Research Paper

U.S.-Japan Grassroots Exchange Program, 2015

November 24, 2015

Authors Eugénie L. Birch

Current Themes

U.S.-Japan Grassroots Exchange Program, 2015 -- title page

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Overview

The U.S.-Japan Grassroots Exchange Program focuses on citizen participation in community building post-disaster. This three-year program examines how cities in the United States and Japan engage local citizens in long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts following natural disasters. Participants from New Orleans, Galveston, Miyako, and Kobe share experiences and strategies for addressing housing, economic development, land use, safety, hazard mitigation, environment, health, and infrastructure needs.

Key Message

Effective post-disaster recovery and rebuilding require active citizen engagement and strong community-based organizations. The program emphasizes the significance of community participation in identifying needs, developing initiatives, and executing recovery plans. By fostering collaboration among local governments, businesses, and community groups, and by promoting the involvement of the next generation of leaders, communities can achieve more resilient and sustainable outcomes. The exchange of best practices between the U.S. and Japan provides valuable insights for improving disaster recovery efforts globally, highlighting the critical role of grassroots initiatives in building back better.