Episode Seven: “Pour Into Others Like Me”
In Episode 7, “Pour Into Others Like Me” we sit down with Dejah and Zion, two students at Thrive New Orleans, and Executive Director Chuck Morse. Thrive equips local youth to lead the city’s growing green-infrastructure economy. From summer camp to on-the-ground storm-water projects, these young leaders are learning to “pour back” into the 9th Ward and the wider New Orleans community.
Why It Matters:
- Community-visioned green infrastructure projects in New Orleans can store approximately 6.5 million gallons of water and add 45 acres of green space—reducing flood risk and creating jobs.
- By transforming how homes and neighborhoods manage water, Thrive New Orleans reduces flood risk and creates safer living conditions for families, making safety a lived, everyday reality rather than a seasonal concern.
- Community-visioned green infrastructure projects in New Orleans can store approximately 6.5 million gallons of water and add 45 acres of green space—reducing flood risk and creating jobs.
Digging Deeper: Reflection Questions
- Dejah and Zion discovered purpose through green work. What helped you uncover your own passion?
- What does “pouring into others” mean to you, and how can you apply that in your community?
- Have you ever had a safe, supportive space like Thrive? How did it shape your choices?
- Was a moment in Dejah’s and Zion’s story resonating with you? Why did it stand out?
- How do Dejah’s and Zion’s stories help us understand why community centers and mentors are so important?
- What stood out about the partnerships Thrive is building between businesses and residents?
Learn More
Grantee Spotlight
Thrive New Orleans is a community-centric organization dedicated to equipping the BIPOC community to develop climate solutions for New Orleans. Thrive works to close the critical skills gap between the growing demand for green workers and opportunities for youth and young adults in the city to learn these skills. Developed to empower families, businesses and communities across New Orleans, Thrive is committed to raising the next generation of Indigenous leaders pouring back into the 9th Ward.