lowernine.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the long-term recovery of New Orleans’ historic Lower Ninth Ward following Hurricane Katrina and the levee breaches of 2005. We are actively engaged in the long-term recovery of the hardest-hit, slowest-recovering community in the Gulf Coast region. We use volunteer labor under skilled supervision to rebuild and repair the homes of pre-Katrina residents of the neighborhood.
The 2005 population of the Lower Ninth Ward (prior to the levee breaches) was 98.1% African-American, and over 60% lived below the area mean income. Despite this, we enjoyed one of the highest rates of Black homeownership in the nation, because our residents were the descendents of some of New Orleans’ first free people of color. Many owned their homes outright, as they had been passed down from generation to generation.
Volunteers and skilled staff rebuild flood-damaged properties, bringing the cost of construction down to approximately 30% of open market rate. Since 2007, lowernine.org has completed 90 full rebuilds and more than 300 housing repairs, such as siding and roof replacements. These efforts have brought more pre-Katrina families back to this community than any other organization.
lowernine.org is strongest with a team diverse in age, race, class, gender expression, sexual orientation, faith, and ability. We welcome all candidates who are respectful and will do the job well. We are committed to maintaining a discrimination-free workplace now and always.
Americorps outreach coordinator
lowernine.org is currently seeking an Americorps Outreach Coordinator. The ideal Americorps member for this position would be well-organized, proactive, and committed to New Orleans’ recovery from damage suffered in the 2005 levee breaches following Hurricane Katrina. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and organizational skills, and an ability to adapt to a wide variety of work ranging from social media management to volunteer coordination.
This position will take place primarily in the office but may require occasional fieldwork in order to collect information, take photos for social media, and support operations at the Levee Food Pantry. The majority of the time will be spent with the Executive Director, collaborating on record-keeping for grant reporting, social media strategy, and outreach to donors, volunteers, and potential partners. In an average week, the AmeriCorps member may spend up to 10 hours in the field assisting with food distribution through the Levee Pantry. During our busiest times (roughly December - May, especially March), the work week may involve more direct support to Crew Leaders and the Project Manager. We will provide on-the-job training for each task as needed.
Duties include:
- Coordinating volunteers before, during, and after service. This includes communication with volunteers via email and Omprakash (our volunteer platform) and with the Project Manager to ensure that weekly schedules are appropriate for the number of volunteers and projects available.
- Assisting the Executive Director with the Lower Ninth Ward Food Distribution program through coordinating volunteers and materials, and assisting our partner organization Common Ground Relief on-site.
- Recordkeeping on projects completed, allocations of money, and volunteer numbers for grant reporting to funders.
- Maintaining up-to-date tool inventories, warehouse inventories, and public wish lists for in-kind donations.
- Logging work completed on construction sites, including taking and storing photos.
- Requesting in-kind donations of services and materials.
- Updating project summaries on the website and in physical on-site project binders.
- Posting to social media channels about lowernine.org’s ongoing work completed and needs for tools and materials.
- Administering client exit survey to evaluate the efficacy of lowernine.org’s rebuild program.
- Scheduling appointments for the Levee Pantry and monthly numbers reporting to Second Harvest Food Bank.
- Facilitating client intake once a week at the Levee Pantry.
Goals:
- Improve lowernine.org’s internal record keeping and client database
- Increase client engagement and community involvement
- Successfully recruit long-term volunteers for service
- Gain an understanding of long-term disaster recovery and racial and socioeconomic disparities in Katrina recovery
Qualifications:
- Positive attitude, flexible nature
- Independence tempered by the ability to follow directions and abide by a work plan
- Ability to interact professionally with staff and associates
- Strong organizational skills evidencing attention to detail
- Ability to be a self-starter
- Driver’s license and/or car available to transport volunteers and materials during the workday strongly preferred.
lowernine.org is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse staff. Persons identifying as women, people of color, LGBTQ, disabled, and/or veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@lowernine.org with the subject "Americorps Outreach Coordinator Application - [First Initial, Last Name]". Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, for an ideal start in September 2021.
For more information on the Americorps position, see attached flyer.
