Brad Pitt - Extra Miler
I tend to be among the first to exhibit disdain at the frequently errant behavior of the folks in Hollyweird, most particularly those who find it so darned difficult to stay sober, stay out of court, rehab, jail, and stay in their underpants. It seems only fair, then, to be quick to laud one who is working hard at going the extra mile. Bravo to actor, film producer, and social activist, Brad Pitt, who, through the Make it Right NOLA project is helping rebuild the Katrina-devastated Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans.
According to the project’s Vision Statement, Pitt, who will turn 44 next week:
“… convened a group of experts in New Orleans to brainstorm about building green, affordable housing on a large scale to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. Having spent time with community leaders and displaced residents determined to return home, Pitt realized that an opportunity existed to build houses that were not only stronger and healthier, but that had less impact on the environment.
Previously, Pitt sponsored an architecture competition organized by Global Green with the goal of generating ideas about how to rebuild sustainably. Several of those designs are currently under construction in the Lower 9th Ward and the project inspired him to expand his efforts.
After discussing the hurdles associated with rebuilding in a devastated area, the group determined that a large-scale redevelopment project focused on green affordable housing and incorporating innovative design was indeed possible.
The group settled on the goal of constructing 150 homes (one of the larger rebuilding projects in the city), with an emphasis on developing an affordable system that could be replicated.
To demonstrate replicability, Pitt determined to locate the project in the Lower 9th Ward, one of the most devastated areas of New Orleans, proving that safe homes could and should be rebuilt. Pitt hopes that this project would be a catalyst for recovery and redevelopment throughout the Lower 9th Ward, and across the city of New Orleans.
Having listend to one former resident’s plea to help “make this right,” Pitt was inspired to name the project “Make it Right” (MIR).”
I recently made a donation to the cause, and encourage like-minded readers to do the same. Though additional incentive should be unnecessary, we will forward a personalized copy of our new book, Contented Cows MOOve Faster to the first ten (10) readers who email us (Bill@ContentedCows.com) to advise that they, too have supported Make it Right. (We’re on the honor system here, folks.)
Godspeed!
A thought leader in the areas of leadership and employee engagement, Bill Catlette is a seminar leader, keynote speaker, and executive coach. He helps individuals and organizations improve business outcomes by having a focused, motivated, capably led workforce. For more information about Bill, his partner, Richard, and their work, please visit their website.
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December 14th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Bill: I am working with a group that is renovating an old warehouse very near the primary “Make It Right” location. We have raised over $100,000 in cash and donated items to build “The Village”, a community center to be available to the Lower 9th Ward citizens. I’d be thrilled if you’d look at our blogspot!