Advocacy

NYDIS works to ensure that the concerns of faith communities and the needs of present and future disaster survivors are addressed on a governmental and legislative level. NYDIS strives to bring attention to the needs of under-resourced communities through advocacy, education, and legislative reform.

Advocacy Overview

Each year, the NYDIS Board of Directors sets five Advocacy Priorities, which the Advocacy Committee and staff use to guide Advocacy Program initiatives of NYDIS and its members. In 2019, NYDIS will continue to collaborate with partner agencies to:

  • PREPARE editorials and research reports
  • HOST inter-agency conferences and educational events
  • MEDIATE dialogue between faith, government, and community leaders
  • ORGANIZE community forums and press conferences

Advocacy Program Profile

Sandy Recovery Task Force

In 2015, Mayor de Blasio signed Local Law 18, which called for the creation of a Hurricane Sandy Charitable Organizations and Houses of Worship Recovery Task Force to better understand the critical role these organizations played in Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts. NYDIS’ Executive Director, Peter B. Gudaitis, was one of 15 leaders from houses of worship, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations, appointed to join the Task Force, led by the Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency (ORR) and the New York City Emergency Management  Department (NYCEM). On April 20, 2017, the final Task Force Report was published with recommendations for how NYC houses of worship, nonprofits, and city agencies can improve operational relationships and implement strategies to better withstand and emerge stronger from the impacts of climate change and other 21st century threats.

Artboard 80
Artboard 80