KARE Project Recognized With National Award

Clif Boutelle

In the aftermath of the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Steven Rogelberg led a SIOP effort in creating KARE (Katrina Aid and Relief Effort) so that I-O psychologists could provide support and assistance to the storm’s business community victims.

SIOP was joined by the Society of Consulting Psychology in mobilizing nearly 50 volunteer I-O and consulting psychologists to help hurricane-affected businesses recover or rebuild.

That effort has resulted in the American Society of Association Executives and the Center for Association Leadership naming SIOP to its 2007 Associations Advance America Honor Roll.

The award recognizes associations that develop programs that move America forward with innovative projects, skills training, standards setting, business and social innovation, and community service.

“SIOP’s KARE project truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign. It’s an honor and an inspiration to showcase this activity as an example of how an association or society can contribute to our society,” said Charles McGrath, chair of the Associations Advance America Committee.

“There was a great need to assist SIOP Members and Student Affiliates affected by the storm as well as businesses, workers and workplaces damaged or devastated by Katrina,” said John Fennig, current KARE chair.

KARE’s Web-based “help and response” center, received thousands of hits and nearly 100 e-mails offering pro bono consulting help. Others offered internship opportunities, housing assistance, and office space. In a few cases KARE worked with journal publishers to help rebuild destroyed personal libraries.

The 2006 APA Convention in New Orleans offered an ideal opportunity and venue for KARE to announce and formally launch its work. A ballroom was reserved at the Wyndham Canal Place Hotel, and on August 11–12, Division 14 and 13 volunteer psychologists were on hand to offer their services to business owners, managers and individuals hard hit by Katrina.

“We felt the services that I-O and consulting psychologists could provide would be hugely beneficial to businesses. We were able to link individuals and businesses with appropriate experts, provide customized consulting on a walk-in or appointment basis, and offer free seminars by top I-O and consulting psychologists,” said Vicki Vandaveer, who chaired the KARE–APA project.

On-site seminars conducted by SIOP members included “Selecting and Retaining Employees” by Joan Brannick, “Managing Stress” by Val Arnold, “Managing Change in Turbulent Times” by Randy White, and “Managing a Diverse Workforce” by Michelle Collins.

More than 40 people attended the KARE booth.  All expressed their appreciation for the psychologists’ efforts and several walked away from the event with handfuls of KARE materials to share with others who might benefit.

Work is ongoing with many of the attendees and organizations, and inquiries are still coming in on the 800 line generously contributed and staffed by Alan Davidson, a KARE team member with considerable experience and expertise in disaster relief.

One of KARE’s valued clients, the LA-SPCA, developed and presented a PowerPoint presentation (posted on the SIOP Web site) relating how Katrina impacted that organization and the challenges it faced, and how KARE consultants have helped them.  Representatives of LA-SPCA came to the KARE booth and told other organizations and individuals how KARE had aided their recovery efforts.

Also, a local public relations firm, Marketing Etcetera, was hired to promote the event, including creating and distributing flyers to New Orleans businesses and arranging for TV, radio, and print advertising. These efforts provided tremendous visibility and awareness by demonstrating what I-O and consulting psychology can do for businesses and their leaders.

In addition to Fennig, Vandaveer, and Davidson, KARE team members include Adrienne Colella, Jim Diefendorff, Leaetta Hough, David Nershi, Donald Truxillo, Greg Gormanous, Nic Bencaz, Diana Clarke and John Cornwell.