No matter what your skills or interests, there's probably a place for you in the VIP (Volunteer In Parks) program at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Current Jean Lafitte VIP projects include
- Helping with children's programs
- Operating boats for ranger-guided bayou tours
- Teaching Cajun dancing
- Firing cannons during the annual Battle of New Orleans commemoration
- Doing carpentry and landscaping projects
- Working with the park libary and museum collections
- Maintaining trails
- Assisting with visitor center operations
For more information, call the site where you would like to work (see park home page for site list) or e-mail the park. Your volunteer job may require training, which will be provided by the park, and uniforms may be provided for long-term volunteers.
Special opportunity: to get involved in the annual Battle of New Orleans event, call 504-589-3882 ext. 121. Volunteers are needed for four-hour shifts January 8 through 11 to set up and take down tents, distribute supplies to living history reenactors, direct traffic, and assist National Park Service rangers.
Project days which require little training and a minimum time commitment are regularly scheduled at some Jean Lafitte sites. Volunteers might help staff a park booth at a festival, dig out invasive plants, or take photographs during an event. Group projects can also be arranged. E-mail the park to get on the mailing list for upcoming opportunities.
Equal Opportunity Policy: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Park and Preserve is committed to a strong nondiscrimination policy respecting its employees and volunteers. Its policy is to provide equal opportunities for all and to eliminate discrimination based on sex (including sexual harassment and sexual orientation), race, color, national origin, religion, age, and disability.
