Wednesday, September 7, 2005

Dear NSP Family:

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation and displacement of thousands of individuals in the Gulf State area, NSP would like to formally extend our sincere condolences to all those impacted by this national disaster. We know many of our supporters were personally affected by this traumatic event. Consequently, the actions we take to contribute to the relief effort in the coming months will reflect our deepest sympathy for our friends, as well as for each person affected by this tragedy.

As a national non-profit organization with strong ties to campuses and community organizations in our cities, we feel it is our duty to lend our resources, skills, and attention to the revitalization of the hurricane disaster area and its people. Although we have not yet solidified our efforts, we have formulated a list of priorities we would like to share with you as we move forward:

• We intend to link our local office services with evacuee resettlement efforts in each city in which we operate. NSP prides itself on its ability to navigate the complex terrain of social services available to individuals in crisis. As such, we are committed to mastering our knowledge of the public benefits that will become accessible to Hurricane Katrina evacuees in the subsequent months.
• Prior to the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina's destruction, NSP alumni were hard at work planning days of service in five cities across the nation during the week of October 10. In recognition of this disaster, our alumni will redirect their days of service to focus on the immediate concerns of the hurricane survivors.
• Many NSP supporters have already contacted us with inquiries regarding available channels of relief for hurricane victims. With the hopes of acting as a clearinghouse for such questions, we will create a page on our website devoted to answering inquiries, advertising service providers and relief programs, and directing monetary aid to hurricane victims.
• Depending on the interest and support level in the field, we may organize an NSP-sponsored delegation to travel to the disaster zone and assist in the reconstruction process. Most likely this one- to two-week trip would occur during the college winter or spring break periods. Those interested in coordinating this endeavor or willing to donate their time or their funds should contact the National Office.
• NSP's long-time partner, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), sponsor of the AmeriCorps program, has already extended immense support to the Gulf State area. In close collaboration with CNCS and other national service organizations, NSP will participate in nationwide efforts to galvanize college students into service to benefit Katrina's victims. College students have a unique abundance of time and talents to offer during this crucial time.

Though this is but a modest contribution in comparison to the vastness of Katrina's devastation, we hope to utilize our talents and compassion in support of the thousands that have lost their family members, friends, homes, businesses, and cities. Again, our thoughts are with all of you who have personally been devastated by this event.

Our warmest wishes,

Kirsten E. Lodal
CEO, Co-Founder
National Student Partnerships (NSP)
Mobilizing Student Leaders to Strengthen Communities

www.nspnet.org

T: 202-289-1151
F: 202-289-7741

National Office
800 7th Street, NW / Suite 300
Washington, DC 20001