Americorps crew leader
lowernine.org is currently seeking a new team member to lead volunteer construction crews and work on residential construction projects in the Lower Ninth Ward. The ideal Americorps member for this position would be well-organized, proactive, and committed to New Orleans’ recovery from damage suffered in the 2005 levee breaches following Hurricane Katrina. They should possess at least a basic knowledge of conventional residential construction skills and a familiarity with tools and their functions (or a willingness to learn). The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, be capable of leading groups of up to 15 volunteers, and be able to give instructions in a clear, concise manner. Our most common projects are framing, installing insulation and sheetrock, tiling, painting, and siding.
This position will take place primarily on work sites and include some support responsibilities. The majority of the time will be spent leading and teaching volunteers in the field, and other construction-related responsibilities such as assuring adequate materials are available and on work sites. In an average week, the AmeriCorps member may spend up to 8 hours in an office environment. During our busiest times (roughly December - May, especially March), the work week will be entirely in the field instructing volunteers. We will provide on-the-job training for each rebuild task as needed.
Duties include:
-Leading groups of up to 15 volunteers on worksites, instructing them in proper building methods and safety.
-Teaching volunteers building skills as needed to complete their tasks.
-Completing construction projects ranging from roofing to flooring to drywall install/finishing to painting; oversee quality of workmanship.
-Assisting skilled subcontractors with site assessments as needed. Initiate skilled support consultation as needed.
-Assuring that each site has the appropriate materials and tools, and responsible for cleaning and maintaining tools.
-Securing the job site at the end of each day.
-Communicating project receipts and records of in-kind material donations to the Projects Manager.
-Working with the Projects Manager to assess how many volunteers can be put to effective use on each site.
-Attending morning staff meetings and weekly project meetings with Crew Leaders, Executive Director, Projects Manager, Outreach Coordinator, and other relevant parties.
Goals:
-Lead volunteers on 10 different work sites throughout the year
-Complete 5 small repair projects
-Contribute to 3 full rebuild projects
-Gain understanding of long-term disaster recovery and racial and socioeconomic disparities in Katrina recovery
Qualifications:
-Positive attitude, flexible nature
-Independence tempered by the ability to follow directions and abide by a work plan
-Ability to interact professionally with staff and associates
-Building/construction skills preferred, but not required
-Strong organizational skills evidencing attention to detail
-Ability to be a self-starter
-Driver’s license and/or car available to transport volunteers and materials during the workday strongly preferred.
lowernine.org is strongest with a team diverse in age, race, class, gender expression, sexual orientation, and ability. We welcome all candidates who are respectful and will do the job well. We are committed to maintaining a discrimination-free workplace now and always. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@lowernine.org with the subject "Americorps Crew Leader Application - [First Initial, Last Name]". Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, for an ideal start in September 2021.
For information on the Americorps position, see attached flyer.
part-time crew leader
lowernine.org is currently seeking a new part-time team member to lead volunteer crews and work on residential projects in the Lower Ninth Ward. Current projects include construction and occasional assistance at our food pantry. The ideal candidate for this position would be well-organized, proactive, and committed to New Orleans’ recovery from damage suffered in the 2005 levee breaches following Hurricane Katrina. They should possess a basic knowledge of conventional residential construction skills and a familiarity with tools and their functions. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, be capable of leading groups of up to 10 volunteers, and be able to give instructions in a clear, concise manner. Our most common construction projects are framing, installing insulation and sheetrock, tiling, painting, and siding.
This position will take place 2-3 days a week, 8 AM -4 PM on our worksite. The majority of the time will be spent leading and teaching volunteers in the field, and other construction-related responsibilities such as assuring adequate materials are available and on work sites. We will provide on-the-job training for each rebuild task as needed.
Rebuild duties include:
- Leading groups of up to 10 volunteers on worksites, instructing them in proper building methods and safety.
- Teaching volunteers building skills as needed to complete their tasks.
- Completing construction projects ranging from roofing to flooring to drywall install/finishing to painting; oversee the quality of workmanship.
- Assisting skilled subcontractors with site assessments as needed. Initiate skilled support consultation as needed.
