VolunTourism in Louisiana

We're jazzed to be heading to New Orleans for our 34th Annual Legislative Summit, and we want to be sure you leave with a great experience.   We have created three distinct opportunities that will allow you to experience Louisiana and the city of New Orleans at a whole new level as well as to create a lasting impression on the Crescent City. 

Provide!

Stop by the NCSL "Can" Make a Difference booth at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center to purchase pantry items for the hungry in South Louisiana. You can also sign up to work at the New Orleans Mission on Thursday, July 24 from
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  Transportation to and from the Mission will be provided.  Please note:  There is an age limit of 18 years and older with participating in this activity.

It is estimated that nearly 35 million Americans are threatened by hunger, yet a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that Americans waste 96 billion pounds of food each year.  NCSL, with the help of Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans and Second Helpings will donate leftover food to nonprofit organizations that help feed people in need.

Paint!

Studies have shown that art has a beneficial effect for healing sick patients who are in stressful environments.  Dedicate a few minutes of your time at this year's Legislative Summit as you help create colorful, soothing multi-panel murals for the Foundation for Hospital Arts.

Partake in this easy and fun paint-by-number mural project that will be located in the main lobby of the Convention Center.  Completed murals will be donated to local facilities such as:

• Children's Hospital, New Orleans
• Ochsner Hospital, New Orleans
• East Jefferson Memorial Hospital, New Orleans/Matairie
• Clinics in the 9th Ward (one of the most devastated areas following Hurricane  Katrina) 

Note: No artistic experience required - this is paint-by-number, easy and fun.

There are hundreds of opportunities to volunteer in Louisiana.   Visit the Convention and Visitors Bureau website and click on "VolunTourism" to obtain a current list of organizations where you can work.

Preserve!

Louisiana's and America's wetlands are a unique diverse ecosystem populated by exotic plants and wildlife.  Louisiana's culture is largely shaped by the ties to the land and water.  However, the roots of costal Louisiana are in jeopardy because the wetlands are vanishing at a rate equal to a football field every 30 minutes.

Help the state of Louisiana lead the largest awareness initiative, America's WETLAND: Campaign to Save Coastal Louisiana by alerting others of the impact that the loss of the wetlands will have, and help increase efforts to conserve and save coastal Louisiana.  Stop by the America's WETLAND booth in the lobby of the Convention Center to learn more.