To the Point: After Katrina: Supporting Our Colleagues
Musings from a Deadline-Weary Editor

By John Delavan, Editor In Chief

A few weeks ago, I traveled to New York City on MPI business. Professionally speaking, it was a worthwhile and productive trip, but I found myself quite distracted because Hurricane Katrina—an alarmingly large and potentially destructive storm—was hitting the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Having done my undergraduate studies at Loyola University in New Orleans , I am quite familiar with the city and its many unique attributes, and I have many friends who reside in the area. Or at least they did. Nobody knows if they will be able to return and resume the lives they once had.

In times like these, we all want to provide support and feel like we’re helping, whetherit’s by contributing money, donating food or welcoming evacuees into our homes. One of MPI’s first responses was to create a hurricane relief page on MPIWeb (www.mpiweb.org/ katrina), which offers interactive message boards, news updates and links to other pivotal resources. Within only a few days, many MPI members from around the world were posting messages of hope and support for members of the association’s Gulf States Chapter.

“We have all been touched by this terrific tragedy and are saddened by the scope of this destruction. We pray for our colleagues and your families to gather the strength and courage you need during this difficult time. … Remember you are not alone! Your professional family cares deeply for you all.”

– Linda Mansouria, CMP, CMM, MPI Northern California Chapter

“All of us as MPI members in South Africa send warm wishes and heartfelt sympathies on this terrible tragedy in New Orleans and surrounding areas. … We are thinking of you all and pray for a speedy end to this tragedy.”

– Helen Brewer, MPI United Kingdom Chapter

“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days. I also hope you feel the love of all of us who make up your MPI family. Whatever you need, we are here for you.”

– Ann Godi, CMP, MPI Georgia Chapter

“On behalf of the Houston Area Chapter, our thoughts and sympathy go out to all of the victims of this horrible disaster. Several members are volunteering at the Houston shelters and we are collecting clothing. … Any effort seems so humble in light of such an overwhelming tragedy. Please let us know how else we may help.” – Vicky Corrington, MPI Houston Area Chapter

“On behalf of the Toronto Chapter, we want you to know that we are thinking of you and your overwhelming circumstances. … We encourage your community to keep strong. There is a light at the end of this tunnel.” – Alice Parnis, MPI Toronto Chapter

“On behalf of all the Italian members of MPI, I wish to share my sincere sympathy with the families of the victims of this tremendous disaster.” – Paolo Missiaja, MPI Italia Chapter

“New Orleans will be rebuilt with the assistance of organizations such as MPI. We may be down now, but we are NOT out. Please keep New Orleans and the entire Gulf South Region (our friends in Biloxi and all over Mississippi and Louisiana) in your hearts and prayers.” – Rachel Collier Vella, MPI Gulf States Chapter 

As the U.S. Gulf Coast recovers from this devastating storm, please keep in mind MPI colleagues who need your support. Comments such as these reveal that MPI is a family, not merely a professional association. Togetherwe can help rebuild careers and lives.

JOHN DELAVAN is MPI’s director of publications and editor in chief of The Meeting Professional. Contact him at jd@mpiweb.org.