- Assuring that each site has the appropriate materials and tools, and responsible for cleaning and maintaining tools.
- Securing the job site at the end of each day.
- Communicating project receipts and records of in-kind material donations to the Projects Manager.
- Working with the Projects Manager to assess how many volunteers can be put to effective use on each site.
- Attending morning staff meetings and weekly project meetings with Crew Leaders, Executive Director, Projects Manager, Outreach Coordinator, and other relevant parties.
Qualifications:
-Positive attitude, flexible nature
-Independence tempered by the ability to follow directions and abide by a work plan
-Ability to interact professionally with staff and associates
-Building/construction skills preferred, but not required
-Strong organizational skills evidencing attention to detail
-Ability to be a self-starter
-Driver’s license and/or car available to transport volunteers and materials during the workday strongly preferred.
lowernine.org is strongest with a team diverse in age, race, class, gender expression, sexual orientation, and ability. We welcome all candidates who are respectful and will do the job well. We are committed to maintaining a discrimination-free workplace now and always. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@lowernine.org with the subject "Crew Leader Application - [First Initial, Last Name]". Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
development and rebuild interns:
Internships are available year-round, and require a minimum 3 month commitment. These positions are unpaid. If you live elsewhere in the New Orleans area, you are welcome to intern in a part-time capacity. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply!
We accept development intern support year-round, but are currently focusing on hiring interns to manage the following campaigns:
Mardi Gras Restaurant Fundraising Campaign Intern: Intern will assist lowernine.org with setting up our Mardi Gras fundraising campaign. Work will include researching potential out-of-state hosts from across the country, securing in-kind donations of NOLA products and services for incentives packages for restaurants, and assisting in the planning stages of the campaign, which will be nationwide, and will culminate in a series of Mardi Gras events the weekend leading up to Mardi Gras, or on Fat Tuesday itself. Position will be a minimum of 6 hours / week. Applicant should be able to self-direct work, be detail-oriented, and interested in learning about grassroots non-profit work and development and fundraising. Intern will be supervised by Executive Director Laura Paul. Resume and Cover letter should be submitted to laura@lowernine.org.
Year-End Campaign Development Intern: Intern will assist lowernine.org with managing our annual year-end fundraising mailing and online campaign. They will manage social media, and assist with implementation and design of campaign, among other tasks. Applicant should be creative and well versed in social media and google spreadsheets, or be willing and eager to learn. Position will be a minimum of 6 hours / week. Intern will have the ability to learn first-hand about fundraising in a small non-profit, and to participate in a campaign that, in past years, has raised an average of 20% of the organizations’ annual budget. Intern will be supervised by Executive Director Laura Paul. Resume and Cover letter should be submitted to laura@lowernine.org.
Additional development intern responsibilities may include:
- Balancing administrative and clerical tasks
- Office bookkeeping
- Database management
- Independent project management along with research into opportunities for funding and organizational development
- Coordinating with Executive Director regarding partnership and program opportunities
- Managing lowernine.org's social media presence
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with rebuild projects, including framing, hanging drywall, mudding and sanding drywall, finish carpentry, roofing, exterior siding and tiling
- Training and supervising volunteers on job sites
- Supporting the Project Manager in management of tool inventory and enforcement of job site safety standards
- Performing other reasonable job related duties as assigned
- Experience in carpentry or general construction is preferred, but not required. Drivers license and personal vehicle are preferred, but not necessary.
Please send your resume and cover letter, including the dates you are available to work, to volunteer@lowernine.org.
lowernine.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the long-term recovery of New Orleans’ historic Lower Ninth Ward following Hurricane Katrina and the levee breaches of 2005. We are actively engaged in the long-term recovery of the hardest-hit, slowest-recovering community in the Gulf Coast region. We use volunteer labor under skilled supervision to rebuild and repair the homes of pre-Katrina residents of the neighborhood.
The 2005 population of the Lower Ninth Ward (prior to the levee breaches) was 98.1% African-American, and over 60% lived below the area mean income. Despite this, we enjoyed one of the highest rates of Black homeownership in the nation, because our residents were the descendents of some of New Orleans’ first free people of color. Many owned their homes outright, as they had been passed down from generation to generation.
