Rapid Response Team Reflection

I am Theingi, a Humphrey Program Fellow studying at Tulane University. I joined the Rapid Response Team as a volunteer on October 6, 2012. Inspired by my sponsor, the Fulbright Scholarship of Department of State, I have chosen to volunteer at the Bucket Brigade because I want to help US citizens. I received mail from the Bucket Brigade on December 5th for deployment to the Norco area to conduct community outreach on Friday, December 7th. Despite having an exam on the coming Monday, I decided to take part in the community service.

This was the first time I had ever responded to a chemical emergency. I was excited to meet the residents and interact with them to learn about their daily lives and the problems they face. I met 7 residents on Friday and interviewed them to get the information about the flare incident. Some residents knew about the work of the Bucket Brigade and were willing to share about the incident. I explained to them that by reporting this information, their collective voices could be heard by the government and oil companies. I believe that volunteering at the Bucket Brigade can make a difference. I will help people as much as I can while I am studying in the US.
Wish you all a Happy Holiday!
--by Theingi Soe, Rapid Response Team member