News of Hurricane Katrina's devastation in the entire Gulf Coast area has sent a shockwave through the nation. We are gripped with great anxiety and concern as news of the disaster has unfolded. We remember well how just a little under 10 months ago, NAAEE held its 33rd Annual Conference in Biloxi, MS, where we shared our dreams and aspirations together with environmental educators from the Gulf Coast area.

It's heartbreaking to see pictures of the destruction in a once serene land where we enjoyed gentle hospitality and friendship. We want you to know that now, more than ever, we hold our friends dear to our hearts - particularly our 2004 Conference co-chairs, John Guyton and Barbara Dorr.

As President of NAAEE, I urge all environmental educators to respond to this emergency situation with a contribution of support to the region if you have not already done so. As media reports often tell us, at this time a CASH contribution does much more good than food or clothing, because the charities can direct funds quickly to where it will do the most good as the situation changes.

At the following site from the Biloxi Sun Herald newspaper, you will find links to organizations that have established funds to aid the region. Please donate generously.

http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/

Joe Baust, Ed.D.

President

NAAEE