Volunteers and skilled staff rebuild flood-damaged properties, bringing the cost of construction down to approximately 30% of open market rate. Since 2007, lowernine.org has completed 90 full rebuilds and more than 300 housing repairs, such as siding and roof replacements. These efforts have brought more pre-Katrina families back to this community than any other organization.
lowernine.org is strongest with a team diverse in age, race, class, gender expression, sexual orientation, faith, and ability. We welcome all candidates who are respectful and will do the job well. We are committed to maintaining a discrimination-free workplace now and always.
americorps outreach coordinator
lowernine.org is currently seeking an Americorps Outreach Coordinator. The ideal Americorps member for this position would be well-organized, proactive, and committed to New Orleans’ recovery from damage suffered in the 2005 levee breaches following Hurricane Katrina. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and organizational skills, and an ability to adapt to a wide variety of work ranging from social media management to volunteer coordination.
This position will take place primarily in the office but may require occasional fieldwork in order to collect information, take photos for social media, and support operations at the Levee Food Pantry. The majority of the time will be spent with the Executive Director, collaborating on record-keeping for grant reporting, social media strategy, and outreach to donors, volunteers, and potential partners. In an average week, the AmeriCorps member may spend up to 10 hours in the field assisting with food distribution through the Levee Pantry. During our busiest times (roughly December – May, especially March), the work week may involve more direct support to Crew Leaders and the Project Manager. We will provide on-the-job training for each task as needed.
Duties include
- Coordinating volunteers before, during, and after service. This includes communication with volunteers via email and Omprakash (our volunteer platform) and with the Project Manager to ensure that weekly schedules are appropriate for the number of volunteers and projects available.
- Assisting the Executive Director with the Lower Ninth Ward Food Distribution program through coordinating volunteers and materials, and assisting our partner organization Common Ground Relief on-site.
- Recordkeeping on projects completed, allocations of money, and volunteer numbers for grant reporting to funders.
- Maintaining up-to-date tool inventories, warehouse inventories, and public wish lists for in-kind donations.
- Logging work completed on construction sites, including taking and storing photos.
- Requesting in-kind donations of services and materials.
- Updating project summaries on the website and in physical on-site project binders.
- Posting to social media channels about lowernine.org’s ongoing work completed and needs for tools and materials.
- Administering client exit survey to evaluate the efficacy of lowernine.org’s rebuild program.
- Scheduling appointments for the Levee Pantry and monthly numbers reporting to Second Harvest Food Bank.
- Facilitating client intake once a week at the Levee Pantry.
Goals
- Improve lowernine.org’s internal record keeping and client database
- Increase client engagement and community involvement
- Successfully recruit long-term volunteers for service
- Gain an understanding of long-term disaster recovery and racial and socioeconomic disparities in Katrina recovery
Qualifications
- Positive attitude, flexible nature
- Independence tempered by the ability to follow directions and abide by a work plan
- Ability to interact professionally with staff and associates
- Strong organizational skills evidencing attention to detail
- Ability to be a self-starter
- Driver’s license and/or car available to transport volunteers and materials during the workday strongly preferred.
lowernine.org is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse staff. Persons identifying as women, people of color, LGBTQ, disabled, and/or veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@lowernine.org with the subject “Americorps Outreach Coordinator Application – [First Initial, Last Name]”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, for an ideal start in September 2021.
For more information on the Americorps position, see attached flyer.
lowernine.org is currently seeking an Americorps Outreach Coordinator. The ideal Americorps member for this position would be well-organized, proactive, and committed to New Orleans’ recovery from damage suffered in the 2005 levee breaches following Hurricane Katrina. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and organizational skills, and an ability to adapt to a wide variety of work ranging from social media management to volunteer coordination.
This position will take place primarily in the office but may require occasional fieldwork in order to collect information, take photos for social media, and support operations at the Levee Food Pantry. The majority of the time will be spent with the Executive Director, collaborating on record-keeping for grant reporting, social media strategy, and outreach to donors, volunteers, and potential partners. In an average week, the AmeriCorps member may spend up to 10 hours in the field assisting with food distribution through the Levee Pantry. During our busiest times (roughly December – May, especially March), the work week may involve more direct support to Crew Leaders and the Project Manager. We will provide on-the-job training for each task as needed.
