When Super Storm Sandy hit the New York/New Jersey region, thousands of volunteers came forward to assist in cleanup and recovery. Four years later, there are still many volunteers working towards that goal. In the storm’s aftermath, the AIA New York Chapter also put out a call to its members to volunteer in support of the city. We at the NY Chapter wrestled with the same questions many individuals had; where to volunteer, how to volunteer, what training is needed and what risks are associated with volunteering after a disaster?

Stand Up! How to Be a Part of the Solution After Disaster is a day long symposium aimed at answering many of those questions for the professional and community stake holder alike. During the day the role of government agencies, private sector companies, volunteer relief organizations, community groups and professional societies in various volunteer and post disaster response will be explained. The types of training and education each sector needs, as well as where to get that training, will be discussed. Understanding the various relationships and responsibilities of these groups will aid in making the best choice by our professional membership in their future volunteer efforts.

The AIA New York Chapter, Design for Risk and Reconstruction Committee along with allied agencies will bring together these leaders. This includes the State and City Government, leading experts in the field of resilience and heads of relief organizations. At the symposium they will participate with leaders of professional societies and private corporations involved in community support after a disaster and community leaders for a day of exchange, listening and learning. We will learn about planning and structural relationships after a disaster, opportunities for training and skill building as well as how to become more involved in our own community.

During the day the role of government agencies, private sector companies, volunteer relief organizations, community groups and professional societies in various volunteer and post disaster response will be explained. The types of training and education each sector needs, as well as where to get that training, will be discussed in audience driven breakout sessions. Understanding the various relationships and responsibilities of these groups will aid in making the best choice by our professional membership in their future volunteer efforts.

Stand Up! #StandUPNYC highlights advocacy in action, describes structural relationships, government, volunteer organizations and private sector with goals to identify gaps, overlaps and provide path to action/training opportunities.

Organized by:
AIANY Design for Risk and Reconstruction Committee