About NY2NO.
The New York 2 New Orleans Coalition (NY2NO) is a consensus-based, youth-led organization made to create a network of young people who are interested in organizing and mobilizing across New York City. NY2NO works in solidarity with those most affected by the social, racial, and economic inequalities in both New York and New Orleans. Through this, the youth breaks down barriers and works together to combat racism and classism and move towards an egalitarian society.
Although many NY2NO organizers went on their first trips down to New Orleans with their schools, the students realized that they wanted to create a coalition separate and free from the usual administrative power of adults and that brought together youth from across New York City. Following this demand NY2NO was formed as a student organization under which trips to New Orleans could be organized. Now it has become a network of New York City High School students interested in organizing and mobilizing around the parallel struggles of New Orleans and their own communities.
Whether it be in an organizational meeting or in a debrief, NY2NO operates through consensus decision-making, in order to eliminate a minority of people who will be displeased by a majority rule decision. This also encourages groups thinking and feeling together in a free space called the People's Circle. NY2NO believes that by using consensus they are creating a model of participatory democracy and focusing on the constant forward process of the entire group. In order to ensure that decisions are made by consensus, a member of the People's Circle takes on the role of facilitator to mediate the emotions, decisions and progress of the discussions. When a decision cannot be made because a group or individual within the circle feels strongly enough to not stand aside on the issue, the decision is discussed further until a consensus can be reached.
Current Projects.
Organizing Trips: Bring groups to work in solidarity with the people of New Orleans; participate in community organizing, rebuilding, yardwork and any other work that may be mandated by the residents of New Orleans
Spreading awareness: Share our knowledge about what happened in New Orleans from first hand accounts to as many people as possible & mobilize other students to take action
Networking: Partner with other organizations combatting social, economic and racial injustice in communities across the United States
Fundraising: Through a wide variety of fundraisers, we raise money that is used to donate to the organizations that we work with in New Orleans and provide financial aid in order to ensure we have a diverse group of young people on our trips
Work in New York City.
While the work that we can all do in New Orleans is great, the job does not end there. The rebuilding process in New Orleans is just a part of a massive movement for social, racial, and economic equality and it is essential that we continue to fight for the rights of all people all across the country, from New Orleans all the way to our own neighborhoods.
For further information on how NY2NO is doing this, check out the webstite. NY2NO.com and select "Work in New York City"
How to Help.
Because of our Government's failure to properly aid, protect, and rebuild the city of New Orleans, it has been left up to students and Volunteers from across the nation to fill the gap and complete the necessary work. Now, the people of New Orleans need YOUR help to continue to provide relief and to sustain the locally lead movement towards getting the City back on its feet and bringing everyone home. If you live in New York City you can help us right here in our home as well.
To make a donation or to get information on planning your own trip check out NY2NO.Com and select "How to Help"
Contact Us. If you want more information about the New York 2 New Orleans Coalition and our work, if you would like our advice on how to help and get involved, or if you would like us to help you plan a trip of your own to New Orleans, please contact us by e-mail at ajackman@ny2no.com
The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures.
It is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass and breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers.
It is the same life that is rocked in the ocean-cradle of birth and of death, in ebb and in flow.
I feel my limbs are made glorious by the touch of this world of life.
And my pride is from the life-throb of ages dancing in my blood this moment.