Duties include
- Coordinating volunteers before, during, and after service. This includes communication with volunteers via email and Omprakash (our volunteer platform) and with the Project Manager to ensure that weekly schedules are appropriate for the number of volunteers and projects available.
- Assisting the Executive Director with the Lower Ninth Ward Food Distribution program through coordinating volunteers and materials, and assisting our partner organization Common Ground Relief on-site.
- Recordkeeping on projects completed, allocations of money, and volunteer numbers for grant reporting to funders.
- Maintaining up-to-date tool inventories, warehouse inventories, and public wish lists for in-kind donations.
- Logging work completed on construction sites, including taking and storing photos.
- Requesting in-kind donations of services and materials.
- Updating project summaries on the website and in physical on-site project binders.
- Posting to social media channels about lowernine.org’s ongoing work completed and needs for tools and materials.
- Administering client exit survey to evaluate the efficacy of lowernine.org’s rebuild program.
- Scheduling appointments for the Levee Pantry and monthly numbers reporting to Second Harvest Food Bank.
- Facilitating client intake once a week at the Levee Pantry.
Goals
- Improve lowernine.org’s internal record keeping and client database
- Increase client engagement and community involvement
- Successfully recruit long-term volunteers for service
- Gain an understanding of long-term disaster recovery and racial and socioeconomic disparities in Katrina recovery
Qualifications
- Positive attitude, flexible nature
- Independence tempered by the ability to follow directions and abide by a work plan
- Ability to interact professionally with staff and associates
- Strong organizational skills evidencing attention to detail
- Ability to be a self-starter
- Driver’s license and/or car available to transport volunteers and materials during the workday strongly preferred.
lowernine.org is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse staff. Persons identifying as women, people of color, LGBTQ, disabled, and/or veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@lowernine.org with the subject “Americorps Outreach Coordinator Application – [First Initial, Last Name]”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, for an ideal start in September 2021.
For more information on the Americorps position, see attached flyer.
americorps crew leader
lowernine.org is currently seeking a new team member to lead volunteer construction crews and work on residential construction projects in the Lower Ninth Ward. The ideal Americorps member for this position would be well-organized, proactive, and committed to New Orleans’ recovery from damage suffered in the 2005 levee breaches following Hurricane Katrina. They should possess at least a basic knowledge of conventional residential construction skills and a familiarity with tools and their functions (or a willingness to learn). The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, be capable of leading groups of up to 15 volunteers, and be able to give instructions in a clear, concise manner. Our most common projects are framing, installing insulation and sheetrock, tiling, painting, and siding.
This position will take place primarily on work sites and include some support responsibilities. The majority of the time will be spent leading and teaching volunteers in the field, and other construction-related responsibilities such as assuring adequate materials are available and on work sites. In an average week, the AmeriCorps member may spend up to 8 hours in an office environment. During our busiest times (roughly December – May, especially March), the work week will be entirely in the field instructing volunteers. We will provide on-the-job training for each rebuild task as needed.
Duties include
- Leading groups of up to 15 volunteers on worksites, instructing them in proper building methods and safety.
- Teaching volunteers building skills as needed to complete their tasks.
- Completing construction projects ranging from roofing to flooring to drywall install/finishing to painting; oversee quality of workmanship.
- Assisting skilled subcontractors with site assessments as needed. Initiate skilled support consultation as needed.
- Assuring that each site has the appropriate materials and tools, and responsible for cleaning and maintaining tools.
- Securing the job site at the end of each day.
- Communicating project receipts and records of in-kind material donations to the Projects Manager.
- Working with the Projects Manager to assess how many volunteers can be put to effective use on each site.
- Attending morning staff meetings and weekly project meetings with Crew Leaders, Executive Director, Projects Manager, Outreach Coordinator, and other relevant parties.
