Group Volunteer FAQs

I AM COORDINATING A GROUP VOLUNTEERING EVENT. SHOULD THE VOLUNTEERS SIGN UP INDIVIDUALLY?

If it’s a large group, please reach out to rachel@soulnola.org directly. She may ask that each individual sign up, depending on the situation.

IF I’M A MINOR CAN I STILL VOLUNTEER?

If you are currently in high school and would like to volunteer, we ask that there is at least a 5:1 student/chaperone ratio. We don’t allow groups younger than high schoolers at maintenance events, and we don’t allow groups younger than high school age at tree planting events.

CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN?

If you bring your child, we ask that you monitor your child at all times. We use pickaxes, shovels, and sometimes heavier duty tools that can be dangerous.

DOES SOUL COORDINATE PRIVATE VOLUNTEER EVENTS?

SOUL will coordinate private volunteer events for your group, please contact Melody Arcia at marcia@soulnola.org

CAN MY COMPANY SPONSOR A PRIVATE TREE PLANTING EVENT?

Yes, contact Susannah Burley for more information. We are happy to tailor an event specifically for your company.

You can reach her at: sburley@soulnola.org

WILL WE BE TRAINED ON HOW TO PLANT THE TREES?

Of course! We have some well trained team captains who have been volunteering with us for years. You will always have them close by to refer to and we will provide a demonstration before we send you off.

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING TO THE PLANTINGS?

Coffee and bagels will available at the beginning of each planting, water all day, and lunch and beer after the event. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. If there is rain, please bring rain boots, rain jackets, and umbrellas. Gloves and tools are provided. You may consider bringing a hat and sunscreen. Please bring your own reusable water bottle.

WILL AN EVENT BE CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN?

It seems it is always raining in New Orleans, so at SOUL we plant trees rain or shine. However, if thunderstorms or other severe weather are in the forecast, we will postpone and sometimes cancel. If an event is cancelled, this information will be posted on our facebook page, our website, and an email will be sent out as soon as the cancellation is confirmed.