Our group has chosen to focus on the work of local community organizations in Manhattan during the crisis of Superstorm Sandy.  The government left this ethnic enclave in the dark at this time, thus facilitating the need for local organizations to step in and help the residents of Manhattan Chinatown.

We will focus our study on the work of the CAAAV, a grassroots community organization whose goal is to empower diverse Asian immigrants.  The CAAAV has a variety of social media networks (tumblr, facebook, and even its own blog) that documented their relief efforts during Sandy.  Perhaps the most valuable asset to our study will be the CAAAV blog, which provides readers will daily updates with regard to restoring order in Chinatown.  The blog also has a number of photos!

We will interview Vivian Truong, a contact from the CAAAV who recently visited the Hunter College Asian Pacific Fair, to gain insight on the situation.  Why did the CAAAV have to step in?  What steps did the government take to aid the CAAAV’s efforts?  In what areas were government contributions lacking?  Perhaps Vivian Truong can also provide us with further contacts – such as people who received help from the CAAAV during Sandy.

The area enclosed by Canal Street, Centre Street, Broome Street, and Bowery will be our borders for study.  This allows us to research organizations on Mott, Hester, Grand, and Elizabeth to fully understand the work of local community organizations in Sandy relief efforts.