Phoenix of New Orleans Kids Fair (PNOLA): Being wordy, gettin’ dirty.........with kids.
By Chris Silva
On Saturday May 15, 2010 the outreach committee spent a soggy, but satisfying day at the Phoenix of New Orleans kids fair (this was Literacy AmeriCorps' second year participating in this wonderful event). The community event took place at the sojourner Truth community center on Laffite and Galvez, smack in the middle of the proposed Laffite greenway. The event is an annual event that is planned in coordination with Phoenix NO and a consortium of non-profits, community groups, and varies AmeriCorps programs. While the event was primarily an outreach event LAC members were very useful in the setting up, and then prompt tear down of the event. The event was a ragging success, it was a chance to have a little bit more
community interaction then we have had in the past. A lot of people were able to be referred to services LAC and our partners provide. In addition we were able to engage some of our non-profit allies on the importance of adult literacy, and about how our issues are two heads of the same monster. Solidarity. The most exciting aspect of this event was the opportunity to remain engaged with the organizers of this event. LAC will continue to be a valued member of the PNOLA kids fair coalition.
Bayou Boogaloo
In May 2009 the Corps headed out to the free music festival the Bayou Boogaloo to do some outreach. The weather was beautiful and sunny and the Corps memebrs not only spoke about the literacy AmeriCorps program and the Literacy alliance but also got to enjoy the music and food, while educating the public about the low literacy level confronting our community. Over the three day festival, memebrs were able to rach out to many individuals and organizations.
Pictured Right: Libby Favrot and Adrien McGrath
Rhythmic Roots & Green Ability Fair
In April 2009, the members headed for the second year in a row to the Rhythmic Root & Green Ability Fair. Having volunteering the 2008 with the set up and running of the event, the Corps decide to do some outreach at their year's events. In addition, to speaking with people about the connection between education levels and workforce (including the creation of green jobs and technologies in the city, members enjoyed the music and learn about other green efforts in the city.
Recruiting volunteers is an important task for all Literacy*AmeriCorps members who are required to recruit at least 3 to 5 community volunteers per year. Recruited volunteers, who in some cases will be managed and supported by L*AC members, may serve at service sites or service projects. One of the major avenues for recruiting volunteers is through Community Outreach events which are held throughout the year. In addition, beginning in 2009-2010, literacy AmeriCorps members had the opportunity to serve on the Community Outreach Committee, which plans and organizes these events.
Sanfoka Marketplace
Saturday, March 14th 2009, was the first outreach event of the Literacy Alliance's new literacy awareness campaign. This effort to publicize our local GED, ABE, ESL, and Family Literacy programs as well as educate the public about the importance of Adult Literacy is spearheaded by the Literacy AmeriCorps program. Saturday proved to be a very wet start to the series of outreach events. The Sanfoka Marketplace was a little cozier under the tents and the community members were a little wetter but everyone who attended had a great time!
Fridays at the Roch
On Friday, March 20th 2009, the Literacy Alliance of Greater New Orleans headed out to the Fridays at the Roch community festival to publicize our adult education, family literacy, and AmeriCorps Programs. The AmeriCorps members who staffed our table had the chance to not only polish their outreach skills, talk about what they do and why they love it, and try to recruit volunteers and students, but also enjoy some truly awesome local musicians and the great community atmosphere at this monthly free event.
Urban LeagueSchool Expo
Saturday, March 21st 2009, the Urban League of Greater New Orleans held a school expo to help local parents get information about various schooling and extra programming options available to their children during the 2009-2010 school year. In addition, there was a climbing wall, rides, face painting, performances by local school bands, and many more activities to keep the children entertained. The Literacy Alliance was able to reach out to possible volunteer tutors, parents in need of extra schooling, and many local organizations. It was a great event, and we had over 50 people stop by our table for information!
Earth Fest
The weekend of March 21 and 22, proved to be a great time for outreach and celebrating our planet. Literacy AmeriCorps members headed out to help man the New Orleans Public Library's Children Room booth at Earth Fest, which was held at the Audubon Zoo. Members not only read books to children, publicized events and services at the Children's Room in the Main Library, and distributed information about the Literacy Alliance but also learned about a variety of organizations in the Greater New Orleans area dedicated to saving our planet! The warm weather and sunshine only made the zoo that much more enjoyable.
Literacy*AmeriCorps 
