Stand Up! How to be Part of the Solution After a Disaster

The AIANY Design for Risk and Reconstruction Committee (DfRR) presents “Stand Up! How to Be a Part of the Solution after a Disaster,” the first annual Disaster U Workshop to discuss how architects and individuals can volunteer in the wake of natural disasters.

When Superstorm Sandy hit, thousands of volunteers came forward to assist in cleanup and recovery. In the storm’s aftermath, AIA New York and neighboring chapters put out a call to their members to volunteer in support of the city. AIA members and non-members alike wrestled with similar questions: Where and how can we volunteer? What training is needed and what risks are associated with volunteering after a disaster?

“Stand Up” will answer these questions and more for professionals and community stakeholders alike. The symposium will explain the role of government agencies, private sector companies, volunteer relief organizations, community groups, and professional societies in various volunteer and post-disaster scenarios, and will cover the types of training and education required for each sector. Understanding the various relationships and responsibilities of these groups will aid AIA members and non-members in their future volunteer efforts.

Stand Up! #StandUpNYC highlights advocacy in action, describes intersectoral relationships, and identifies gaps to provide a path to action and training opportunities.

Speakers:
Ken Curtin, Retired Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, FEMA
James Kendra, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Public Policy and Director of Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware
Tricia Wachtendorf, PhD, Associate Director, Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware
Joseph F. Tortorella, PE, Hon AIANY, President, Silman
Aaron Titus, Executive Director, Crisis Cleanup, NJ VOAD
Eric Bradshaw, Disaster Response Coordinator, Division of Code Enforcement and Administration, New York State Department of State
Jonas Ballreich, Human Services Emergency Preparedness Specialist, NYC Emergency Management
Diana Lopez, Esq., Emergency Services, The Salvation Army of Greater New York
Timothy G. Boyland, AIA, Partner, Vengoechea + Boyland Architecture/Urban Planning; 2015 President AIA New York State
Brian Baer, Co-founder and Executive Director, The Elevated Studio
Maxinne Leighton, Assoc. AIA, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Jaros, Baum & Bolles
Michael Premo or Rachel Falcone, Organizer, Occupy Sandy
Illya Azaroff, AIA, Founding co-chair, DfRR; Director of Design, +LAB architects and experimentation; Associate Professor, NYCCT