Postcards from Katrina TM: Sharing Stories of Hope and Help

Create Postcards of Hope for Jena

2007-09-20T00:33:00.001-07:00

On September 20th, Postcards from Katrina expresses hope for children and families impacted by fierce climate in Jena, LA. The mobilization of students today reflects the energy in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In the U.S. communities will continue to need the energy and skillset of young people to lead the change that the communities have desparately needed.

On this day students around the country are galvanized for change. For example, Howard University students have taken a bus to Jena to participate in activities with organizations such as National Black Law Student Association and Color of Change.

In Washington, DC, Postcards from Katrina creator, Tambra Stevenson, will celebrate her birthday with supporters by making postcards of hope for Jena and send them to government and media officials in Louisiana. Sponsored by Creative Cause, the event will be held at Duke's City Restaurant and Lounge off 12th and U Street, NW Washington, DC at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today. So join the cause and create a postcard of hope while meeting other socially conscious young professionals and enjoy drink specials.

PfK Signs the Petition to Bring Candidates to NOLA

2007-08-31T03:10:00.001-07:00

Join Postcards from Katrina and Friends of New Orleans in signing the petition to bring the Presidential Debate to New Orleans. Visit www.friendsofneworleans.org

WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN. In memory of the 2nd anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and in support of our local partner, Women of the Storm, Friends of New Orleans is launching an online letter campaign to Congress and Governors across the United States. We ask you to join us in urging all of them to encourage the Commission on Presidential Debates to select New Orleans to host one of the final three Presidential debates of 2008.

Upgrade New Orleans with Postcards from Katrina

2007-08-31T02:26:00.000-07:00

On September 1, 2007, tell your friends to attend the Upgrade New Orleans Conference with keynote speaker, Jeff Johnson of BET. Also that day, Postcards from Katrina, a Creative Cause project, will host a healing arts workshop at the conference at Xavier University in New Orleans.

At the workshop, participants will make postcards of hope and speak about life after Katrina and how art helps to express where they are and want to be for a new New Orleans. Upgrade New Orleans Initiative is a unique, youth-led civic engagement project started by New Orleans native Yasmin Gabriel,, who is Howard Law student and producer of "Picking Up the Pieces: College Life After Katrina," which features Postcards from Katrina.

Postcards from Katrina, Creative Cause, Next Wave of Change Coalition and NOLA YURP supports Upgrade New Orleans and hope you will do the same and be that next wave of change. On Sunday, Sept. 2 at 6pm, come out to the first-ever NOLA Facebook Meet Up at Mimi's in the Marigny at 2601 Royal at Franklin in New Orleans. We have invited Percy Marchand and State Representative Juan LaFonta to share remarks.

Also come and creative postcards of hope for the 2010 x 2010 goal of Postcards from Katrina.You have a chance to win an official Plant Hope t-shirt as well. Because we need more hope for the city to have a future.

SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER 20

At Duke's City Restaurant and Lounge (upper floor) in Washington, DC, Creative Cause will kick off it's first Fall event at 630pm, 'Causmos and Convos,' an opportunity for the communications and creative community and friends to come together, meet and discuss social issues and how to use their creativity to create awareness and action.

On that day, many people will be headed to Jena, LA to fight for justice about the unfair treatment of youth in the city. For those unable to travel to Jena, the founder of Creative Cause, Tambra Stevenson, will celebrate her birthday with a purpose: Justice in Jena.

So if you have a spoken word, artwork, poetry, and any other artistic form to express bring it to the event and share your creativity for the cause. So bring a friend and join CC's community at http://www.creativecause.collectivex.com/. If you are a nonprofit that wish to team up with Creative Cause to promote your cause at a future event, email info@creativecause.org.

And let's use our creativity for good!

Create Postcards of Hope for Katrina Survivors

2007-04-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

Planting Hope in the Hearts and Minds of Hurricane Katrina Survivors

Postcards from Katrina encourages you to come to GWU's Kogan Plaza and send a message of hope to those impacted by Hurricane Katrina by creating Sketches of Inspiration for the PfK 2010 x 2010 initiative, a national initiative to generate 2010 postcards filled with poems and sketches for survivors by the year 2010, which is the fifth Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina to create an America of hope and healing.

Bring your friends and family to sketch a message of hope for this outreach project, which uses art as a way to express our feelings about all that has happened and to let all those impacted by the storm know that they have not been forgotten.

In partnership with the George Washington University's National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Influence PR, Creative Cause creates campaigns that make a social impact and want you to be a part of the next wave. Plant Hope t-shirts will be available along with raffle prizes. Postcards from Katrina and Plant Hope are educational initiatives of Creative Cause.

Sunday, April 29, 2007

2:00pm - 4:00pm

George Washington University/Kogan Plaza

H Street NW between 21st and 22nd Streets

Washington, DC

Metro: Foggy Bottom (orange/blue)

On Facebook? Spread the word: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2322776355&ref=mf
For more information, email info@postcardsfromkatrina.com

Planting Hope in Our Communities from the Gulf to Blacksburg, VA

2007-04-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

We are sad today, and we will be sad for quite a while. We are not moving on. We are embracing our mourning. We are Virginia Tech ... - Nikki Giovanni, VA Tech University Distinguished Professor, poet, activist

Everyone at some point in their lives will experience a mini-Katrina. I know since I lost my father on Psalm Sunday unexpectedly. The question is what do you do after the storm? This week that raging storm hit the quaint collegial community of Blacksburg, VA – home to Virginia Tech. Our focus should be on healing, supporting and reflecting how do we plant seeds of hope to prevent violence. The storm was building overtime within the young man who committed this violent act and expanded into other peoples worlds.

Following Hurricane Katrina, the Plant Hope project was created with the focus on how do we help and give hope to other people everyday such as the quiet person. With the recent passing of my father, a retired Corporal of the Oklahoma City Fire Department for 26 years and was commended for his volunteerism while off-duty during the Oklahoma City Bombing, I rededicated the project in his honor.

So this Saturday, April 21st, we kick off the Plant Hope initiative at McKinley Tech High School in Washington, DC for National and Global Service Day, which youth and adults to come plant hope in the community and the Gulf. That day youth will create postcards and poetry of hope for VA Tech and the Gulf showing the value of art for healing and public service.

Also the community can join in the are encouraged to plant hope on April 29th at the Kogan Plaza on the campus of George Washington University from 2-4pm with Creative Cause, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Chapter of GWU, Influence PR (Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter). The community will have a chance to make postcards of hope for VA Tech and the Gulf.

In a society that’s always on the go, sometimes we need to step back and take time to plant hope from what we say to people in the morning. Give a smile, a hug, or a thank you will do to your neighbor, child, parent, teacher or co-worker. That’s on an individual level. An on a societal /policy/media level, we can plant hope by strengthening youth programs in our communities giving youth creative outlets and mentorship to give them a sense of purpose.

Also we plant hope with images in ad campaigns and media with positive personal stories to inform and inspire all people to feel like they can make a difference in the world and starting within their life. We each can do our part in building a better community together and that involves planting hope. First we all should start with ourselves because we cannot give what we do not have. And this young man did not see hope. And when there is no hope there is no future.
Why do I know you need to plant hope? Because I had no feeling of a future as a child while growing up in Oklahoma City living through the OKC bombing and formerly worked on youth trauma programs in mental health; and now my future is full of hope because my community and I planted hope in me.

–Tambra Stevenson, Creator of Postcards from Katrina, a program of Creative Cause

Let me know how you planted hope today! Email me at tambra at planthope dot org.

Youth Plant Hope for National Youth Service Day

2007-04-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

The clock is ticking for 19th National & Global Youth Service Day (NGYSD) and Earth Day in the District of Columbia! National & Global Youth Service Day, the largest service event in the world, will take place on April 20-22, 2007.

In partnership with Yayah's, Inc., Creative Cause brings to the community its pilot program, 'Plant Hope in the City.' The initiative presents a healthy challenge to our nation's capitol on how we all--young professionals, community members, parents, educators, and students-- can plant hope in our community.

On April 21st, we invite youth to take the Plant Hope Challenge at McKinley Tech High School(151 T St, NE) in Washington, DC. Starting at 9am, the PlantHope in the City event is part of a national effort to mobilize over 9,000 youth volunteers in 80 community service projects through a large coalition of local organizations. Space is limited; so register online today! Refreshments and limited on site registration begin at 8-9am!

That day, youth volunteers from middle school to college age will have fun participating in taking the plant hope challenge, developing postcards for the Postcards from Katrina project, and winning hot prizes while meeting other students and young professionals who care about making a difference.

Also youth will develop ways they can ‘plant hope’ in the city through plant hope challenge –a great team building activity. The goal is to engage youth in a creative community service project and kick off the Plant Hope pilot initiative.

We also want to increase the number of youth service opportunities in the District to counter youth violence and promote civic engagement. It’s great opportunity to meet the Plant Hope youth ambassador, learn about how you can play

The postcards created by youth will be incorporated into the 2010 goal of displaying postcards of hope for the community by the community for the 5th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

In support of the promote walk DC initiative and Earth Day, that afternoon youth walk to the neighborhood park to beautify Crispus Attucks Park located in the Bloomingdale area NW DC from 1-4pm with college students and community volunteers. BBQ will be served afterwards.

Creative Cause gives special thanks to the Freddie Mac Foundation, Youth Service America, Capital One and Serve DC for their support. Free parking is available. Closest metro is Rhode Island Avenue (red line) or take the metrobus G8 or 80 to McKinley Tech High. Breakfast, snacks, and lunch will be provided. For questions about this day, email info@postcardsfromkatrina.com.

Promoting service-learning through the arts, Postcards from Katrina is a refreshing public service arts project developed by Creative Cause, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit social enterprise connecting creativity to bring awareness and action around public health and social causes.

Father of Postcards from Katrina Died Psalm Sunday

2007-04-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

OKLAHOMA CITY--On April 1st, my father, Calvin Coolidge Hill, Jr. would have celebrated his 53rd birthday this April 4th just two days before my older brother's birthday. On Palm Sunday morning my father, a retired Oklahoma City firefighter, was in a head on collision while riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and died on impact just a mile from his Oklahoma City home.

So I am focusing my energies on a project in his honor called Plant HOPE. He was a humanitarian, always giving and helping others. So HOPE stands for helping other people everyday...which he did at the Oklahoma Election Board, OKC firefighter and a community activist. He has given me a new meaning of hope that he embodied and now lives through me...which is helping other people everyday. Learn more at planthope.org and link to www.myspace.com/planthope and you can email me at tambra@planthope.org.

Music Legend Brings New Orleans to DC

2007-03-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, DC--This Spring weekend in Georgetown, producer/songwriter and pianist Allen Touissant will join forces with Marva Wright, New Orleans' Queen of the Blues to perform at Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, with shows from March 22-25 at 8pm and 10pm for $45. Drawing his inspiration from New Orleans, Touissant relocted to the Big Apple after Hurricane Katrina while having his home rebuilt. "I consider myself a visitor in New York," he said. "Idefinitely think that New York is the best place for me to be at this time, for just for business reasons. But whereever I am, I'm always on my way back to New Orleans."

And for singer Wright, she has relocated to Bel Air, Maryland in the wake of the Hurricane. They both participated in the IMAX Theatre Film, "Hurricane on the Bayou." Touissant hopes to move back to New Orleans in two months and remains optimistic that the city will return to its full glory in about ten years. "Whenever I go back, I ride all over town. Htere are still miles and miles of houses that are totally gutted," he said. "But there are many trailers with people constantly working on their own houses and getting things in order. So there's progress going on constantly." For more information on the show, call 202-337-4141.

