Katrina @ 5: Partners in Philanthropy is a special convening of the philanthropic community, nearly five years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, to explore the lessons of response, rebuilding, and transformation in the Gulf Coast, and how they apply to communities around the country.
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What a thrill! Just since February 15 – only 11 days ago – registration for Katrina @ 5: Partners in Philanthropy has jumped by an incredible 84 percent. It’s fantastic to see so many people being moved by the mission and message of this conference enough to decide to join us in New Orleans March 22-24.
But, you know, the conference has been a success since its inception because two things happened. First, more than 20 philanthropy organizations committed to sending leaders to the conference. Collectively, through their respective organizations, these leaders are information gatekeepers for literally thousands of foundations. Second, the partners had the wisdom to run the conference collaboratively and to let local organizations play the key role in shaping it. So now, when the people of the Gulf Coast share their lessons of what’s working and what’s yet to be done, we’ll know that what we’re learning is based in real experience. And that will be a step forward for all of us.
It’s been nearly five years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast, nearly five years for all of us to do our best to help and to think a lot about how to learn from these years so that the future is better. It’s a perfect time to take stock, listen, and engage. I look forward to seeing you at Katrina @ 5.
Tim Walter, CEO Association of Small Foundations
Katrina @ 5 Partner
