Two Years Later, the Lamp Still Burns

Greetings, I serve as President for the collegiate chapter of the NAACP at Baylor University. Our chapter, like many small groups on campus, struggles to compete for fundraising attention with larger, less politically-charged organizations. Thanks to the vision of myself and a fellow student, we have grown our chapter but revitalizing the social justice effort on our campus has been much more difficult. I am among few individuals aiming to promote efforts of social justice change, especially in promoting popular but overlooked areas of need. More specifically, many people are not aware that the New Orleans area still needs relief workers in the midst of impoverished communitities and low staffing in public health and housing facilities. Since my first trip back in March of 2006, I have always wanted to go back to give my time and energy. Since hearing more about the need that remains in the area, through the website http://www.voicesfromthegulf.com (sponosred by www.colorofchange.org), I have a vision to take our NAACP group with me on my second alternative spring break effort to the region. I have done the groundwork to contact organizations and fellow student change agents in the region and the idea looks promising. As the details come together, I thought to apply for a Plum Grant to assist our efforts. We would stay with contacts at Tulane University from March 7 - 15, 2008 with housing and meals at a fee of just $25 each day. I would like to apply for a grant that would aid with $500 of the roughly $4000 it will cost us to take just half our members. However, ever bit will help and any advice offered would be greatly appreciated. Humbly yours,Nekpen Osuan, nekpen.osuan@gmail.com