Canadian residents pay in Canadian funds at the current exchange rate of 1.27
American South & New Orleans: Civil Rights & Rebuilding After Disaster 16 Days
Although this program is not operating this summer, you can still add it to your favorites and consider it for summer 2022.
The Civil Rights Movement awakened an entire nation to the racial injustices faced by Black Americans. Travel along the US Civil Rights Trail, from Atlanta to Selma, and learn about civil rights history, its parallels to today and the ongoing struggle. Continue on to New Orleans, where the effects of Hurricane Katrina unveiled the legacy of racial and class stratification. Volunteer on active build sites to reconstruct homes and help those directly affected, under the direction of SBP and their AmeriCorps members. On this American South & New Orleans program, you’ll also participate in many recreational activities including an alligator swamp airboat tour, zipline adventure and cooking class. All in all, this teen summer program offers an incredible experience: a meaningful tour, a sense of community, hands-on homebuilding skills, teamwork, and fun.
Emotionally powerful, hands-on learning, meaningful service and unforgettable recreation.
Participants must be age 16 or older by the start of this program.
A certificate of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the trip.
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
We work directly with SBP, and everybody participates together in each project.
Hotels.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily, plus 4 lunches.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Travel in passenger vans driven by our staff.
Up to 24 participants.
You will work with SBP on an active build site as part of the ongoing rebuilding efforts in New Orleans after 2005’s Hurricane Katrina and 2017’s EF3 tornado. The rebuilding projects may include one or more of the following tasks: drywalling, mudding, priming, painting and/or flooring. You likely will get the opportunity to meet the homeowners of the homes you are working on.
About SBP
SBP is a national organization born out of the rebuilding process of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans with the goal of shrinking the time between disaster and recovery. Since 2006, SBP has directly rebuilt homes for more than 1,300 families with the help of more than 180,000 volunteers across the country. SBP has committed to supporting long-term recovery in New Orleans and Houston has opened offices in both cities to conduct operations.
Fly to Atlanta, where your orientation officially begins for an impactful week along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the APEX Museum (African American Panoramic Experience), dedicated to the achievements of the civil rights movement and contributions of African-Americans in Georgia. Have dinner at Paschals, a meeting place for key civil rights leaders and strategists including Dr. Martin Luther King. Sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves*.
*Depending on if the Braves are in town and allow spectators.
Learn at the Rosa Parks Museum, located at the site of Parks’ famous arrest. Visit the Legacy Museum which through modern, engaging multi-media connects slavery to present day issues of inequality. Walk through the very moving National Memorial for Peace and Justice, also known as "the lynching memorial.” This is the United States' first memorial to the victims of racial terror at home. Relax and take some time to see if you have what it takes to solve an Escape Room.
Take a civil rights tour through the city learning about the integral role Birmingham played in the civil rights movement. Stops include visiting 16th Baptist Church and learn about the tragic terrorist bombing at Bethel Baptist Church, which played a key role in the Freedom Ride. Go on an adventurous zipline through Red Mountain's woodland park and then in the evening check out the nostalgia of a drive-in movie!
Explore the French Quarter on a Segway. Indulge in delicious beignets at Café du Monde. Visit St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytère, a museum dedicated to the disaster and recovery of Hurricane Katrina. Learn about the history of slavery and civil rights on a plantation tour. Test your nerves on a haunted history tour. Spot alligators and other wildlife on an airboat tour in the bayou. Learn how to cook traditional creole dishes and of course, enjoy the feast at our very own cooking class. Have an amazing night of traditional Cajun dinner and dancing at Mulate’s.
Atlanta, Georgia
With comfortable rooms for a great night's sleep, a pool and a fitness center, the Hyatt Place Atlanta / Centennial Park, located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, is a great place to start your journey.
Montgomery, Alabama
Located in the vibrant east part of Montgomery, the Montgomery Best Western offers quiet accommodations and oversized rooms making your stay here as comfortable as can be. Enjoy the outdoor pool and the state of the art fitness center.
Birmingham, Alabama
The Birmingham Hampton Inn and Suites is nestled at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains giving you a great place to unwind.
New Orleans, Louisiana
In the heart of everything the Big Easy has to offer, the Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans French Quarter has an outdoor pool and fitness gym to help us relax. This hotel is the ideal place to recharge after busy days of volunteering and having fun.
Flight to Atlanta, Georgia
For participants on this program, we help you coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival in Atlanta.
Return Flight Home from New Orleans, Louisiana
For your return flight from New Orleans, our leaders help you to check-in and remain at the airport until flights at designated times have departed. Depending on the number of students from the New York area we may offer a chaperoned flight home.
Where We Stay
We carefully select clean and comfortable accommodations with the needs of our students in mind. While our volunteer programs do not stay at luxury resorts, we do know that a good night’s rest, in your own bed, is key to performing your service hours well and having enough energy to enjoy the day’s activities. For this reason, and also to maintain the close group bond and to uphold the quality of this program, we do not offer any homestays.
Meals
We are proud of the fact that year after year we are complimented for our quality and quantity of food and variety of options. On this program, breakfasts will be at our hotel or at restaurants. Dinners are out at restaurants. Boxed lunches will be served on service days and at restaurants on all other days.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, anaphylactic food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Laundry
You will only need to bring one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. We visit local laundromats weekly and we will supply the detergent and dryer sheets. Don’t worry if you’ve never done laundry before, we’ll show you the ropes. Parents, we know the thought of your children doing laundry is making you smile!
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, 4 lunches, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes. Not included is transportation to and from the program and personal spending money for snacks, souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
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