Goals
- Lead volunteers on 10 different work sites throughout the year
- Complete 5 small repair projects
- Contribute to 3 full rebuild projects
- Gain understanding of long-term disaster recovery and racial and socioeconomic disparities in Katrina recovery
Qualifications
- Positive attitude, flexible nature
- Independence tempered by the ability to follow directions and abide by a work plan
- Ability to interact professionally with staff and associates
- Building/construction skills preferred, but not required
- Strong organizational skills evidencing attention to detail
- Ability to be a self-starter
- Driver’s license and/or car available to transport volunteers and materials during the workday strongly preferred.
lowernine.org is strongest with a team diverse in age, race, class, gender expression, sexual orientation, and ability. We welcome all candidates who are respectful and will do the job well. We are committed to maintaining a discrimination-free workplace now and always. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@lowernine.org with the subject “Americorps Crew Leader Application – [First Initial, Last Name]”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, for an ideal start in September 2021.
For information on the Americorps position, see attached flyer.
part-time crew leader
lowernine.org is currently seeking a new part-time team member to lead volunteer crews and work on residential projects in the Lower Ninth Ward. Current projects include construction and occasional assistance at our food pantry. The ideal candidate for this position would be well-organized, proactive, and committed to New Orleans’ recovery from damage suffered in the 2005 levee breaches following Hurricane Katrina. They should possess a basic knowledge of conventional residential construction skills and a familiarity with tools and their functions. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, be capable of leading groups of up to 10 volunteers, and be able to give instructions in a clear, concise manner. Our most common construction projects are framing, installing insulation and sheetrock, tiling, painting, and siding.
This position will take place 2-3 days a week, 8 AM -4 PM on our worksite. The majority of the time will be spent leading and teaching volunteers in the field, and other construction-related responsibilities such as assuring adequate materials are available and on work sites. We will provide on-the-job training for each rebuild task as needed.
Rebuild duties include
- Leading groups of up to 10 volunteers on worksites, instructing them in proper building methods and safety.
- Teaching volunteers building skills as needed to complete their tasks.
- Completing construction projects ranging from roofing to flooring to drywall install/finishing to painting; oversee the quality of workmanship.
- Assisting skilled subcontractors with site assessments as needed. Initiate skilled support consultation as needed.
- Assuring that each site has the appropriate materials and tools, and responsible for cleaning and maintaining tools.
- Securing the job site at the end of each day.
- Communicating project receipts and records of in-kind material donations to the Projects Manager.
- Working with the Projects Manager to assess how many volunteers can be put to effective use on each site.
- Attending morning staff meetings and weekly project meetings with Crew Leaders, Executive Director, Projects Manager, Outreach Coordinator, and other relevant parties.
Qualifications
- Positive attitude, flexible nature
- Independence tempered by the ability to follow directions and abide by a work plan
- Ability to interact professionally with staff and associates
- Building/construction skills preferred, but not required
- Strong organizational skills evidencing attention to detail
- Ability to be a self-starter
- Driver’s license and/or car available to transport volunteers and materials during the workday strongly preferred.
lowernine.org is strongest with a team diverse in age, race, class, gender expression, sexual orientation, and ability. We welcome all candidates who are respectful and will do the job well. We are committed to maintaining a discrimination-free workplace now and always. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@lowernine.org with the subject “Crew Leader Application – [First Initial, Last Name]”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
development and rebuild interns
development intern
- Balancing administrative and clerical tasks
- Office bookkeeping
- Database management
- Independent project management along with research into opportunities for funding and organizational development
- Coordinating with Executive Director regarding partnership and program opportunities
- Managing lowernine.org’s social media presence
Rebuild Intern
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with rebuild projects, including framing, hanging drywall, mudding and sanding drywall, finish carpentry, roofing, exterior siding and tiling
- Training and supervising volunteers on job sites
- Supporting the Project Manager in management of tool inventory and enforcement of job site safety standards
- Performing other reasonable job related duties as assigned
- Experience in carpentry or general construction is preferred, but not required. Drivers license and personal vehicle are preferred, but not necessary.
Please send your resume and cover letter, including the dates you are available to work, to volunteer@lowernine.org.