What We Do
Gulf Coast
Utilizing New Orleans as a “learning laboratory,” we investigated not only the destruction left in the wake of Katrina, but also what it really means to rebuild a city with an emphasis on equity and sustainability.
President and CEO, Donna Hall
Who We Are
The destruction of Hurricane Katrina, combined with the failure of government at all levels, uncovered the often hidden racial, gender, and class inequities in America. The WDN Gulf Coast Action Circle (GCAC) was born in the fall of 2005 as WDN members searched for a way to get more involved in the grassroots efforts in New Orleans, and along the Gulf Coast. The GCAC addresses two issues: the ongoing crisis of disaster response to the devastation in the region, and the long-term recovery issues in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast.
Mission
We coordinate action on the part of the membership to leverage WDN's political and social access, and economic resources, so that equitable and just rebuilding occurs that preserves the diverse cultures and family traditions of the region. The GCAC provides ongoing educational opportunities on specific issues of interest to the membership.
Strategy
We have committed to work consistently on a number of fronts to rebuild the area with justice and equity while addressing the national issues of race, class, and gender that were brought into stark view by this man-made disaster. Over 80 members have a serious interest in the region.
What We Do
- In April 2008, over 50 WDN members attended the 10th Anniversary V-Day Activities in New Orleans.
- Through GCAC, WDN members have donated over $200,000 to Swimming Upstream, a series of Katrina monologues written by women of New Orleans. Swimming Upstream is a joint production between playwright Eve Ensler and Carol Bebelle of Ashé Cultural Center.
- In the spring of 2006 the GCAC took on the challenge brought to it by Resource Generation to join the Gulf South Allied Funders. We made a commitment to raise $500,000 a year over three years. In 2006 we surpassed our commitment by 30%, raising $653,000.
- In January, 2006, WDN members and staff made their first fact-finding visit to New Orleans. We met with experts who had long experience in the region, toured neighborhoods impacted by the catastrophe, and visited grassroots organizers and local residents. We talked with representatives from various New Orleans foundations and community groups so that we could understand their grantmaking strategies, as well as their thoughts on the most effective actions for WDN.
- In November, 2006 we held our Annual Conference in New Orleans. Over one hundred WDN members brought their business to New Orleans to demonstrate their commitment to rebuilding.
Impact
WDN has raised $653,000 to fund over 40 grassroots organizations in New Orleans and on the Gulf Coast.
Resources
The Gulf Coast Action Circle reflects WDN’s key theme of Social and Economic Justice: Ensuring that all people to have the right to basic necessities and economic well-being through the equitable distribution of wealth and power. This is one of our seven key areas of work and study.
Recent Documents
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