About
Why did we create Social Det.?
Honestly? Because we needed it too.
We know the drill: New Orleans can be a unique duty station to navigate. And let's be real, military life, like so many aspects of our world, feels a little different after the last few years broke some of our communities apart.
Whatever the reason, arriving here felt tough. We found ourselves isolated and truly desperate to connect with others who just got what we were going through. Our usual ways of finding our tribe seemed missing or simply didn't work. So, in a burst of "who knows the need better than someone living it?" and "if you build it, they will come," we decided to meet that need ourselves – and bring the rest of our amazing military community right along with us.
Mission
We strengthen military families and individuals in the greater New Orleans area by providing a supportive community through engaging social events and a connected online platform, fostering resilience, building lasting friendships, and creating a profound sense of belonging.
Values
1. Connection: We prioritize building genuine relationships and fostering a strong sense of community through shared experiences and interactions that add meaning and purpose to the lives of our members.
2. Belonging: We strive to create a "home away from home" for military families, offering a sense of place and connection in their current location, especially during transitions like PCSing, ensuring members feel supported and connected before they even arrive.
3. Welcoming: We create a welcoming and open environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and belongs, regardless of background or rank.
4. Resilience: We empower members to navigate the challenges of military life by cultivating emotional resilience and providing a supportive network to actively promote our members' emotional and mental well-being.
5. Generosity: We believe in the power of giving back through sharing our time, knowledge, and resources to strengthen our community.
The Heart Behind the Det.
Social Det. was sparked by two Marine Corps spouses who found themselves new to New Orleans in 2022 and 2023, each searching for their own community.
Despite their apparent differences—one married to a reservist, the other tagging along on active duty; one a mom to young kids, the other a DINK; hailing from the East Coast and the West; one a power volunteer, the other pursuing a career—they both shared a deep love for exploring the city, finding new adventures, and connecting with others who genuinely understand the unique highs and lows of military family life. These powerful commonalities, coupled with their shared need for friendship and support, instantly bonded them, and the idea for Social Det. was born to give everyone the chance to find "their person" in New Orleans.
While we began the journey, the truth is, the heart and soul of Social Det. will be shaped by every single person who joins us in this first year. You, the founding members, are truly the ones who will forge our shared ethos and vibrant community spirit!