I'll have to let some of the folks who have moved here since the storm tell you of their experiences. New Orleans isnt so much the south as it is New Orleans. Safety is a lot about where you live and who you know.

We live in Algiers Point, a really great neighborhood here. very safe, We absolutely love it over here. (www.algierspoint.org) We are just a ferry ride to the french quarter,it's really changed our minds about staying here. People are friendly and look out for each other... as far as community organizing... well, I can't imagine a better place to come and spend some available time. ACORN national headquarters (www.acorn.org) is here and there are so many active community organizations in this area.
Good Luck!

I moved here in July and I'm living in Bywater. I love it. As with any big city, there are concerns about crime, but if you're careful and aware of your surroundings it doesn't seem to be as much of an issue. The neighborhood I live in is fairly quiet and my neighbors are friendly and tend to look out for one another. Marigny or Bywater are both neighborhoods you might want to check out. Both neighborhoods are filled with artists, musicians and other creative people.

The best thing you can do is come visit. If New Orleans gets under his skin, he'll never want to leave.

Hope I've helped.

Paula