Support Women Making Movies: Watch "Run Cody"

2007-03-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON, DC--Got plans on March 10? If so reschedule to check out Run Cody this weekend at Busboys and Poets in DC! Like the Postcarsd from Katrina project, this documentary places a human element after storm. Looking through the eyes of 13-year old Cody, the documentary addresses the continued struggle of one teen who hopes to lives his dreams. Written & directed by filmmaker Amy Flannery, Run Cody is a 30 minute fiction focusing on Cody who escaped hurricane Katrina, but can he survive life in Washington, DC with his drunken father?

"To me, the movie calls on the question of empathy in humanity," said Tambra Stevenson, creator of Postcards from Katrina. "Though much attention is focused on the Gulf region and rightfully so, many people displaced from the storm are in our communities. So how do we plant seeds of hope for them and existing children to have hope for a better tomorrow? We never know what our neighbor has gone through. Maybe they are Katrina survivors? The point is to create and be the change we wish to see in the world!"

Also that evening at Busboys, the documentary, Home, 25 Minutes, will be shown. Produced by Advancement Project, most of the New Orleans’ public housing withstood the hurricane with little or no damage, yet thousands of families are still shut out of their homes and remain displaced across the country.

WHEN: March 10, 10 p.m. (doors open at 9 p.m.)

WHERE: DONATION: * $3.00 entrance fee. Larger donations welcome. All proceeds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity to benefit Hurricane Katrina/Rita victims.

PfK Creator Showcases Art and Poetry for Women's History Month

2007-02-17T07:38:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON, DC--For Women's History Month, creator of Postcards from Katrina, Tambra Stevenson, captures the challenges for the quest of equity in humanity through her art and poetry with other female artists in. On March 3, 2007 in Baltimore, MD participating in the Art with Joes Series, Stevenson will present Katrina-inspired original art and poetry in the 2nd Annual Women's History Month Exhibition, which is co-sponsored by ThickArt Collective and Authentic Art Consulting. The theme is "Making Herstory: A Feminine Perspective in Art and Words." Artwork will be available for purchase.

"I am pleased to participate in the exhibition," said Stevenson. "It's a great opportunity to bring awareness of the struggle and successes of women and art is a special way to convey their story."

Postcards from Katrina began an initiative called 'Sisters Sharing Stories of Hope and Help,' which includes ten concept ads. The ads convey the different stages of women in their lives and their hope to find meaning in the eye of the storm. Recognizing in life we will always experience crisis, but our ability to overcome the struggle and find hope is critically important in inspiring our children. Stevenson's artwork and poetry will be capture that meaning at the exhibition.

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 3, 2007, 3 pm – 7 pm

Peace and A Cup of Joe Café
713 West Pratt Street

Baltimore, MD. 21201

Phone: (410) 244-8858

Celebrate National Year of the Woman Artist during this special exhibition at Peace and A Cup of Joe. Women artists from Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia will be featured in this special exhibition as well as poets and spoken word artists!

Check back to see highlights and information on the following artists that will be featured in this exhibition:

Prudence Bonds
Sharon J. Burton
Karen Buster
Ann Chisley
Kimberly Gaines
Sandra Getlein
Rukiya Hawthrone
Kristen Hayes
Jennifer Judelsohn
Keely Kernar
Elizabeth Linares
Heather Levy
Robin McDougal
Janie McGee
Michelle d. Parrish
Alison Poland
Marina Reiter
Healther Schmaedeke
Amanda Scott Campanella
Patricia Steck
Desiree Sterbini
Tambra Stevenson**
Schonda Sweeney
Cynthia Widmer
Tanekeya Word

Give art from the heart for Valentine's day

2007-02-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day falls on the Week of Random Acts of Kindness. So I challenge everyone to plant hope in at least one person today...be a colleague, a homeless person, estranged friend or family. When hearts may feel disconnected on V-day, you have a chance to re-connect them. Give hope with a simple smile as you pass somone on the street, give a donation to a person in need, mentor a child, or send a postcard of hope. You never know what little gesture can mean in making a big impact in someone's live. Someone may have lost a loved one and Valentine's day can be a sensitive time. So be hopeful for someone and hope will return to you as well. By planting hope you become one step closer in pursuing your happyness!

Also remember to stop by the National Women's Heart Day health fair this Friday, February 16th, at the Verizon Center in Chinatown (Washington, DC)anytime betwen 8AM and 2PM to make art from the heart in partnership with Howard University's National Council of Negro Women Chapter and Sister to Sister, a national nonprofit promoting heart education.

Postcards from Katrina: Arts in Action

2007-01-26T19:33:00.001-08:00

Creator awakens our souls through the eyes of Katrina

2007-01-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON, DC—Standing on an illuminated stage this past snowy Sunday afternoon, Tambra Stevenson, creator of Postcards from Katrina, shares her poem, "Who Are We?" in front of a crowd of 20 art lovers as part of the first Anniversary of the Open Mic sessions, which began on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday at Busboys and Poets.

She shares her inspiration for writing the poem. “When I first learned about the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, I could only think about the images of the people who were not on the television and web – the homeless, New Americans, other ethnic groups, blind, hearing impaired, and mentally ill.” And in January she meets an entrepreneur who shares a poem by German religious leader reflecting on the social responsibility of the German citizens to all people within the nation.

And in this latest piece, Stevenson awakens our consciousness and has us reflect on own humanity. True change in the world has involved some form of art expression imprinting an enduring declaration about our world. “Though I am proclaim myself to be a visual artist/illustrator capturing essence of key historical moments, I appreciate and value all forms of art expression.”

Seen as a spoken art from the heart, Stevenson uses poetry to preserve and document history. “Written art is an especially important from since it can be documented, disseminated, shared and help to preserve our history throughout the ages.” For example, just think about our accessibility to great works by Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Emerson, Alice Walker, and bell hooks.

Busboys and Poets is a DC-based restaurant, bookstore and gathering place for people who believe that social justice and peace are attainable goals.

The Busboys and Poets location enhances the community -- allowing us to bring together a diverse clientele reflective of the surrounding neighborhoods and the city at large. Busboys and Poets creates an environment where shared conversations over food and drink allow the progressive, artistic and literary communities to dialogue, educate and interact.

Postcards from Katrina featured in the White House Weekly Review

2007-01-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

Who Are We When We Have a Suffering Nation

2007-01-17T23:10:00.000-08:00

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. - Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963

In reflection of those voices lost during and after Hurricane Katrina and Rita, Dr. King’s quote resonates still today of what we must do in the moment of crisis versus comfort. So I have a dream that one day that we help our neighbor regardless of their situation if we have the ability.

Yesterday I was inspired by a fellow traveler on my road to pursuing happyness. He hopped at out his seat dashed to the computer and said, ‘I have something to show you,’ after learning about the postcard project. And he shared with me a poem by Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984). The writings were a response to the apathy versus the empathy and being of service to mankind by the German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets, group after group.

Who in America mirror the behavior of a ‘German intellectual?’ So from his poem, I created my own rendition.

Who Are ‘We’? (2007)

They came at last for the homeless,
And I didn’t speak up because I have a home.

They came at last for the poor,
And I didn’t speak up because I was well to do.

They came at last for the disabled,
And I didn’t speak up because I was able.

They came at last for the children,
And I didn’t speak up because I was no longer a child.

They came at last for the meek,
And I didn’t speak up because I was proud.

They came at last for the mis-educated,
And I didn’t speak up because I have an education.

They came at last for the unfaithful,
And I didn’t speak up because I was full of faith.

They came at last for the incarcerated,
And I didn’t speak up because I was free.

Then they at last came for me,

And by that time no one was around to speak for ‘we.’

So I ask who are we?

By Tambra Stevenson, Creator of Postcards from Katrina

Mr. President Comes to Sign Postcards of Hope

2007-01-17T22:39:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON, DC---Postcards from Katrina (PfK) received an unexpected supporter, President George W. Bush to create postcards of hope for Katrina survivors. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., PfK held a workshop on teaching nonviolence through the arts in partnership with City Year’s Young Heroes Program at Cardozo High School in Washington, DC.

During the workshop, President Bush came to sign postcards, share a few words, and thank the organizer, volunteers and children. In capturing the spirit of the day, President Bush noted that “one of the things that Mrs. King wanted was for MLK Day to be a day of service. It is not a day off, but it's a day on. And so I'm here at Cardozo High School to thank the hundreds of people who have showed up to serve the country by volunteering.”

He went on to say that “and right here in the library were with a group of folks who are sending post cards to folks who have been affected by Katrina, cards of hope, an opportunity for a citizen here to say to somebody in the New Orleans area, we care about you, people are thinking about you -- and all in the hopes of lifting somebody's spirit.”
Along with making postcards, students shared personal stories of violence with their peers while team leaders from neighboring universities such as Howard, Georgetown, and American provided nonviolent solutions to the youth handling mostly violence in their schools. "Wonderful program. I feel very much reinvigorated that day," said Amber Wiley, a Yale graduate and current doctorate student at George Washington University.

The 50-plus elementary and middle school students developed over 50 postcards of hope to send a special message to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. For the elementary kids we had story time with “Kara Finds Sunshine on a Rainy Day” by children’s book author Caroline Brewer to learn how to handle crisis.

“On Dr. King's birthday, we came together to spread hope to the children and help them find ways to gain peace within through the healing power of the arts,” said Tambra Stevenson, artist and creator of the PfK project. "After the program unexpectedly one male student came up to hung me so I know we planted hope that day."

PfK’s new pilot initiative Plant Hope will address youth violence in our communities given the high rise in crime and mental health crisis in New Orleans and other parts of the U.S. as in our nation’s capital. The initiative will include an arts/writing contest, a community garden day and healing arts workshops. The project will be developing partnerships with media, public and private sectors.

Created by the Oklahoma native who is now residing in Washington, DC, Tambra shares her own personal experience of using creative arts healing after coming back from rebuilding homes in the Gulf in January 2006 with her alma mater, Tufts University in Gulfport, MS. There she had family affected by the powerful winds of Hurricane Katrina. “From that moment, I knew that my purpose was to increase awareness of hope and help especially among youth experiencing the post-traumatic responses to the natural disaster and by man,” said Stevenson, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Accompanying the President, Attorney General Gonzalez of the Department of Justice came to the event and senior officials from City Year, Corporation for National and Community Service, CASE Foundation and Serve DC.

The day's activities captured national and location media attention on CNN, CSPAN, FOX TV networks, the White House website, and The Hill, a DC-based congressional newspaper.

The Mental Health Crisis Post-Katrina

2007-01-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

In USA Today this week, an article was written about the mental health crisis in New Orleans. In reality the United States in general suffers from a fractured mental health system with lack of funds, leadership, and services. Currently groups like Families USA have created a Children's Health Care Campaign advocating to for health care for all children by reauthorizing the Medicaid bill to fund the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). One Congressman mentioned the need to improve children's mental health services.

This issue is real when you hear the stories of attempted suicides by teenagers who fill no hope anymore especially after dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the many negative messages repeated after the storm such as no one cares from them.

What do you say to a child when all he or she feels is being barried in the
weeds? We must begin planting seeds of hope in the community and in our
children. - Tambra Stevenson, Creator of Postcards from Katrina TM

It starts by what we say and what we do. We should speak words of love and act in the name of love for ourselves and for a better life. To achieve you must believe you can.

