Who's watching the Gulf? We are.

We're excited to announce the launch of a big new project today at the Institute: Gulf Coast Reconstruction Watch.

As the battle over the Gulf's future grows stronger, Reconstruction Watch aims to watchdog the rebuilding process in the post-hurricane Gulf and promote a more democratic and accountable future in the region.

You can visit Reconstruction Watch here, and below is the announcement we sent out today.

The launch of Watch comes at the same time as our new Institute fundraiser. We're aiming to raise $20,000 for our Investigative Fund, to support projects like Reconstruction Watch. If you can help us, visit here.

Here's the announcement about the launch of Reconstruction Watch:







Dear Friends,

Around much of the Gulf Coast coast, there's an eery silence. It's been over two months since the hurricanes. The flood waters have receded, and the TV cameras are nearly all gone.

But for those living in the hurricane-ravaged South, the struggle for the region's future has just
begun.

While Gulf residents focus on picking up the pieces, a handful of powerful interests -- well-connected contractors, unscrupulous developers, ambitious politicians -- are cutting deals and hatching plans to capitalize on the disaster.

But who's watching them?

We are. Today, the Institute for Southern Studies and Southern Exposure have launched an
urgent new project to watch-dog what's happening in the Southern Gulf, and promote a more democratic and accountable future: Gulf Coast Reconstruction Watch.

And we need your help to make it a success.

We're bringing together a talented team of investigative reporters, community leaders, bloggers, and others to deliver coverage you won't find anywhere else.

We are going to watch the power-brokers and follow the money. We'll tell you who stands to gain, who's being left out, and what it means for the South and country.

We'll also introduce you to ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things to make their
communities better.

Now we need you. Here's how you can help:

1) Be a Gulf Watcher: Active readers like you can help us find important news and leads. Send\ us an anonymous tip here:

http://www.reconstructionwatc
h.org/modules.php?name=Submit_News

2) Get Active: Reconstruction Watch will feature regular action steps you can take to support those working for a just and accountable rebuilding in the Gulf.

3) Support our Investigative Fund: Contributions from readers like you are what make our award-winning investigative reports and progressive voice possible.

Your support today will help us expand our coverage and increase the impact of Reconstruction
Watch.

We need to raise $20,000 to fully launch Reconstruction Watch, and you can help
us reach that goal. Please take a moment and make a tax-deductible contribution to our Investigative Fund today:

/support.asp

Thank you for your support!

Chris Kromm
Director, Institute for Southern Studies

P.S. -- Your tax-deductible contribution of $35, $50 or more today will help us expose what's
happening in the Gulf and put Katrina back on the national agenda. Join us today!