New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina is a frequent topic of discussion on MSNBC's Morning Joe. Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough have specifically attempted to keep media attention on the city's reconstruction, and how educational opportunities frequently suffer as a result of the lingering poverty.
With this in mind, Starbucks and "Morning Joe" have decided to team up, and with the help of the HandsOn Network, are promoting Brewing Together, an initiative aimed at encouraging public service and community action.
The first major exercise in this altruistic partnership kicks off on Friday, when "Morning Joe" broadcasts live from John McDonogh High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. The show precedes what MSNBC calls a Brewing Together Day of Service, on November 21. The "Morning Joe" crew encourages viewers to jump on the HandsOn Network and look up volunteer opportunities in their area. They also encourage involvement with City Year, an organization that gives young people the opportunity to take part in a year of public service.
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Starbucks is no stranger to the Gulf Coast region. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the company pledged to contribute $5 million to recovery, with the final donations coming in 2010. They've also encouraged public service in New Orleans among their staff. In the past years, over Starbucks 10,000 partners have given 50,000 hours of community service.
John McDonogh High School has already made incredible leaps in the five years since Katrina. This summer, 90 percent of John Mac's seniors graduated, indicating a remarkable turnaround in student performance that was present even before Katrina.
"Morning Joe" will be highlighting the progress and discussing what still needs to be done to give these students the best possible education. Check back on HuffPost Impact after Friday's episode, where we'll have actions on how you can support John McDonogh High School, City Year, and get more involved with public service.