The USA Today article captures what happens when we don't plant hope in the community: increase homicide, suicide, verbal abuse, domestic violence, chronic disease, stress-related disorders like fibromyalgia, and the like. I know from experience and from living through the Oklahoma City bombing. Children need love, hope and faith. And we are the ones they have been waiting for.

Check out the article at http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-01-15-katrina-mental-health_x.htm

Did you plant hope today?

2007-01-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

Post-Katrina: What would MLK do? Ask 50 DC students who will learn nonviolence thru the arts

2007-01-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

Postcards from Katrina hosts a workshop focused on Dr. King’s teachings of nonviolence

WASHINGTON, DC—In living the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr., fifty DC middle school students will participate in a free workshop entitled “Post-Katrina: What would MLK do?” creating art and poetry reflecting on how they can achieve the dream through Dr. King’s teachings on nonviolence on January 15th at Cardozo High. The goals of the free youth social change arts program is to recognize the role of community arts in transforming the MLK holiday into a day of action, “A Day On! Not a Day Off."

WHAT: Using the lesson plans from the new movie, Freedom Writers, volunteer team leaders will work with students in the areas of creative writing, visual arts and drama to develop individual and group civic arts projects to showcase after the free 6-hour workshop. Students will take a quiz to test their civil rights knowledge, create a pledge, learn how to continue the dream after the workshop with local resources, and receive a certificate for completing the workshop. Students will vote on best final projects reflecting on achieving the dream through nonviolence. This program is part of the Postcards from Katrina’s Plant Hope initiative to reduce youth violence. Given the spike in violence in DC and the Gulf region, MLK Day is a fitting opportunity for each of us to reflect on ways to be compassionate, build character, and appreciate our shared human values to build one community for all.

WHO: Postcards from Katrina, City Year AOL Civic Engagement Team, City Year Young Heroes Program members, and community volunteers.

WHEN: Monday, January 15, 2007, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

WHERE: Cardozo High School, 1200 Clifton Avenue, Washington, DC (Near U Street Metro)

ATTENTION PHOTO AND TV EDITORS: Join co-hosts Postcards from Katrina, City Year, and hundreds of volunteers creating art, poetry, and drama. Photo opportunities include art project, students and volunteer work groups.

Postcards from Katrina TM is a Washington, DC-based community arts and health prevention program using the power of the arts to address social, emotional and mental health concerns, particularly among youth, in post-traumatic situations. Recognizing art as a healing tool, PfK provides workshops and invites people to share their story of hope with a homemade postcard of original art, photography, poetry and music.

Lessons from Katrina: Teaching Nonviolence through the Arts

2007-01-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

Visit the Postcards from Katrina booth at the NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo: January 13-14, 2007

2007-01-03T17:05:00.000-08:00

Postcards from Katrina TM is a community arts prevention program, part of Promising Futures, invites you, friends and family to come to the booth (#3033), make postcards and win fabulous prizes during the free NBC 4 Health and Fitness Expo on Saturday and Sunday, January 13-14, 2007 from 9AM - 5PM at the Washington Convention Center off the Mt Vernon metro stop (yellow/green line) within walking distance from Chinatown.

Stop by the booth to learn about the 2007 PfK Plant Hope Campaign and youth arts/writing contest and how to enter.

While there, get freebies, a Got Hope? screening, and pick up tips to help youth cope with crisis, depression, and stress. Also Got Hope? kit of helpful info like a recommended self-help book list, and a referral list of quality parent educational resources, life coaches and mental health providers. Coloring materials will be available for kids to make postcards of hope.

Send a digital video message of hope to Katrina survivors. Make postcards for the project. Come by booth #3033 at the Health Expo.

A proud sponsor of the 2007 NBC 4 Health Expo, Postcards from Katrina believes channeling our energies in the form of artistic self expression can inspire positive change in our lives and our communities.This FREE-to-the-public event is designed to capture the attention of tens of thousands of health conscious consumers and offers dancing, aerobics, health tests and screenings, jazzercising, soccer, rock climbing, a community blood drive and much more! Tons of fun family activities combined with important health and medical information to help our community get healthy and fit. We expect to see more than 80,000 people from the Washington Metropolitan area at this one-of-a-kind event!

On that day we will be giving away the following:

- Free sunflower seeds to the first 100 attendees to fill out a Got Hope? Screening

- Free "Create-Your-Own Postcard of Hope" art materials

- Free "Got Hope?" guide with list of mental health providers, life coaches, tip sheets and

- Free 10-minute hope sessions with a licensed mental health therapist

We will be conduction a drawing for the following prizes: 3 drawings each day:

- Autographed copy of "Kara Finds Sunshine on a Rainy Day" children's book from the one-time journalist turned author Caroline Brewer ($25 value)

- Rebuild New Orleans memorabilia t-shirt ($14 value)

- Framed mixed media art print from the Postcards from Katrina's Gulfport Art Collection ($50 Value)

- Personal/professional development workshop/seminar up to 3 hours by either Postcards from Katrina or Promising Futures for your youth-organization organization ($150 value)

- Journal writing kit for kids ($15 value)

- Framed photographed works "Power of the Sunflower" ($50 Value)

- One life coach session by K.I.M. Says ($65 value)- An art/painting set for kids ($5 value)

- Photography, marketing, and consulting services from T Raye Communications ($500 value)

If you can volunteer to videotape, work with the kids, speak to parents on mental health related issues or donate materials or resources for the booth, please email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com as soon as possible. We wish to thank our supporters for making this possible.

Help Clean Up a DC School on MLK Day with PfK!

2007-01-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

Live the Dream. Be the Dream.

Participate in the National Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Community Service

Let's beautify Cardozo High!

Join City Year and Postcards from Katrina

Monday, January 15, 2007
9:00am - 5:00pm
Cardozo High School
1300 Clifton Street NW
Washington, DC

Join City Year, Postcards from Katrina and 350 other community organizations to help clean up a DC public school. And live the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King.After the holidays, make this Martin Luther King Jr. Day a "day ON, not a day OFF." On Monday, January 15, celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and revitalize Cardozo High School (1300 Clifton Street, NW). If you wish to volunteer with Postcards from Katrina, RSVP via email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com by January 12. Spaces are limited. So sign up early.

School Girls Speak and Heal with the Power of Art

2007-01-03T16:54:00.000-08:00

Postcards from Katrina holds 'Sister Speak: Through Art' Workshop with Girls, Inc.

In late December, Postcards from Katrina TM teamed up with Girls, Inc. to speak to teen girls at the Garnet-Patterson Middle School in the northwest side of District of Columbia about the power of arts to express and channel their energies in a positive and inspiring way. PfK highlighted powerful books such as a "Nonviolence Communication: A Language for Life," "A Lifetime of Peace" and "Just Peace" that draws on postive words, building a community of hope and peace within ourselves.

Tambra Stevenson, creator of Postcards from Katrina, shared stories from the Gulf and her own story of having hope even when the big and mini-Katrinas occur in our lives. She also showed the drawings of other youth who effectively illustrated what they perceived what hopes looks like. From there the girls worked on developing art that reflect faith, hope and love along with sharing the battle of internal peace and anger within ourselves.

She encouraged the girls to interpret what their artworks are to mean. She noted that art llike writing are channels by way of our soul speaking. "We are merely the messengers and through our art we speak the message of hope and inspiration," said Stevenson, a graduate of Tufts School of Medicine. She spoke about the age of 14 years old being a critical time in our lifespan when we are most vulnerable to having suicidal thoughts and suffering from bouts of depression.

"Middle school age is where we hit our first peak of egocentricity. Everything feels extreme - the way people speak and interact with us. So creating ways for youth to speak their own truth and channel their voice is extemely important for their own emotional and social development," said Stevenson.

"If we don't allow their voice and opinions to be expressed, it can be a matter of life and death. This is a serious matter. We could loose the next community leader of change, the next university president or the next Nobel prize winner, "Stevenson declared.

"The unfortunate reality is that most people have not been presented with the body of knowledge in the area of family and child development as general health information. If we understood social and emotional development (e.g. knowing what aches and pains that are mind may go through) as we do with our physical development (e.g. knowing grey hair, balding, and aches in our joints may happen) we could take in the proper measures to prevent these 'mental aches' of negative and self-sabotage behavior for our selves and our youth to lead and live a healthy life--mind, body and soul."

If you wish to have your students to learn the power of the arts to heal, email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com to become a part of building and developing youth with a healthy in mind, body and soul. Also for the holidays, Postcards from Katrina encourages you to send a homemade postcard at the email provided.

Thank you for 2006! Postcards from Katrina wishes you hope, peace and happiness in the New Year!

2007-01-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

Postcards from Katrina TM (PfK) wishes to extend a heart felt thank-you to family, friends, and supporters for making our first year--2006 a success! As we enter the new year, we have ambitious goals to achieve and with your continued support we know it be done. Ultimately the goal is to increase hope in the life of the community. With your support we can do that.

We also wish to send prayers to families and friends who are seeking solace and refuge this season. And give special prayers for families with loved ones at war, still uncertain about the New Year in the Gulf and beyond, and caring for the sick and shut in. Let us reflect and rejoice in the beauty of winter which is followed by spring. The great thing is that winter represents an opportunity to shed the past and look forward to a brighter tomorrow.

So know that whatever you may be going there that with faith, hope and love, a higher power will see you through. PfK wishes to thank our 2006 supporters and those who have pledged their support for their generous time, donations, guidance, talents and resources:

ORGANIZATIONS

----------------------

Taking It Global, Canada

ABC 4 All, California

Madams Organ Soul Food Restaurant, District of Columbia

Girls, Inc., District of Columbia

Net Impact DC Professional Chapter, District of Columbia

Youth Ambassadors Academy, District of ColumbiaPromising Futures, District of Columbia

T Raye Communications, District of Columbia

Creative Community for a Common Cause, District of Columbia

FlowINSIDERS, District of Columbia

Daquiri Sports Zone, Oklahoma

Lorretta's Pralines, Louisiana

Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucaus, Louisiana

National Sunflower Association, South Dakota

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Xi Omega Chapter, District of Columbia

Tufts University School of Medicine, Massachusetts

NBC4, District of Columbia

Arts for Global Development, Inc. Maryland

Society for Public Health Education, District of Columbia

The International EcoTourism Society, District of Columbia

Georgetown Medical Mobile Clinic, District of Columbia

Capital Hill Arts Workshop, District of Columbia

Howard University Social Enterprise Society, District of Columbia

Howard University Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Chapter, District of Columbia

National Association of Black Graduate Students, Northeast Region

KidSave, District of Columbia

Miss Black Utah USA

Club Spaces

INDIVIDUALS

----------------

Delonte Gholston

Eugenia Bivines

Kappi Wright

Caroline Brewer

Christine

Andrew Han

Jimmy Lee

Michelle Wong

Cianna Ferrer

Sharon Burton

Peter Edelman, MPA

Mark Scott

Yassir Abdalla

Ranjeeta Pal, MPH

Drew Tulcin, MBA

Catherine Sheehy, MBA

Danyell Taylor

Arthuretta Martin, MS

Ann Marie Coop, MA, MS

Rassoull Hill, MBA

Juan LaFonta, JD

Ken Kimbrough

Frances Ashe-Goins, RN

Joanna Short, MPH

Daryn Dodson, MBA

Husan Thompson

Francis Phan, MS

Nil Navaie, MS

Sara Hogan, MHS

Angela Riggs

Kaee Ross, MPH

Henry Trudell

Victoria Tung

Carl Bell, MD

Yasmine Gabriel

Jon 'Genius' Goff

Vince Ferguson

Nikita Mitchell

Marguerite Matthews

Alexis Marion

If you are not on the list yet, please send me an email to postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com on how we can work together in 2007 and add you. Thank you and take care. Also we give thanks to all the many friends and supporters who have game to the PfK mixers, thank you for your support and see you in the new year! There will be more in store.

