1], a massive volunteer effort, including schools, church organizations and businesses. But the group has done more than clean the city's streets; it has restored a sense of community by giving residents the chance to work together for a common goal.

As one observer said in an e-mail to Zaheri: "Katrina Krewe has taken the bull by the horns and is accomplishing what I consider miracles in getting the cleanup job done. A big thank-you to all the volunteers. You are indeed heroes."

It has been perhaps the students who participate in the cleanup effort who have gained the most from the Katrina Krewe experience, learning the power of service during challenging times.

Nearly one-third of about 150 participating groups listed on the Katrina Krewe website are schools or youth groups.

"Being able to have the opportunity to help clean (up) is one I will never forget," wrote one student. "It already has had an impact on my life, and I am ready to encourage everyone to help out in whatever way possible."

Out-of-town and out-of-state school groups have organized cleanup efforts that last a day, a weekend or longer. Local schools have done the same, with many adopting areas around or near their schools for ongoing cleanup efforts.

Online picture galleries show the camaraderie and spirit of these school group cleanup crews, including crews from the Ursuline Academy [2] and the Isidore Newman School [3].

The Katrina Krewe also plans a campaign for local schools this fall, to raise awareness about the need for ongoing cleanup efforts.

As one 8-year-old participant wrote:

We pick up trash to get a better view
New Orleans can be like new.
You can help, too.
Join the Katrina Krewe!