KissMyCountry continues to support the Gulf Restoration Network (GRN) through our USA, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas t-shirts and our blog posts.  In addition to their central mission to collect information about the health of the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Restoration Network is adding to their outreach in response to their increased need for support.  These initiatives – most linking with other Gulf-based organizations – are ways to show your support for efforts there and continue to remain informed.

Blog posts, Interviews and Press Releases
Take time each day to look at the GRN’s informative and compelling blog posts, interviews and press releases.  Their Trajectory Map updates the scope of the oil spill daily, and commentary by GRN staff members such as Aaron Viles and Ellis Pickett showcase problems, issues and individual experiences in the wake of this disaster.  Their focus is on getting information to you and they do.  They are a great source of information and action.

Gulf Future – Joining With Others to Support Coastal Communities in the Gulf
Gulf Future is an effort to increase public support for coastal communities.  Wear a non-petroleum wristband or attend a benefit concert this summer.   For the people affected, knowing that others care is an enormous source of strength.  A coalition of the Gulf Restoration Network and the Gulf Coast Fund, Gulf Future asks us to be visible about our support and concern.  The commitment is small – a $10 donation for a bracelet or the cost of a concert ticket.  However the collective response speaks volumes about the amount of support from around our country.

A Goal to Host 200 Screenings of ‘Defend the Gulf’ on August 29
The greatest challenge of the BP oil spill is that it happened just as Gulf residents had fully recovered from the aftermath of Katrina.  August 29 is the 5^th anniversary of Katrina’s landfall in the Gulf of Mexico and to mark the day the GRN is asking people to host a screening of the ‘Defend the Gulf’ series in their homes, churches or community centers to raise awareness about current needs.  Invite friends and family and the GRN will provide hosts with a DVD, information, and Louisiana goodies.  Their goal is 200 screenings around the country – double the number held last year.

The GRN T-Shirt Quilt
The GRN is making a quilt using each of the t-shirts whose sale is helping to raise money for the GRN as another way to show how many truly care.  KissMyCountry was proud to donate one of our USA t-shirts for this quilt.  We’re guessing this will be displayed in New Orleans or DC or auctioned off.  It’s a work in progress and a great way to show the unified support for the GRN.   We’ll keep you posted.

To stay in touch and show your support, we suggest you follow the GRN’s blogs and updates – and consider wearing a bracelet, attending a concert or hosting a screening.  Thank you for staying informed!