“On 9/11 we witnessed the worst of humanity, and
yet, we also witnessed the best of humanity. People came to help with
whatever had to be done. Their acts of ocmpassion were also self-rewarding.
It’s amazing to see how human beings set aside many petty issues
during an emergency and focus on how to make things better.”
Comment
The literature and research in the trauma field has shown that people
and communities are remarkably resilient in the face of disaster, and
that with proper social support they find their resources for coping and
healing after such events.
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, it has become clear
that some of the most significant efforts toward recovery in New York
City were made by small ad hoc groups of volunteers and grass-root organizations
that came together to respond to the needs that they knew best in their
families, neighborhoods, schools, and communities.
This was often done with very little or no financial support, and sometimes
the added challenge of having to surmount difficult institutional barriers.
The efforts of the Independence Plaza North Tenants Association exemplify
what we know to be a crucial component of effective disaster response
and preparedness – community involvement.
Jack Saul, Ph.D.
Executive Director
International Trauma Studies Program NYU
Downtown Community Resource Center NYC www.communityresilience.org/nyc/