Sixty-two volunteers took a four-and-half-day trip over spring break to Ocean Springs (Biloxi), Mississippi. Volunteers dry walled, insulated, demo-ed, gutted, painted, and tiled--among other jobs. Working on ten different projects, IU volunteers worked on houses in West Biloxi, East Biloxi, Gulf Port, Ocean Springs, Gaultier, Moss Point, and Pascagoula, putting in a total of over 1,300 hours of manual labor.

Aside from the labor itself, volunteers also took the time to learn about the hurricane from residents of Biloxi. Additionally, they were able to tour some of Biloxi, visiting the Katrina memorial and the Highway 90 bridge connecting East and West Biloxi. Volunteers also participated in diversity training facilitated by Eric Love, director of the IU Office of Diversity Education, who went on the trip as an advisor/participant. Students played diversity jeopardy in order to learn more about the diverse cultures not only in the South, but in the United States and around the world. They also learned about the IU Office of Diversity Education and the importance of multicultural competencies.

DEMA provided the advisor for the trip and a scholarship for two students to participate. "The experience is one none of us will ever forget," said Love. He continued, "To hear the stories of what residents went through after the hurricane, and to see the gratitude they have when we helped in their homes was very moving. IU should be very proud we have a student organization like Y'ALL."

Revised: April 19, 2009

Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs
Bryan Hall 115, Bloomington, IN 47405-7000, USA
(812) 856-5700

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