The 32nd annual conference is over. NSNC columnists have left to back to their homes, back to jobs and newspapers all over the U.S. The theme of the conference was "We have not forgotten." We were so welcomed by the city and people were both surprised and grateful that we wanted to come back there.
It has been traumatic and emotional, in spite of taking time for fun. So many in this city have suffered and are still suffering from post-traumatic stress. They are working hard to recover, but feel forgotten while the media goes chasing after new stories to report.
There are organizations that are working to help New Orleans help itself. If you can volunteer, please go there and do so. No expertise is nececessary, just a willing spirit and desire to help. If you can't work at rebuilding -- go anyhow. The tourist industry is up and running. The people are friendly. The food is wonderful.
New Orleans needs us to go there, to visit them, show support and to let them know that we do understand, have not forgotten, and most of all that we care.
The city is not under water. But we have seen devastation beyond what we imagined could possibly still exist. The magnitude of what happened here is truly overwhelming. Numerous columns will be written all over the country by our members. A book is in the making.
New Orleans - thank you for making us so welcome. Now, more than ever, we can say "We have not forgotten." It has been a life changing experience to come here. And we intend to do all we can to see than others do not forget you either.
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