Dear friends and colleagues,
As we return from the Thanksgiving holiday, each of us reflects on what we value and what we are thankful for. We are thankful for you—our supporters, our partners, and our funders. You are the ones who transform our data into action for Southeast Louisiana. We invite you to reflect on what you consider valuable. We hope you take some time to show that you value the work of The Data Center.
Today, November 30th, is #GivingTuesday, a day dedicated to giving in over 70 countries, where you can make a difference by joining the ranks of individuals who contribute to the transformative impact of The Data Center.
We use data to make a difference.
The Data Center begins with a key ingredient—community. Since 1997, we have been an organization about the community for the community. Over and over, The Data Center heard from all sectors—nonprofit, neighborhood, university, government, and media—“I need data. I’m looking for data. Thanks for meeting with me, did you bring data?” And, we would reply, “Yes, we have data for you.”
Today, our research extends beyond our neighborhoods to include our region and economy, particularly within the growing water management sector. Most recently, we have worked to help communities statewide understand the effects of COVID-19. We will continue to examine shifts in population and how the 2020 Census reflects changing definitions of race across Southeast Louisiana. We will always bring you neighborhood-level data to illustrate how your community is represented with data.
Why does this matter?
The Data Center will always ask the question, “Why does this matter?” Our answer will always be the people, the neighborhoods, the businesses and entrepreneurial enterprises, the government policies, the community, and the social service organizations of New Orleans. You are core to making smart and informed decisions toward building a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable region. We want to make your work valuable.
The Data Center matters.
The Data Center’s work is referenced, viewed, downloaded, or leveraged many times over every year. You use it to inform your decisionmaking, to drive your missions, to support your reporting, to apply for funding, to advocate for your communities, and to aid in policy development. We would be grateful to count you among our financial supporters who make The Data Center’s work possible. Please consider donating now in honor of #GivingTuesday and show what matters to you.
