Volunteer group plans New Orleans visit

Youth Advocating Leadership and Learning, known as “Y’ALL,” is holding a call-out meeting today and Wednesday for its upcoming winter trip to New Orleans, which is being taken to repair damage from Hurricane Katrina. \nSince 2005, Y’ALL has taken six trips to New Orleans. More than 700 IU student volunteers having participated. \n“Getting to know what happened first hand and seeing it with my own eyes was a great experience,” said Evan Holloway, planner and co-founder of Y’ALL. \nThe week-long trip, which costs under $200, does have fundraising opportunities available for students. “We want to make it possible for any student to come on the trip,” Holloway said. \nMike Deranek, an executive committee member for Y’ALL said the trip will be going to some of the most in need of repair places in New Orleans.\n“We have a great network out on the coast with the people whom we’ve worked with and this winter break trip is going to be a really good one,” Deranek said. \nY’ALL is planning on taking three buses to New Orleans for the coming winter trip, enough for 120 volunteers. \n“The volunteers will go through training and anyone willing to help is welcome to come,” Deranek said. \nY’ALL’s call-out meeting will take place at 9 p.m. today and Wednesday in the Psychology Building, Room 109. \nMore information for Y’ALL can be found at \nwww.yallrelief.org.