Celebrate Art from the Heart with PfK!

2006-12-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

Stop AIDS Among Our Sisters...Post-Katrina

2006-12-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON, DC--On World AIDS Day and as part of the Postcards from Katrina's 'Sisters Sharing Stories of Hope and Help,' PfK encourages people to sign the petition to take action against AIDS in the Black female community.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention report that AIDS is a leading cause of death among black women ages 25 to 44. Black children make up two in three reported pediatric AIDS patients. And while blacks make up 12 percent of the U.S. population, they represent more than 50 percent of the newly reported cases of HIV.

"Post Katrina, we have a number of women and girls of color who are in need of support through education, prevention resources, treatment and the community," said Tambra Stevenson, creator of Postcards from Katrina. "Hurricane Katrina displaced and spread people living with HIV/AIDS throughout the U.S. and creates a hard system to track the cases and to treat properly."

A release by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals in early 2006 noted that AIDS is a national public health threat that has had a significant impact in Louisiana, affecting African Americans more than any other ethnic group. Although African Americans make up only 33 percent of the state’s population, they represent over 66 percent of the more than 15,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the state.

Kaiser Family Foundation reported that in DC nearly 80 percent of people living with AIDS are African American. DC is the #1 in the US for the annual rate of AIDS cases. If you live in the District of Columbia, you can get a quick oral HIV free or low cost testing at a center near you. Contact your local health department if you are outside of DC. http://dchealth.dc.gov/doh/cwp/view,a,1371,q,573205,dohNav_GID,1802,dohNav,3320034259.asp

"If you have a story to share about living with HIV/AIDS post-Katrina, Postcards from Katrina wants to hear from you. So send in your postcards today," urged Stevenson.

Let's make a difference...remember the infamous Vice Presidential debate with John Edwards and Dick Cheney when the question was raised about AIDS and Black Women...let's end the ignorance today. To read more on this story, go to Black America Web.

http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/cheney106

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Friend:

This World AIDS Day take a minute to sign the Black Women's Health Imperative's "Take Action to Stop AIDS" petition.

Sign the Petition today by 5PM EST to be entered into a spa gift basket drawing! https://secure2.convio.net/nbwhp/site/SPageServer?pagename=STOPAIDS

Of course, your personal information will remain confidential. However, your name will be added to our growing list of members who have pledged support for this important initiative.By signing you support the Black Women's Health Imperative's "Take Action to Stop AIDS" petition that urges legislators to take action immediately to stop AIDS by:

1. Making Black women's health a priority in developing and funding substance abuse prevention and treatment and recovery programs and services;

2. Increasing funding for microbicide research and other developments that enable women to protect themselves;

3. Increasing research on an effective and affordable HIV vaccine;

4. Full funding of Ryan White to support states' AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) for medications to low-income, uninsured and underinsured people living with HIV/AIDS;

5. Increasing federal funding for comprehensive sexual education that includes both abstinence and risk reduction for HIV prevention; and6. Increasing greater access to quality, affordable health care for women and children.

Oklahoma Young Professionals Give Thanks this Holiday Season: Mixer with a Social Cause

2006-11-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

Give Thanks. And Give Hope this Holiday Season with Postcards from Katrina TM.

OKLAHOMA CITY,OK--Postcards from Katrina TM will co-host a young professional mixer this Friday, November 24, 2006 in the Bricktown district in downtown Oklahoma City at the Zone at 8pm. The aim of the event is to gain support for the PfK's upcoming 2007 mental health youth poster/slogan contest and help send the winnings kids to DC in Summer 2007!

"I am excited to come to my home state of Oklahoma where I began my interests in poster/slogan contests while in school," said Tambra Stevenson, creator of PfK."Oklahoma City is where it all began for developing my interests in health communication and social marketing and advertising. Little did I know that's what I was doing at that time."

In high school Stevenson participated and won honorable mention in HIV/AIDS poster slogan contest by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy and first place in "Don't Lay That Trash on Oklahoma" by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

'This contest is an outgrowth of my experience with art and health. It increased my awareness around an important issue like HIV/AIDS, which is still a serious issue today. Also it influenced my career direction into merging the worlds of art, health, marketing and communication."

PfK wishes to raise awareness of mental health issues facing youth post-Katrina. So we are launching a contest in 2007 and using the artwork from the youth for the campaign. We would like to send the winners to DC for a reception and we need your support.

"What a great way to give thanks this season by supporting a worthwhile initiative to decrease the stigma on mental health and boosts positive ways to handle trauma, stress and depression among youth," said Stevenson. "Holiday season experiences a boosts in depression higher than anytime during the year. Try scheduling an appointment with a therapist and you will see."

At the mixer, support the PfK project by making a postcard. Postcards will be selected for the online art gallery. And give a donation to PfK youth educational programs e.g. the 2007 Youth Violence Prevention/Mental Health Promotion Campaign and Contest.

Then come out to the Daiquiri Zone, a minority owned-business, in downtown Oklahoma City and meet other up and coming young professionals while supporting a social cause. All night long enjoy drink specials. Located in OKC's fast growing Bricktown area, this Sports Bar and Grill features a flat screen TV in every booth.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This event is co-sponsored by Promising Futures, T Raye Communications and Creative Community for a Common Cause. Remember to send your postcards tom postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com or at Postcards from Katrina, 38 T Street NW Washington, DC 20001.

Young Professional + Social Cause Networking Mixer on November 3rd in DuPont Circle

2006-10-31T14:51:00.000-08:00

Meet, greet and eat with social conscious young professionals!

Friday, November 3, 2006
7:00pm - Until
Ozio's Restaurant and Lounge
1813 M Street, NW, Washington, DC
Metro: DuPont Circle South (Red line)

The Creative Community for a Common Cause and the National Black Graduate Student Association invites you to to a joint happy hour with a social cause in NW DC this Friday at 7PM on the second level behind the bar. It's located near Farrugut North or Dupont South metro (red line) near the corner of 18th and M St NW (next to Daily Grill).

Come early to enjoy the happy hour drink specials: $4 flavored martinis and $3 beers/wines with complimentary Hors Doeuvres by 8PM.

You will have an opportunity learn about the Students Sharing Stories of Hope and Help, which is will be part of the film, "College After Katrina: Picking Up the Pieces," and discussed at November 4th conference workshop. Learn how to get involved and become apart a social change movement one postcard at a time. Register onsite or at http://www.nbgsa.org/neregion.htm.

PfK's goal is to collect thousands of postcards and have them on displayed as an online art exhibit and as a public art project to share hope and healing. PfK provides educational workshops with schools and organizations that believe in the power of arts to create individual and social change and engagement. So invite PfK to an event and do a workshop for your group.

www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com/nbgsa

Taking the Metro? Plan your metro trip at WMATA.

Join the project! http://www.projects.takingitglobal.org/pfk

PfK News Subscription http://www.postcardsfromkatrina.com

Pfk Profile http://profiles.takingitglobal.org/pfkcreator

PfK Blog http://pfkcreator.tigblog.org

Join Pfk on MySpace http://myspace.com/postcardsfromkatrina

About Creative Community for a Common Cause (the 4C's)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The '4Cs' believes in connecting creative and communications professionals and students to projects and organizations with a social mission to contribute to bettering our communities for a healthier and safer future for generations to come. To learn more email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

About NBGSA
--------------------
Founded in 1989, the National Black Graduate Student Association, Inc. (NBGSA) is a non-profit, interdisciplinary, and student-run organization dedicated to improving the status of African Americans in higher education by systematically identifying and addressing their needs and concerns. NBGSA membership is open to those interested in supporting students of African descent in the pursuit of graduate and professional educational excellence.

Celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month with Postcards from Katrina

2006-10-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Postcards from Katrina celebrates the month of October 2006 as the National Arts and Humanities Month.

"PfK recognizes the value of arts in the time of healing and inspiring hope
through music, visual arts/media, theatre and dance," - Tambra Stevenson, creator of Postcards from Katrina.

Arts are as important to life as air is to breathe. Only until you have lost breathe and you have lost art can you realize the appreciation of both. How has art saved your life or given you a life to live?

Art is the channel to which one's soul speaks to the world in a way that only another soul can appreciate." - Tambra Stevenson, creator of Postcards from Katrina
Give your soul a creative voice and speak what Katrina means to you. Make a homemade postcard. Selected cards will be featured on the PfK website.
PfK encourages you to share your story of how arts made a difference in your life in the midst of crisis and in the aftermath like Hurricane Katrina. PfK invites you to send in any form of art to share what Katrina means to you. Katrina has a metaphorical representation to everyone in some way.

What is yours?
Send a postcard (print or digital) to postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com or send to Postcards from Katrina, 38 T Street, NW, Washington, DC USA 20001.

101 Things You Can Do to Celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month

http://www.nasaa-arts.org/nasaanews/101things_nahm.pdf

What is National Arts and Humanities Month? _____________________________________________________________

Each year since 1993, National Arts and Humanities Month has helped give millions of Americans the opportunity to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives and has encouraged them to begin a lifelong habit of active participation. It has become the nation's largest collective annual celebration of the arts and humanities.

National Arts and Humanities Month's four primary goals are (1) to create a national, state and local focus on the arts and humanities through the media; (2) encourage the active participation of individuals, as well as arts, humanities and other interested organizations nationwide; (3) provide an opportunity for federal, state and local business, government and civic leaders to declare their support for the arts and humanities; (4) and establish a highly visible vehicle for raising public awareness about the arts and humanities.

What Can You Do?
_______________________________________________________________

In towns and communities across America, arts organizations are planning and developing events, celebrations and innovative programming to highlight National Arts and Humanities Month.

Throughout the month of October, special events will capture the spirit that the arts and humanities bring to everyday life. In particular, cultural organizations are being asked to do the following:

Participate in the month-long celebration with an already-scheduled activity or a new event, large or small, that will be free and open to the public.

Events could include a free performance, lecture or reading; a behind-the-scenes tour, a workshop, a concert or a festival.

An open house is a great way to invite the community to join with your organization in celebrating the month. Obtain a proclamation from your elected officials.

Get your elected leaders to declare their support and appreciation for the arts and humanities.

The Atlanta Arts Accords were signed by representatives of the National Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Congressional Arts Caucus. Invite representatives from each of these groups and other civic leaders to sign a similar set of accords or issue a proclamation.

Encourage the support of your state's private sector representatives.

Submit articles and opinion editorials to newspapers and magazines about the value of the arts and humanities.

10 More Ways to Participate in National Arts and Humanities Month and suppor Postcards from Katrina
______________________________________________________

1. Launch a Postcards from Katrina party.

2. Invite Postcards from Katrina to do an arts program with your organization.

3. Identify businesses to sponsor Postcards from Katrina outreach programs.

4. Create postcards, poetry, and music and send to PfK.

5. Produce arts outreach materials (cultural calendars, brochures, buttons, etc.) in partnership with businesses and place them in visitor centers, CVBs, hotels, airports, restaurants and convention centers during the month.6. Dedicate arts and cultural events for Postcards from Katrina.

