Unique Opportunity to Influence Federal Policy

On January 12, the Institute for Sustainable Communities convened a group of experts on sustainable disaster recovery in Washington, D.C. The all-day session featured speakers from around the country, including GreenTown's Daniel Wallach, who made presentations to about 100 representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Homeland Security, and other governmental agencies. The purpose of the program was to inform policy makers about obstacles that communities have faced related to disaster recovery, so that they can make recommendations to the President about how the federal government can become more efficient and effective in their response to communities.

Daniel made several suggestions to the group in conjunction with his PowerPoint presentation. Some of his specific comments included: tailor the response to work with people's particular local culture, rather than a "one size fits all" blueprint; foster an empowerment model rather than a "top-down" patriarchal philosophy toward citizenry; set up a "buddy system" whereby people in the midst of a disaster can be paired up with those who have successfully moved through traumatic events; have emotional support systems in place, for both local leadership and for Federal employees who are charged with intervention. 

There was a full slate of speakers during the day-long meeting. Some of the other presenters included Shaun Donovan, Secretary of HUD; Gerald McSwiggan, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Gavin Smith, Center for the Study of Natural Disasters and Hazards; and other notable experts. The Rockefeller Foundation sponsored the gathering; they were represented by their Associate Director, Dr. Cristina Del Rio Rumbaitis. The staff from the Institute for Sustainable Communities will summarize the day's recommendations and present a report to the White House by April 1.

It is heartening that these governmental entities are open to feedback and suggestions that will make future disaster response more appropriate and effective. We will keep update readers when the final report is issued.