Nonprofit organizations in post-disaster recovery: a study of advocacy activities in Hurricane Sandy's aftermath in New Jersey

Abstract

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in Southern New Jersey and moved up to New York, leaving devastating damages along its path. Thousands of citizens were left without a home and moreover, the struggle to return to a normal life was considerable. Nonprofit organizations played a significant role in helping communities recover by delivering material and financial assistance. Organizations were on the frontline advocating for a speedy recovery. Unfortunately, political events and the governmental ability to effectively deliver assistance hampered the recovery process. Nonprofit organizations undertook several advocacy activities to raise awareness over the whole recovery process. This study was possible by interviewing and surveying organizations that were actively involved in the recovery process and that, to some extent, undertook advocacy as a primary strategy to address the needs of the population. Findings show elements of the political climate that influenced the choice of specific activities, and with what results. Moreover, the study illustrates the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the organizations, in terms of resources and the resources that were used to carry out advocacy. Overall, the organizations were affected themselves by the unavailability of financial resources that were pledged to the organizations. Lastly, the study addresses the different views on the definition of successful advocacy.