7. Identify or include already-scheduled events for October as part of your celebration of the month.

8. Create an arts and humanities month banner for your Web site and ask others to include it on their sites. The Postcards from Katrina and National Arts and Humanities Month logos at the top of the page can be downloaded for use on your site. Reach out to the media.

9. Conduct editorial board meetings, write op-eds, and involve media representatives in symposia or events during the month.
10. Tell a friend about Postcards from Katrina and National Arts and Humanities Month.

"Sisters Sharing" Campaign Launched at AKA Women and Girls Conference

2006-10-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

(From right to left) Cheryl Hill, President of the Xi Omega (DC) Chapter of Alpha Kappa

Alpha Sorority, Inc. is pictured with Tambra Stevenson, Creator of PfK and Danyell Taylor,

Pfk Outreach Volunteer at the AKA women and girls conference at the University of the District

of Columbia (2006).

WASHINGTON, DC--During the "Sisters Sharing: Building Foundations for Life" conference hosted by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s Xi Omega Chapter on September 30th at the University of the District of Columbia, Postcards from Katrina TM showcased ads from its "Sisters Sharing" campaign targeting women of color who faced and continue to overcome the challenges post-Hurricane Katrina. Over 240 women and girls from the metro DC came to the one-day inspiring event.

"Being a woman of color from Oklahoma, it's imperative I launch this campaign given the shared wisdom and strength that other women of color have passed on to me. That's why Postcards from Katrina project is addressing the issues faced by many women and girls in the aftermath of the storm," said Tambra Stevenson,
creator of Postcards from Katrina.

"If my mom and sister who live in the U.S. southwest central region faced the catastrophic level of Katrina, I would want to raise awareness and action of hope and help is still needed for the women who are 'glue' in keeping families together," said Stevenson, an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Postcards from Katrina is a grassroots community arts project to use the power of arts to express what Katrina means to people affected by the disaster. Many people who faced Katrina have not handled the mental health issues and arts has healing process that can help and inspire other people to be empowered and make a difference in their lives and communities.

"Sisterfriends" is one of 10+ public service announcements created by Postcards from Katrina's "Sisters Sharing" social marketing campaign to address the social, financial, emotional and health issues faced by women and girls of color during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. "Sisters Sharing" PSA can be viewed and rated at http://projects.takingitglobal.org/pfk.

Pfk Creator, Tambra Stevenson, encourages people to circulate and share the PSAs to friends, family, youth, colleagues and organizations to spread the message that "hope still lies there in the sea of despair." PfK wants to hear your story of what Katrina means to you.

PfK invites you to send a homemade postcard, art, music or poetry reflecting theme of hope and help to postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com or to Postcards from Katrina, 38 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. Please visit, subscribe and link to your website or blog http://www.postcardsfromkatrina.com

Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus Endorses Postcards from Katrina

2006-09-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

Arts project inspires hope by engaging and capturing the voices of youth

BATON ROUGE, LA—The Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus announced its endorsement for the Postcards from Katrina TM, a community arts educational project created by Tambra Stevenson, who has family residing in the Gulf region.

“I am very pleased for the postcard project to receive the support of the caucus,” said Stevenson, a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine’s health communication program. “When Hurricane Katrina hit, I was deeply concerned about how the youth would cope with the crisis and what impact it would have on their mental and emotional health. The Postcards from Katrina TM project provides youth to express themselves through the arts.”

“The Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus is committed to supporting ventures designed to help the welfare of the citizens of Louisiana. In light of the recentcatastrophe of Hurricane Katrina, the LLWC conveys its support of Postcards from Katrina, a sharing of stories of hope and help,” said Trin Johnson, LLWC Executive Director.

“The Postcards from Katrina TM project is the prescription to one's creative arts healing process,” said Stevenson, the creator of the project and a fourth generation Oklahoman.

The project is a channel for youth impacted by the crisis to redirect their energies through the power of arts such as music, poetry and writing and in return inspire others to make a difference in their own lives and communities. In addition, the project gives them an opportunity to be an active participant in telling their untold story of how youth were impacted.

“This innovative program is a creative way for the youth and others to express themselves artistically through art regarding their own personal experience with Hurricane Katrina, either directly or indirectly,” said Johnson.

The LLWC hopes that Postcards from Katrina garners enough national support to make a major, positive impact and difference in rebuilding the lives of those impacted by such a devastating storm.

Based out of Washington, DC, the Postcards from Katrina TM project encourages all people from around the country to share their stories of hope and help in the shape of homemade postcards. Giving everyone an opportunity to be a part of history, the project will preserve and exhibit the artworks through its website, traveling arts exhibit, outreach workshops and other venues. To learn more about the project, please visit www.postcardsfromkatrina.com and email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

Postcards from Katrina Goes Live on MySpace

2006-09-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, DC--Postcards from Katrina taps into the online social media networks by getting hooked on to MySpace. On the site, you can view artwork and photos from the project and rate your favorites.

PfK Creator, Tambra Stevenson, encourages you to become a friend of PfK and share your stories about what Katrina means to you on the PfK blog. If you subscribe to the Pfk website, you can receive the latest news and event info directly without visiting the website. With many of these sites, you need to become a registered user with is free and simple.

"The new technologies amplify the social impact that grassroot causes like Pfk have to increase its capacity to engage young professionals and youth and to build social capital," said Stevenson.

"Online social media networks like MySpace and Facebook provide Pfk with an opportunity to create an online movement of combining social cause, technology and creativity."

Already signed up? Then tell a friend to sign up at www.postcardsfromkatrina.com and check the PfK MySpace at www.myspace.com/postcardsfromkatrina.

Pfk Encourages Sisters to Share Their Stories of Hope and Help

2006-09-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, DC--The power of arts in the form of drawing, music or poetry, can provide a source of healing during times of crisis. And that's why Postcards from Katrina will reach out to women and girls of color in the metro DC area at the "Sisters Sharing: Building the Foundations for Life" conference hosted by the Xi Omega Chapter (DC Alumni) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority on Saturday, September 30, 2006 from 8AM - 5PM at the University of the District of Columbia at 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW in Washington, DC.

"As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, I am delighted to have Postcards from Katrina participate in providing sisters a space to share their voices of what Katrina means to them," said Tambra Stevenson, creator of Postcards from Katrina.

"Many women of color didn't have a way to express their obstacles and opportunities that they discovered in the eye of Katrina. PfK gives women and girls a chance to channel that energy in the form of art, which is a medium for our souls to speak. As in physics, energy is neither created nor destroyed but merely transferred. So PfK believes that art is therapy and therapy is art."

The one-day community event is open to the public and starts at 8AM. This dynamic conference addresses issues impacting African American women and girls from health, self-image, wealth building strategies, and future.

"Commonly known, African American women are the central figures in their families. This conference gives them an opportunity to focus on themselves in order to build a healthier, happier family. Educating women and giving them a space to share their voices can be powerful experience in mastering our lives." said Stevenson.

"Living in a entertainment-centric world, girls are into the arts, particularly performing arts. However making the connection between arts and managing personal crisis is often not realized. PfK hopes to change that."

At the event, Pfk will have materials available for attendees to make postcards, win raffle prizes, learn more about the power of arts to heal and contribute to the community-wide event.

Come out. Tell a friend. Be empowered. Be engaged. Be active.

REGISTER TODAY: http://www.evite.com/pages /invite/viewInvite.jsp?inv iteId=VMZWDGHECJHLUBFYWWRW
Students can attend for free. Onsite registration is available.

Conference features life empowering workshops:

Valorie Burton, Motivational Speaker & Author of "What's Really Holding You Back?"
Marita Golden, Author"A Miracle Everyday: Triumph & Transformation Miracles in the Lives of Single Mothers"
Dr. Crystal Kuykendall, Motivational Speaker & Author of "From Rage to Hope", "Dreaming of a P.H.A.T. Century"
Dr.Prema Ganganna You are What You Eat, Where Do the Calories Go? Washington, DC Board of Dietetics, Director of Dietetics, University of the District of Columbia
Ms. Dominique Evans, Relationship Building: Let Go of Anger and Move On

DC Young Professionals Support Postcards from Katrina

2006-09-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, DC--On September 20, metro DC area young professionals came out to celebrate Tambra's birthday at Ozio's Lounge in Dupont Circle. At the event, young professionals representing both public and private sectors donated and made music, postcards and poetry to the Postcards from Katrina (PfK) project, created by Tambra Stevenson, an Oklahoma native, with family in the Gulf region.

One supporter, Mark Scott, a DC-based architectural designer, wrote a song about Katrina called "American Pride" and donated the lyrics and music to the project."I created the project out of my own experience of using arts as a creative healing therapy for coping with issues surrounding Hurricane Katrina," said Stevenson, a graduate of Oklahoma State and Tufts University.

Pfk is a community arts healing project with an emphasis on using the power of arts to creatively express what Katrina means to youth, adults and organizations affected by Katrina. Professionals who attended represented the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders, Sun Trust Bank, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Georgetown University School of Medicine, USAA Real Estate, Government Defense Contractors and more...

Photos of the September event can be viewed at www.postcardsfromkatrina.shutterfly.com.
Sign up at www.postcardsfromkatrina.com to learn the latest of the PfK project.
To get a copy of the press/outreach kit and/or volunteer, contact PfK at postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

Celebrate Tambra's Birthday with a Social Cause

2006-09-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON--The creator of Postcards from Katrina, Tambra Stevenson, is celebrating her birthday on September 20th at Ozio's Lounge in NW Washington, DC near Dupont Circle from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. In contrast to traditional birthday party's, Tambra, who has family in the Gulf region, encourages you to bring homemade postcards, stories, poems to share what Katrina means to you and/or give a monetary donation for the educational outreach efforts of the Postcards from Katrina project to the event. Meet other social conscious professionals at the event and bring a friend. Post-event photos will be made available on the PfK website.
To RSVP go to www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com/birthday

Got questions? Email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com

Changing Attitude on Katrina and Rita

2006-08-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

NEW ORLEANS, LA--In May 2006, I went to New Orleans to promote my project, Postcards from Katrina. I had an opportunity to have a media interview with WDSU Channel 6 (NBC affiliate). While walking back to Canal St, I came across this hotel which had a banner remembering Katrina. I hope that we dont forget what Katrina and Rita meant to the Gulf residents and what message we send to the world about our reaction. Charles Swindell states "I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me. And 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you." I believe a test of true leadership style is our ability to handle the challenges risen from the sea of chaos. And we in America and folks in the Gulf have definitely received their share of challenges. But we rise with them especially the children who are limited in their voice. Signs as this one hanging in Lee Circle in New Orleans address the concerns felt by many. They are concerned about with the level of complacency and attention given to Katrina compared other domestic and foreign disasters. The attention addressed is about as strong as the response...slow and late. Do you have a story to share? Let your voice be heard. Send a postcard today!

We Remember Katrina - 08.29.05

2006-08-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON--In remembrance of the impact of Hurricane Katrina, Postcards from Katrina TM invites you to share stories of how Katrina has impacted your life over the past year. So on August 29, 2006, I encourage you to send art, spoken word, poetry, and postcards to demonstrate and illustrate how Katrina has left a permanent impression in our lives. Let's have a long list of shared memories. Creative expression is a power healing therapy. My photography and art for the PfK project has served as wonderful therapeutic tool. Allow it to do the same for you. Send stories and art to postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

For me, Katrina awakened my innate creativity as well as to reach out to my family and record my family history. I stopped making excuses and enrolled in creative classes and out came this project. Also Katrina reminded me not to stay complacent but create the change to improve my community and myself. And remember to enjoy life and learning. What does Katrina mean to you? Send your story today. Tell a friend.

