(Outreach program to aid USCF members affected by Hurricane Katrina)

Over 1,000 of our members lived in or near the areas hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. The United States Chess Federation (USCF) needs the help of its state chess associations and local chess club members around the country!

If anyone has information regarding the status of any member affected by the disasters, we ask that you notify us so we can not only update their member record but also put them in touch with other chess members who might be able to help. As we hear from our members we are noting on this list in what state they are safe! Our goal is to connect those affected with other USCF members who can provide assistance. There are so many we haven't heard from yet..please try to help.

We also want to update our address records so they can continue receiving their monthly issue of Chess Life. It is also possible that mail delivery in areas near the devastation will have delays, depending on where the mail distribution center is located for the Postal Service. The USPS notified us of zip code ranges in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and now Texas. You can check these zip code ranges on the Unites States Postal Service website at USPS Website as they update their site daily regarding what areas are affected. We will keep everyone informed the best we can.

The USCF Executive Board passed the following motion by objections procedure:
Moved, that in order to help chess activity recover in areas severely affected by hurricane Katrina, tournaments held in these areas will be entitled to free TLAs and free rating fees through the end of 2006. Based on a list of impacted zip codes defined by the US Postal Service, these areas are:

Louisiana 70000-70499
Mississippi 39300-39699
Alabama 36500-36699, 36900-36999

The motion passes Friday, Oct 21 at 1pm if there are no objections.
Bill Goichberg

Contact: Joan DuBois at the USCF office in Crossville, TN. Email: jdubois@uschess.org Phone: (931) 787-1234 extension #123, Fax#: (931) 787-1200 Attn: Joan, or mail her at US Chess, Attn: Joan, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557.

USCF is asking all state chess associations to be responsible for contacting the chess clubs in their state to see who can offer assistance. A simple notice on their website can help! Any state chess association who does not have evacuees being placed within their state can reach out to help those state associations who do! A state chess association and chess club directory is offered on USCF’s website, http://www.uschess.org – click on Clubs.

We offer some suggestions once you’ve made a Chess Connection. Remember, you know your local area better than anyone!

1. Donate to your fellow member simple day-to-day items one would need.

2. Look in your local area for housing and job opportunities.

3. Provide simple things like daily newspaper, local phone book, etc.

4. Check with local merchants for some support.

5. For more suggestions contact your local Red Cross office – they can help you!

USCF knows it can count on you, our members, to reach out to our chess family in this time of great need.