Facing the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: OSI Responds

This is a moment of national crisis, and like all such moments, it is a moment of opportunity. To help our country rise to this immense challenge, and not return to business as usual, OSI will respond on a number of levels.

Drawing on ten years of work to advance equality and justice in the United States, and two decades promoting democracy and civil society around the world, OSI will address a host of issues exposed by Hurricane Katrina.

The storm laid bare for millions in the United States and around the world the deep poverty and inequality that is the continuing legacy of racism—not just in the South, but in all too many American cities and rural areas. No one can deny the stark inequalities of American life, a reality to which many have become inured, when under such a powerful spotlight. This generous nation, and many others all over the world, is reacting to the massive crisis with an outpouring of charitable donations and volunteer efforts.

OSI’s response will include close collaboration with colleague funders across the country. To strengthen and rebuild civil society in the Gulf Region and promote a vision of government that puts the social and economic needs and interests of displaced people at the forefront, OSI plans to:

• Provide support for local organizing efforts to advocate for the rights of the most marginalized groups affected by the aftermath storm;
• Monitor government relief and reconstruction efforts, and work to ensure that the interests and voices of those displaced are prominent in decisions about the rebuilding of their communities;
• Support efforts to document the crisis and the response, including investigative journalism, oral testimonies, and photography, so that the voices and the experiences are not lost. These testimonies must help forge the way forward;
• Address the need to plan for a rebuilt Gulf Region that addresses racial and class injustices—and perhaps help other American cities to meet this crucial challenge;
• Bolster advocacy efforts to assure justice and accountability;
• Encourage a national debate to address the systemic causes of racial inequality and enduring poverty.

Our work in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will be informed and guided by the counsel of people from the affected communities and regions, along with our partners, and national leaders whose knowledge will be invaluable. The spotlight will soon shift, but it is our goal to help heal the divides created by our recent national policies through the tough task of re-examining and re-envisioning our society.