PfK Makes a Net Impact in Adams Morgan

2006-08-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

The Heart of Adams Morgan Comes Alive New Orleans Style
WASHINGTON, DC--On August 3rd, Postcards from Katrina co-hosted the New Orleans themed 'Art from the Heart' FUNRaiser at the Madams Organ Soul Food Restaurant in NW Washington, DC. Net Impact DC Professional Chapter, the Lazarus Foundation and the Creative Community for a Common Cause sponsored the event. At the event, Catherine Sheehy, co-chair of Net Impact DC Professional Chapter, made postcards along with other professionals. Raffle prizes included Mardi Gras dolls, Rebuild New Orleans paraphernalia, Lorretta's Authentic Pralines from New Orleans and restaurant gift certificates to Madams Organ. “We had great support,” says Tambra Stevenson, creator of Postcards from Katrina, “the goal is to collect as many postcards from people affected by Katrina, keep hope alive, and to tell their story.” Photos from the event can be viewed at www.postcardsfromkatrina.shutterfly.com. If you wish to host the next event, email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com and tell a friend to send a message of hope and help.

El Arbol de Esperanza: The Tree of Hope

2006-08-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

Katrina's Diary
Date: January 2006
From: Tambra

El Arbol de Esperanza (The Tree of Hope)
Representing the hope that still binds the family branches together. Though rooted in shifted soil, the family stay intacts and hope still lives here even in the midst of despair.

Across the trunk of the tree, Maria lies across its chests protecting the family as she did with her son, Jesus.

The image signifies the lost voice of Hispanic families that were uprooted during the storm. We must remember that all families were affected by Katrina--not just black or white--but all.

During the January 2006 Gulfport rebuilding mission with my alma mater, Tufts University, I develoed this mixed media (acrylic/charcoil) painting based on my photography.

What does Katrina mean to you?

Send a message of hope and help to postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com or mail to Postcards from Katrina,

38 T Street, NW Washington, DC 20001. Tell a friend to make a homemade postcard today!

Special DC event invites all to "Change the World One Postcard at a Time."

2006-07-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Arts from the Heart FUNRaiser New Orleans Style

2006-07-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, DC--On August 3, Postcards from Katrina TM will co-host "Arts from the Hearts" FUNRaiser at Madams Organ Soul Food Restaurant, 2461 18th St NW DC at 6PM. Part of the proceeds benefit the educational outreach and scholarship programs. At the event, win raffle prizes like gift certificates from Front Page, meet other social responsible/cultural creatives, get involved with the project and make homemade postcards. With a similar concept to the AIDS quilt, the project is collecting thousands of homemade postcards, which will become a part of the ongoing campaign of hope and help is still needed in the Gulf and beyond. The project benefits the educational outreach and scholarship program of Postcards from Katrina, which sponsored by the Lazarus Foundation. The cost is $10 for professionals in advance ($12 at the door) and $5 for students. To RSVP by Aug 2 go to www.postcardsfromkatrina.com or http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com/mardigras (must register). To learn more about the project, email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com. Co-sponsors include the Lazarus Foundation, Creative Community for a Common Cause, Net Impact DC Professional Chapter and Madams Organ.

Katrina's Flag Day: We Salute

2006-06-15T06:46:00.000-07:00

Katrina Diaries
From: Tambra
Date: January 2006

On the steps of the First Presbyterian Church, the state of Mississippi and the United States flags wave hopeful in the winds sweeping the sand of Gulfport beach just across the highway.

Entitled "Katrina's Flag Day," this painting (made in charcoal and acrylic) was created during my creative blood transfusion times in Spring 2006. This past season was the rebirth of me, my creativity, and the start of Postcards from Katrina TM.

So in recognition of the National Flag Day, which is June 14. I salute Katrina's Flag Day (Old Hopeful) in honor of those who fallen and survived on August 29. The colors of the Katrina flag represents: red (hope) and the black/white (help) for all people.

US Flag History 101

"Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day – the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 – was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson’s proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day." The Continental Congress left no record to show why it chose the colors. However, in 1782, the Congress of the Confederation chose these same colors for the Great Seal of the United States and listed their meaning as follows: white to mean purity and innocence, red for valor and hardiness, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. According to the legend, George Washington interpreted the elements of the flag this way: the stars were taken from the sky, the red from the British colors, and the white stripes signified the secession from the home country. However, there is no official designation or meaning for the colors of the flag. Source: http://archive.1september.ru/eng/1999/eng20-1.htm

To honor those who have fallen and survive, send a message of hope on Katrina's Flag Day.

Send homemade postcards to postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com or mail them to

Postcards from Katrina, 38 T Street NW Washington DC 20001. www.PostcardsfromKatrina.com

Postcards from Katrina: A Project of Passion and Purpose

2006-06-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

What was the motivation for developing this project?

In January 2006, I had the opportunity to travel to the Gulf region of Mississippi with over 105 students and alumni from my alma mater, Tufts University to help rebuild homes and work with other volunteers from all parts of the United States. Having family in the Gulfport area was a motivator to go since this would be my first travelling to Mississippi. There I reunited with my retired military extended family. I then reconnected unknowingly to a long-time military buddy who worked at the St. James Baptist Church in Gufport. And most recently I traveled to New Orleans to volunteer and collect more photographs to transform into paintings for the project.

The Postcard project was my creative arts healing therapy. Though developed initially for my 'creative blood transfusion,' ultimately I wish to share the project with all as a healing project and a way for all people to tell their message by creating their own message.

Like many colleagues in the public sector, I desired to see the change and be change agent that would make a difference in the lives of our citizens. And I didn't want to wait until I was retired with government pensions. For my soul to wake up, I need to do the work now, because tomorrow is not promised.

One day while checking my email I got the Tufts Alumni newsletter, which mentioned the Volunteer Vacations Program going to Mississippi. I knew this was the right time and opportunity that I could not and must not let pass. I am so very glad I didn't. I was interested like many people to make a difference in someon'e life.

As an Oklahoma native with family in the Gulf, I wanted to reach and extend my heart and hand to our neighbors in the South. Given my health communication and social marketing training and experience, I knew that this project would be my most exciting and gratifying work ever, because I am passionate about being the "messenger" connecting those who needs resources to those who have them.

Dali Lama speaks of a good kind of selfishness that helps the greater good. And Postcards from Katrina though developed for my own thirst to create change in my live, ultimately the goal is to create change in each and every life.

I truly believe that we are born with a mission and talents. And it's up to each of us to refine our mission and tools to properly execute and create the social and economic change to make a better world. I recognize and believe my creative talents should and must be used to make a positive impact in the world. Consequently, developing this project was my way to use my talents for a social change and goodwill.

Through your postcards and support, you become a messenger who contributes to this positive expression of hope, faith and love for our fellow mankind. Ultimately we become ambassadors of hope. So I hope you can join the campaign and spread the word.

And right now, communities like those in the Gulf Region need your help, your heart, and your hand.

"PfK is a community arts project. For the people. By the people."

The Power of Art and Personal Narrative

From reflecting on my love for arts and writing as a youth, working on this project blends the power of visual arts with a social cause made sense. The power of art is that it represents 'one' language that any culture can understand. And the essence of this project is and will be to use visual imagery coupled with a powerful story to spread hope and help. It all begins in the childhood.

As a child, I loved drawing, writing and participating in writing and poster/slogan contests. I never realized that I was creating ads as we know today. Ultimately my interests in health, art and writing evolved into my pursuing health communication and social marketing. For me images are powerful. And one’s story is equally powerful. The essence has and will always be the effectiveness of visual imagery coupled with a powerful story, particularly of hope and the opportunity to help.

Katrina...What's in a Name?

The name 'Katrina' has taken on a metaphorical meaning since late August 2005 when the gusty winds hailing ferocious winds hit the Gulft region of the United States. I have learned that there is power in a name. And 'Katrina' has evolved into meaning so much and so many different ways to so many people. What does it mean to you? Send in your postcard.

Social Marketing Campaign

Educate. Entertain. Inspire.

The purpose of the campaign is to...

1. Promote organizations affected by Katrina and bring awareness of issues facing the Gulf region and other communities who need assistance;

2. Provide a creative channel for all people to express their feelings and thoughts of the social, environmental, political, health and economic impact of Katrina on them and society; and

3. Support educational awareness to all people, particularly youth, about the impact of Katrina to critically think and believe they can make a positive difference in society.

The campaign needs your help to spread the message of hope and help needed in the Gulf Region and throughout the United States.

Educational Outreach Program

Our workshops provide participants to critically analyzing the implications of Katrina, identifying possible solutions and strategies to addressing social issues, and developing a story in their own voice in a creative way of what issues would Katrina reveal in their lives and communities. We offer of workshops covering a range issues from media literacy, use of narrative, arts, photography, poetry, and acting. Workshops can be customized to meet the needs of your organization. Participating students can submit their project into the scholarship competition. Through the "edutaining" workshops, participants will expand the capacity to think both creatively and critically in addressing issues in school, home and work. If you are interested in hosting a workshop in your youth-serving organization, please email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

Scholarship Competition Program

A creative arts scholarship competition for youth is underway. Sponsorship opportunities are available. In addition, with your purchase of postcards, a portion of proceeds will go into a scholarship fund to support the educational goals of youth.

If you wish to make an individual donation and/or learn more about the scholarship program, please contact us at postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

Purchase a pack of postcards or more and send them to friends and families with a special message of hope and help. Scholarships will be based on merit, creative arts talent, and commitment to community service.

Creative arts can include but not limited to a collage, painting, postcard, photography, video, digital media, illustration, poetry, and music. How is the scholarship program funded? The scholarship is funded from fee-based programs and products:

Postcards - buy a pack or two and send to family and friends.
Workshops – invite PfK to provide an educational workshop.
Art Exhibits - provide space to showcase PfK artwork.
Lectures/Speeches - invite us to speak.
Mixers - mix professionals with a social cause (PfK)
Decor - have PfK postcards as a great backdrop for a reception or event
Fundraisers - partner and host a PfK event
Donations - any and all amounts are accepted.

How can I get 'Postcards from Katrina' to my organization?

Colleges and Universities

If your college or university newspaper would like to write a book review or feature about the 'Postcards from Katrina' Project; or if you would like information about the touring 'Postcards from Katrina' lecture and/or art exhibit, please email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

Government, Corporations, Nonprofits, and Associations

If your organization newspaper would like to invite the creator of 'Postcards from Katrina' Project to speak at an event, bring the art exhibit; or if you would like information about the touring 'Postcards from Katrina' lecture and/or art exhibit, please email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

How can you support?

Youth, you can...

1. Develop a homemade postcard or poetry of how you has been affected by Katrina

2. Ask your parents to make a donation

3. Ask your teachers to bring the PfK project to your classroom and/or after-school program

4. Buy PfK postcards

5. Tell a teacher, a friend and/or a family member

Adults, you can..

1. Develop a homemade postcard or poetry of how your organization has been affected by Katrina

2. Make a donation to the PfK project

3. Attend a PfK event

4. Buy PfK postcards and/or artwork

5. Tell a colleague, a friend, and/or a family member

Organizations, you can...

