Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Relief Spark!

OPERATION - JOPLIN, MO - RELIEF SPARK BASE CAMP

Since our launch in August of 2005; the team of Relief Spark has worked hands-on with over 10,000 volunteers from around the world! From our launch in Los Angeles, CA to our current work with public schools in New Orleans; Relief Spark offers an unique approach to voluntourism that only a city and culture like New Orleans can offer.

From our many years of experience, our team selects no more than 1-2 groups to work with each week during Winter and Spring Break. After a group has sent in their confirmation and chosen their type of housing, we begin creating an unique volunteer experience based upon the groups interests.

Below is additional information on each aspect of our program:

PROJECTS
Relief Spark is currently working with public schools by way of light-duty remodeling (interior/exterior painting, mural painting); landscape design and planting; gardening (ground and rooftop); rebuilding; individual tutoring and career counseling. We are currently supporting McDonogh 42 in the Treme. The school serves over 500 children pre-k to 8th grade and is located just a few blocks off of Esplanade. For 2011, we are also taking on a playground rebuild in Metairie, LA at Kinder Haus Montessori. This project is excellent for large groups as it will cover not only design and rebuild of the playground area, but of exterior painting and gardening.

HOUSING
Relief Spark offers three options for housing. The first is a luxurious bed and breakfast located in the Lower Garden District. Each Suite offers attached bathrooms with toilet, sink, shower/tub and sleeps 3 people. The second option is a luxury rental house near our job site and the third is within a community center located near the French Quarter. All housing is based upon "first come, first served" and the rental properties house one group at a time. More information regarding housing is available in the Housing Fee Disclosure.

MEALS
Relief Spark has partnered with Whole Foods and offers 3 meals a day, per person. Breakfast and dinner are delivered to your housing and lunch is delivered on the job site. If you and your group are staying in a rental house, you have the option to purchase your own food and prepare/cook meals in the kitchen. All cookware, cooking utensils, dinnerware, silverware and cups will be available for your use. For additional information regarding meal options through Whole Foods, please refer to the Meal Selection Form.

SUPPLIES/SAFETY GEAR
Based upon the projects you wish to get involved in; all supplies, tools and gear are purchased prior to your arrival.

TRANSPORTATION
We can provide your group with transportation provided by our partnership with Enterprise Leasing. We hire local drivers who carry a CDL and all of our vehicles are insured with the highest available commercial coverage. If you are interested in more details regarding our transportation package, please let us know in your volunteer request and we will forward information to you.

WORK SCHEDULE
Most of our programs begin at 9am and conclude 4/5pm - Monday - Friday. We do not work over the weekend as these days are reserved for arriving and departing volunteers.

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
After submitting your volunteer request, we will send to you an Entertainment Schedule along with other information regarding our program. This schedule is a line up of nightly activities that your group can attend and/or participate in. Most activities will have no additional cost while others may. Activities range from concerts, to jazz performances, Audubon Zoo/Aquarium/Insectarium, Audubon Park Crawfish Boil, The Fly BBQ, rebuilding tour, Guest Speakers, House of Blues, Tipitina's, Ghost Tours of the French Quarter, Mardi Gras parades, concerts in parks - or anything else that we find as value to you as a tourist AND volunteer during your time with us!

GENERAL
Due to the popularity of our program, we will accept a max of 30 volunteers per week per house/B&B property. We do not accommodate single volunteers and will be happy to refer you to another organization. *We can accommodate families and young children - please let us know via your volunteer request. To view our volunteer availability calendar, please click here.

Please fill out the below form completely. Within 24-48 hours you will receive a phone call from a Volunteer Coordinator and a follow-up email. If you wish to confirm you can either respond by email or text message us at: 504.377.7854.