[Dialogue] Katrina refugees & What if?

[Janice & Abe Ulangca]

Dear ICA colleagues and friends,

ABOUT KATRINA REFUGEES

We hear many times that these refugees have nothing.  Yes, many have lost their homes, any jobs they had, clothes, things that are precious, things that made life easier, a familiar community, even family or friends.  Huge losses.  

But some of us understand what few in government or helping agencies may recognize:  There is so much that all these refugees HAVE!  and that can be called upon to help them build a new life that just might be even better than what was lost.  What do they have? (A partial list.)
    -- Memories of a lifetime.  
    -- Abilities of all kinds that they have used in the past and know that they have.
    -- Abilities of all kinds that have never, ever been called forth.
    -- Priceless human dignity.
    -- Spirit gifts:  humor, compassion, insight.
    -- Wisdom from life experiences.

WHAT IF ---

For example, the 20,000 people now in the Houston Astrodome.  My local newspaper this morning carried an Associated Press story that you may also have seen.  Here is a quote that caught my attention:
    "Dr. Stuart C. Udofsky, chairman of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said about 30 psychiatrists from around Houston are assisting with the mental-health needs of those staying inside the Astrodome.  'The Astrodome was designed to have maybe 20,000 people for six hours at the most for something upon which they are all focused,' Udofsky said.  'To be there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for an indeterminate period of time, that experiment has never been run -- and we are trying to do that right now.'

It seems to me that once basic physical needs are met, the need for significant engagement is primary.

So what if:  A process were designed to discover what the possibilities would be for these 20,000 to begin to use what they have in constructive ways.  How many trained facilitators would that take?

What might be some of the important work that folks could do?
    -- Help distribute food, water, etc.  Help keep things clean (a vital, dignified task).
    -- Representatives from the refugees who can report problems and needs as they arise, and help, a la neighborhood watch, with security.
    -- Who could help with childcare, children's education?  Who has creative ideas for this?
    -- Who could work on an oral history project -- recording important memories of communities and lives that will be changed in the future?  Who could make audio recordings?  videos?
    -- Who could help teach all ages new skills -- literacy, woodworking, music, visual arts, even, perhaps, gardening?
    -- Who are the poets, the storytellers, the drama organizers?
    -- Who could organize a chorus or a band?  In 20,000 people, many from New Orleans, there've GOT to be some terrific musicians!  What are the songs that need to be written now?
    -- Who could organize sports teams?  Games?  A tournament?  Celebrations of "New Orleans Spirit"?

Finally, within realistic parameters, how could input be received on future housing and communities?

This would take money - at least to house and feed facilitation team, then modest amounts for supplies for the various kinds of work listed above.  It would require a change of mindset for those in charge - from seeing the refugees as helpless clients (victims) to seeing them as resources.  This is often very hard for the "lady bountiful" attitude that can sneak, or thunder, in. But oh, the riches that could result if we could trust what these folks have to give!  

Do you think that this is a moment in history when the need is so overwhelming that we might be able to try?  If  those who know more than I want to work on this, you can sign me up to go to Houston, or wherever -- or perhaps to help modestly financially to help someone else to go with skills to help plan the processes that will let new life emerge from these losses.  But not to just do things for people - to help free them to do for themselves and for others.

Janice Ulangca