1. Develop a homemade postcard of how your organization has been affected by Katrina

2. Sponsor a PfK event 3. Develop an endorsement letter to show support for PfK

4. Tell a colleague

5. Host PfK exhibit at your organization

6. Buy PfK postcards and/or artwork

How Do I Mail In My Postcards?

You are invited to contribute your writing or art to the 'Postcards from Katrina' project. Each postcard can be a personal story of hope, faith, love, joy, grace, blessing, gratitude, fear, betrayal, feeling, lost, disappointment, and depression. The range of topics can include but not limited to mental health, phyiscal health, spiritual health, financial health, education, politics, business, government, and environment. Create your own 4 x 6 inch postcards from any type of mailable material. If you wish to share two or more tales from Katrina, use additional postcards. Put your complete story and image on one side of the postcard.

Tips in creating your Postcard:

A picture, or in this case, a postcard is worth a thousand words. How can you exhibit your feelings and thoughts on the past, present and future of impact of Katrina from a local, national and even global perspective? Think like an advertiser. Design as if it was a magazine print ad. Be creative. Always go with your second instinct. Typically the first has already been thought of. Be catchy. Think about a slogans, taglines, or the power of 3s. Write big, bold, and brief. Be true to the cause. Keep it authentic and real.

Your 4 x 6 postcard is your canvas.

Mail or email your postcards to:

Postcards from Katrina

38 T Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001-1009

postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com

Please consider sharing a follow-up story about how mailing in your postcard, or reading someone else's, made a difference in your life. (I apologize in advance for being unable to reply.)

Legal Notice

By submitting information to 'Postcards from Katrina', you grant 'Postcards from Katrina' a perpetual, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, distribute, and otherwise exercise all copyright and publicity rights with respect to that information at its sole discretion, including storing it on 'Postcards from Katrina' servers and incorporating it in other works in any media now known or later developed including without limitation published books. If you do not wish to grant 'Postcards from Katrina' these rights, it is suggested that you do not submit information to this website. 'Postcards from Katrina' reserves the right to select, edit and arrange submissions, and to remove information from the 'Postcards from Katrina' website at any time at its sole discretion. No image from this site may be used for any purpose without expressed written authorization, with one exception; you may post one image as a link to this site.

Caught in the Rain

2006-06-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

"When you are homeless, there is no umbrella."

- Youth, Washington, DC

Katrina left many people out in the rain.

But will you provide a message of hope?

Submit your homemade postcard to postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com

or to Postcards from Katrina, 38 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Our World Post-Katrina

2006-06-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

Katrina,

The world that you knew will never be there same.

Because of a storm that went insane.

Hitting things and bringing things

down but at the same time

turning the world upside down.

But things will get better.

I promise!

- Sasha, Age 12, Washington, DC

What did Katrina say to you after the storm?

Submit your postcard to postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com or mail to Postcards from Katrina, 38 T Street NW, Washington DC 20001.

"Falling"...but still keeping Hope

2006-06-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

Falling Gently
Down
like an Eagle
speared in
the heart
slowly dying
but keeping Hope!

- by Andrew, Age 9, Washington, DC

What are you falling for? Fall into hope and help.
If you don't fall for something, you will fall for anything. - Malcolm X

Send a postcard today to postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com or by mail to Postcards from Katrina, 38 T Street NW Washington DC 20001.

Postcard of "Help"

2006-06-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Submitted by member of Illustrator Club in Washington, DC

What was the message from "Katrina" telling us?

Send in a postcard of hope and help to postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com

Or send by mail at Postcards from Katrina, 38 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Don't Cry Me a "River," Katrina...

2006-06-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

"River" was submitted by a member of the Illustrator Club in Washington, DC.

Use the power of visual arts to share what Katrina means to you.

Send a postcard today to postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com?

If by snail mail send to Postcards from Katrina, 38 T Street NW, Washington DC 20001.

Postcard from "My Girl, Katrina"

2006-06-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

My Girl, Katrina - The struggle

frantically checking the red cross
wondering if she's dead or not
wondering if they found a 15 year-old girl
floating down the street in New Orleans
wondering if they removed her bloated body
floating face down in the bacteria infested water
scared that my home girl was gone
my best friend
my confidante
gone
waited patiently to hear from her
called her house phone
called her cell phone
disconnected
cried worrying about my friend
cried hoping that i would receive some news
other than dial tones and automated messages
that she was alive
that she was not dead
disappointed in the reaction to the storm
that a hurricane with a so called "black" name
could kill my own
subject them to horrifying conditions
e. coli bacteria flood water no clothes no shoes
trying to survive
and all the while being vilified
my people got no fair treatment
they weren't cared for
their land stripped from them
sold to the highest bidder
with no regards to their safety
their lives
their self-worth
gentrification it seems
where is she?
my friend
waited patiently to hear from her
called her house phone
called her cell phone
disconnected
after 3 months of trying however
i finally got through
i heard her voice
i heard her pain
she had been uprooted from her home
moved from state to state in a matter of months
but she was alive
she was not dead
and while she caught me up on everything that happened
all i could do was smile

-by A. Myers, Oregon, Age 15
Copyright 2006.

What did you think of this poem?
If you wish to comment on this poem or post your a poem or spoken word about Katrina, please email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

PfK Art Exhibits at Capital Hill Arts Workshop

2006-06-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

On June 10, 2006,the public will have an opportunity to bid on artwork from the Postcards from Katrina.The Creator, Tambra Stevenson, will be exhibiting artworks from the"Postcards from KatrinaTM " project at the Capital Hill Arts Workshop at 545 7th Street, SE, Washington, DC near the Eastern Market Metro. There will be a reception on Saturday, June 10, 2006 from 5:00-7:00PM. The PfK artworks are part of a CHAW annual arts exhibit. For more information and to RSVP, contact Tambra Stevenson at postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com or visit www.postcardsfromkatrina.com.

Artistic Expression of Katrina's Impact on the Environment

2006-05-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, June 8th, 2006, Postcards from Katrina will celebrate World Environment Day by presenting environmental artwork inspired by Hurricane Katrina at the DC's social-conscious gallery, International Visions Gallery at 2629 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (Across from the Woodley Park Metro / Red Line. This features works from...Eco' Arts: addressing environmental issues with creativity by Nil Sismanyazici Navaie, Founder of Arts for Global Development, Inc. and Images from Katrina: an environmental art exhibit by Tambra Stevenson, Creator of Postcards from Katrina. Also the event includes a guest speaker from Friends of the Earth. Learn about exciting local to global environmental artwork projects, win raffle prizes and meet other creative change professionals. Come view artwork by youth and the artists. To learn more about the gallery, visit www.inter-visions.com and to learn moreabout eco' arts, go to www.art4development.net.

Youth Explore Issues of Homelessness through the Images and Narrative of Katrina

2006-04-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

"Postcards from Katrina" partnered with the Youth Ambassadors Academy in Washington, DC to provide an educational workshop on the impact of visual images on homelessness. The interactive workshop empowered the youth to reflect on the role of visual and written communication, particularly with online media and newspapers, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. With hand-on exercises, youth developed a postcard illustrating their own images, headlines and taglines of what Katrina, metaphorically speaking, represented to the residents of New Orleans and Gulfport and America. And tying into their project, youth will address the issues of homelessness through the 'eye of Katrina' as it relates to local issues. Ultimately, youth analyzed the role of media messages and developed their own images and messages of what 'Katrina' means...to them and to homelessness. To learn more about the Youth Ambassadors Academy, please visit www.yaaonline.com. Interested in the Postcard project coming to your organization? Email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

Bet on Katrina art at the International Ecotourism Society Gala

2006-04-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

PostcardsfromKatrina.com donates prized Katrina-inspired artwork to the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) Gala's silent auction. TIES hosts tonight's event at the Carnegie Institution.

Attendees have an opportunity to bid on collectible, autographed photographic artworks and paintaings by the Creator of Postcards from Katrina. Works such as "Stairways to Nowhere" symbolizes the empty homesteads and stairs with no family to go to. This photography version of this images was taken along the Gulf beach in Mississippi in January 2006.

TIES promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people by creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry, educating tourists and tourism professionals, and influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies. To learn more about TIES, please visit www.ecotourism.org.

Battle of the Hurricanes: Camille versus Katrina

2006-04-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

Katrina Diaries
From: Tambra
Date: April 2006
Location: Gulfport, MS
Entry:

SS Hurricane Camille stays afloat and triumphs Hurricane Katrina in the battle of the Hurricanes.

While walking on the beach, this image jumped at me and I had to capture it. However my creative eye wouldn't let me stop there. I felt the need to paint it in a striking deep red on a gloomy black and white background. Just looking at it gives me the feel of the days of Edgar Allen Poe walking around a graveyard if he ever did.

To share your diary or postcard, email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

Bring Postcards to Marketing for Change Mix'r

2006-04-20T14:09:00.000-07:00

On May 1, 2006, Creative Community for Common Cause will host a Marketing for Change Mixer at Cloude Lounge, 1 DuPont Circle, Washington, DC from 6:00 - 9:00 PM.

Creative professionals who advocate, market and communciate for health and social issues and the people who love them will at the Cloud. People are strongly encouraged to bring friends, make their personal homemade postcards to post, or make a minimum $10 donation to support the educational outreach and scholarship programs for the Postcards from Katrina project. For each donation, attendees will receive omplimentary postcards from the Gulfport region as a momento and to send to friends, family and colleagues to spread the message of hope and help. For more information contact postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

RSVP at http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com/dcmix

A Sea of Hope...Gulfport Beach

2006-04-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

Katrina Diaries
From: Tambra
Date: January 2006
Location: Gulfport, MS
Entry: Between Katrina rebuilding projects in Gulfport, MS, I would take a break to jog along the beachfront of Highway 90. Being on the bus driving Highway 90 didn't capture the same feeling as the jog. Also I wouldn't captured this beautiful image of the shortlines which still contained some debris. However crews were on the scene cleaning the beaches even still in 2006. From working and speaking with residents, I realized Katrina didn't shake the roots of hope but strengthened their faith and the Gulfport sea remains full of hope.

This is one of the many postcards available when you purchase and support the project to send to friends and family as a reminder that hope and help is needed. For more information about how to order postcards email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com we the subject line: Buy Postcards.

Share your Diary entries by emailing them to postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com and get posted.Please share a postcard if you can.

Study Reveals Poor Health among Katrina's Children and Families

2006-04-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

Released in April 18th's New York Times, a recent study led by Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and the Children Health's Fund revealed status not surprising the average health care provider. Mental health of all people becomes of grave concern following in natural or man-made disaster; however little is done though so important. Reasons may range from limited access to quality care; low supply of mental health counselors; no health coverage for mental health illness; no self-acknowledgment of these issues; and/or a combination of many factors.

The numbers reveal that children and their parents suffer traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and asthma just to name a few. The study shows 34 percent of displaced children suffer from conditions like asthma, anxiety and behavioral problems, compared with 25 percent of children in urban Louisiana before the storm. Fourteen percent of them went without prescribed medication at some point during the three months before the survey, which was conducted in February, compared with 2 percent before the hurricane.

Nearly a quarter of school-age children were either not enrolled in school at the time of the survey or had missed at least 10 days of school in the previous month. Their families had moved an average of 3.5 times since the storm.

