[StBernard] Radical Joy for Hard Times to hold public gatherings for those impacted by the BP oil spill

[Westley Annis]

Radical Joy for Hard Times to hold public gatherings for those impacted by
the BP oil spill

Radical Joy for Hard Times is a non-profit organization whose mission is to
give people the opportunity to deeply connect with places that have been
damaged through human or natural acts.  The Gulf Coast Rising Project is the
latest venture in the organization's effort. On Saturday, October 30th,
communities affected by the BP oil spill will gather to acknowledge how the
oil spill has affected their lives, how they've been hurt, how they've coped
and who and what has given them strength. 

Radical Joy for Hard Times is asking Gulf Coast citizens, groups and their
supporters to join the effort by organizing an event, participating in one
that is already happening or by becoming part of the Gulf Coast Rising
support network. Supporters can sponsor, volunteer, spread the word or sign
up to endorse the project. For more information and to register, visit their
website at http://www.radicaljoyforhardtimes.org
<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=pejne5bab&et=1103741938622&s=1087&e=001JKBB-V
jVkli3T8W2Nhy6jD6saVVkeJTrfh-RzouaSLWBvkFueHYfv0zX5Eia-EXpt8keM-OkoVa2mG13wG
grhF4RL2Q66turYlwOU1xLGvwfjsHvmn3R1P0uO8sqk-tuozpSW8AcoXU=> .

 

Gatherings can be formal or informal, public or private. A photograph will
be taken of each group, and groups who want to be part of The Big Picture
Challenge will create a design large enough to be seen from the air - 25
feet or more - to be considered for inclusion in a special limited number of
aerial photographs to be taken that day by the award winning New Orleans
photographer, Matthew D. White.  All the photographs will be combined and
everyone will receive a presentation on digital disc.

 

 "Many people and organizations are working tirelessly to clean up the land
and waters and rescue wildlife along the Gulf", said Trebbe Johnson, Founder
and Executive Director of Radical Joy for Hard Times. "Others are working
with people whose lives have been turned upside down, counseling them and
helping them to find work. Gulf Coast Rising honors and affirms the deep
connection between people and the places where they live and that they love.
When the place we love is damaged, it hurts. By creating simple acts of
beauty, we heal each other and our homeland.  Radical Joy for Hard Times is
honored to offer this day of solidarity, healing, and beauty for this
beautiful, resilient land and people".

 

"This type of group interaction and therapy is so important after a
devastating event," St. Bernard Parish President Craig Taffaro said of the
group's plans to hold the public gatherings in St. Bernard. "This will help
rebuild and strengthen bonds in the community and provide an aesthetic
outlet for our citizens. I'd like to thank Radical Joy for Hard Times for
organizing such an event." 

 

For more information and to register, visit their website at
http://www.radicaljoyforhardtimes.org
<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=pejne5bab&et=1103741938622&s=1087&e=001JKBB-V
jVkli3T8W2Nhy6jD6saVVkeJTrfh-RzouaSLWBvkFueHYfv0zX5Eia-EXpt8keM-OkoVa2mG13wG
grhF4RL2Q66turYlwOU1xLGvwfjsHvmn3R1P0uO8sqk-tuozpSW8AcoXU=> .