The federal agency that would handle some of the behavioral issues outlined in this study is the Division of Prevention, Traumatic Stress and Special Programs within the Center for Mental Health Services in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, part of US Dept of health and Human Services. The website is www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov for more information. The non-governmental affiliate is the National Child Traumatic Stress Network at www.nctsnet.org.

Source: New York Times/Sheila Dewan

Tufts Goes Mississippi Bound

2006-04-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

In January 2006, over 105 Tufts students and alumni traveled and volunteered for a week in the southern region of Mississippi: Jackson to volunteer with HANDS, a local resource distribution nonprofit; Gulfport to work with Youth for Christ, St. James Baptist Church and other community and faith-based organizations; Pass Christian to donate to Katrina's Kitchen; Pascagoula to work in suburbs; and to Biloxi to tour other devastated areas. For many of us, this trip was the first time we went to the Mississippi. Only could catastrophic events like Hurricane Katrina bring people from such polarized worlds together for one common cause to serve as ambassador of hope and goodwill. This volunteer effort was spearheaded by a group of Tufts undergraduate students who coordinated the Volunteer Vacations Program through the University College of Citizenship and Public Service. To learn more about Tufts trip, go to http://uccps.tufts.edu/02_Student/miss06.html.

Gulf Coast Volunteers

"Life for everyone who lives down here, as it will be for us, is completely changed." - Tufts Student, Class of 2008

In February 2006, Tufts University wrote and published a weeklong expose on the Tufts Volunteer trip to the Gulf Coast. The several volunteers contributed photos, quotes and stories to this full length featured story. To check out the feature go to http://www.tufts.edu/home/feature/?p=mississippi.

Building Healthy Communities and Children

2006-04-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Early April 2006, the American Public Health Association kicked off the National Public Health Week with the theme "Building Healthy Communities and Raising Healthy Kids." As we reflect on the families and children who were displaced due to Hurricane Katrina, many questions circulate on when, how, where and who will rebuild healthy homes in affected areas in the Gulf region. Should homes be rebuilt in that area? This photo is of a destroyed home just taken in mid-January 2006 in Gulfport, MS only a few blocks from the beach. APHA is doing its part to raise the level of awareness and bring people and organizations together to create the policy and programs in their communities to be healthier for generations to come.

To learn more about NPHW, go to www.nphw.org and to learn about APHA go to www.apha.org.

Media Messages and Your Mental Health

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With a rush to be number one in circulation, top news organizations filled the newstands, grocery check out stands, online and TV outlets with headlines such as this in the USA Today in early September 2005 "Death toll likely in thousands." How did this effect you? How did this effect the mental health of those indirectly and directly affected by Katrina?

Organizations like the Alliance for a Media Literate America have developed a school curriculum to help deconstruct the media messages that circulated around Katrina?

Postcards from Katrina: Project of Passion and Purpose

2006-04-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

What was the motivation for developing this project?

In January 2006, I had the opportunity to travel to the Gulf region of Mississippi with over 105 students and alumni from my alma mater, Tufts University to help rebuild homes and work with other volunteers from all parts of the United States. Having family in the Gulfport area was a motivator to go since this would be my first travelling to Mississippi. Under an unfortunate situation, I was able to meet with my retired military extended family, but what a wonderful reunion it was.

While working for the government in Washington, DC, I handled a range of national health policy and programs issues from Medicare, health IT, small busines, state/local/tribal affairs, global health, to mental health that impacted U.S. communities. Though it was great experience, I desired to see the change and be change agent that would make a difference in the lives of our citizens. And I didn't want to wait until I was retired with government pensions. For my soul to wake up, I need to do the work now, because tomorrow is not promised.

That's why I came to our nation's capital. But I couldn't feel it given the high level within bureacracy I was. One day while checking my email I got the Tufts Alumni newsletter, which mentioned the Volunteer Vacations Program going to Mississippi. I knew this was the right time and opportunity that I could not and must not let pass. I am so very glad I didn't.

I was interested like many people to make a difference in someon'e life. As an Oklahoma native with family in the Gulf, I wanted to reach and extend my heart and hand to our neighbors in the South.

Given my health communication and social marketing training and experience, I knew that this project would be my most exciting and gratifying work ever because I am passionate about being the messenger to connecting those who need to those who have. I truly belive that we are born with a mission and talents and it's up to each of us to refine our mission and tools to properly execute and create social economies of scale. I recognize and believe my creative talents should and must be used to make a positive impact in the world. Consequently, developing this project was my way to use my talents for a social change and goodwill.

I truly believe that we are born with a mission and talents. And it's up to each of us to refine our mission and tools to properly execute and create the social and economic change to make a better world. I recognize and believe my creative talents should and must be used to make a positive impact in the world. Consequently, developing this project was my way to use my talents for a social change and goodwill.

Through your postcards and support, you become a messenger who contributes to this positive expression of hope, faith and love for our fellow mankind. Ultimately we become ambassadors of hope. So I hope you can join the campaign and spread the word.And right now, communities like those in the Gulf Region need your help, your heart, and your hand.

"PfK is a community arts project. For the people. By the people."

The Power of Art and Personal Narrative

From reflecting on my love for arts and writing as a youth, working on this project blends the power of visual arts with a social cause made sense. The power of art is that it represents 'one' language that any culture can understand. And the essence of this project is and will be to use visual imagery coupled with a powerful story to spread hope and help.

It all begins in the childhood. As a child, I loved drawing, writing and participating in writing and poster/slogan contests. I never realized that I was creating ads as we know today. Ultimately my interests in health, art and writing evolved into my pursuing health communication and social marketing. For me images are powerful. And one’s story is equally powerful. The essence has and will always be the effectiveness of visual imagery coupled with a powerful story, particularly of hope and the opportunity to help.

Katrina...What's in a Name?

The name 'Katrina' has taken on a metaphorical meaning since late August 2005 when the gusty winds hailing ferocious winds hit the Gulft region of the United States. I have learned that there is power in a name. And 'Katrina' has evolved into meaning so much and so many different ways to so many people.

What does it mean to you? Send in your postcard.

Social Marketing Campaign
Educate. Entertain. Inspire.

The purpose of the campaign is to...

1. Promote organizations affected by Katrina and bring awareness of issues facing the Gulf region and other communities who need assistance;

2. Provide a creative channel for all people to express their feelings and thoughts of the social, environmental, political, health and economic impact of Katrina on them and society; and

3. Support educational awareness to all people, particularly youth, about the impact of Katrina to critically think and believe they can make a positive difference in society.

The campaign needs your help to spread the message of hope and help needed in the Gulf Region.

Educational Outreach Program

Our workshops provide participants to critically analyzing the implications of Katrina, identifying possible solutions and strategies to addressing social issues, and developing a story in their own voice in a creative way of what issues would Katrina reveal in their lives and communities.

We offer of workshops covering a range issues from media literacy, use of narrative, arts, photography, poetry, and acting. Workshops can be customized to meet the needs of your organization. Participating students can submit their project into the scholarship competition.

Through the "edutaining" workshops, participants will expand the capacity to think both creatively and critically in addressing issues in school, home and work. If you are interested in hosting a workshop in your youth-serving organization, please email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

Scholarship Competition Program

A creative arts scholarship competition for youth is underway. Sponsorship opportunities will be available. In addition, with your purchase of postcards, a portion of proceeds will go into a scholarship fund to support the educational goals of students. If you wish to make an individual donation and/or learn more about the scholarship program, please contact us at postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com. Purchase a pack of postcards or more and send them to friends and families with a special message of hope and help.

Scholarships will be based on merit, creative arts talent, and commitment to community service. Creative arts can include but not limited to a collage, painting, postcard, photography, video, digital media, illustration, poetry, and music.

How is the scholarship program funded?

The scholarship is funded from fee-based programs and products:

Postcards - buy a pack or two and send to family and friends.
Workshops – invite PfK to provide an educational workshop.
Art Exhibits - provide space to showcase PfK artwork.
Lectures/Speeches - invite us to speak.
Mixers - mix professionals with a social cause (PfK)
Decor - have PfK postcards as a great backdrop for a reception or event
Fundraisers - partner and host a PfK event
Donations - any and all amounts are accepted.

How can I get 'Postcards from Katrina' to my organization?

Colleges and Universities

If your college or university newspaper would like to write a book review or feature about the 'Postcards from Katrina' Project; or if you would like information about the touring 'Postcards from Katrina' lecture and/or art exhibit, please email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

Government, Corporations, Nonprofits, and Associations

If your organization newspaper would like to invite the creator of 'Postcards from Katrina' Project to speak at an event, bring the art exhibit; or if you would like information about the touring 'Postcards from Katrina' lecture and/or art exhibit, please email postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com.

How can you support?

Youth, you can...

1. Develop a homemade postcard or poetry of how you has been affected by Katrina
2. Ask your parents to make a donation
3. Ask your teachers to bring the PfK project to your classroom and/or after-school program
4. Buy PfK postcards
5. Tell a teacher, a friend and/or a family member

Adults, you can..

1. Develop a homemade postcard or poetry of how your organization has been affected by Katrina
2. Make a donation to the PfK project
3. Attend a PfK event
4. Buy PfK postcards and/or artwork
5. Tell a colleague, a friend, and/or a family member

Organizations, you can...

1. Develop a homemade postcard of how your organization has been affected by Katrina
2. Sponsor a PfK event
3. Develop an endorsement letter to show support for PfK
4. Tell a colleague
5. Host PfK exhibit at your organization
6. Buy PfK postcards and/or artwork

How Do I Mail In My Postcards?

You are invited to contribute your writing or art to the 'Postcards from Katrina' project. Each postcard can be a personal story of hope, faith, love, joy, grace, blessing, gratitude, fear, betrayal, feeling, lost, disappointment, and depression.

The range of topics can include but not limited to mental health, phyiscal health, spiritual health, financial health, education, politics, business, government, and environment.

Create your own 4 x 6 inch postcards from any type of mailable material. If you wish to share two or more tales from Katrina, use additional postcards. Put your complete story and image on one side of the postcard.

Tips in creating your Postcard:

A picture, or in this case, a postcard is worth a thousand words.

How can you exhibit your feelings and thoughts on the past, present and future of impact of Katrina from a local, national and even global perspective?

Think like an advertiser. Design as if it was a magazine print ad.

Be creative. Always go with your second instinct. Typically the first has already been thought of.
Be catchy. Think about a slogans, taglines, or the power of 3s. Write big, bold, and brief.
Be true to the cause. Keep it authentic and real.

Your 4 x 6 postcard is your canvas.

Mail or email your postcards to:

Postcards from Katrina
38 T Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001-1009

postcardsfromkatrina@gmail.com

Please consider sharing a follow-up story about how mailing in your postcard, or reading someone else's, made a difference in your life. (I apologize in advance for being unable to reply.)

Legal Notice

By submitting information to 'Postcards from Katrina', you grant 'Postcards from Katrina' a perpetual, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, distribute, and otherwise exercise all copyright and publicity rights with respect to that information at its sole discretion, including storing it on 'Postcards from Katrina' servers and incorporating it in other works in any media now known or later developed including without limitation published books.

If you do not wish to grant 'Postcards from Katrina' these rights, it is suggested that you do not submit information to this website. 'Postcards from Katrina' reserves the right to select, edit and arrange submissions, and to remove information from the 'Postcards from Katrina' website at any time at its sole discretion. No image from this site may be used for any purpose without expressed written authorization, with one exception; you may post one image as a link to this site.

Copyright 2006. Postcards from Katrina TM is supported by the Lazarus Foundation and T Raye Communications.