1. Internship Abstract
Title: Rutgers Day 2015 Event Coordination: “Shore Restoration & Resilient
Communities”
Name: Shanice A. Huggins
Preceptors: Amy Cobb, Events Services and Facilities Manager; Karyn Olsen,
Director of Communications and Senior Public Relations Specialist
Agency: Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
Purpose: At the annual Rutgers Day event, to educate the public and the Rutgers community
about aspects of resilient communities and shore restoration that Planning, Public Policy and
Public Health students are working to resolve.
Significance: The United States has experienced some of the most destructive hurricanes within
the last decade, some from which it is still recovering. The hurricane that hit New Jersey’s
shorelines the hardest was Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. Sandy wiped out homes,
boardwalks, stores, buildings and amusement park rides especially in the Seaside Heights, Point
Pleasant and Atlantic City areas. In light of these disasters, the residents of these towns have
worked with many organizations to build strong resilient communities. Resilient communities
are classified by the residents’ ability to bounce back from a moment of devastation within the
community, by “actively influencing and preparing for economic, social and environmental
change.” (resilientcommunities.org)
Method/Approach: The following steps will be taken: 1. Collect data on resilient communities
in NJ (specifically lining the shore). 2. Create a fun interactive activity for the public to
participate in and promote awareness of severity. 3. Coordinate with other EJB organizations to
showcase the work EJB does in relation to this topic. 4. Encourage individuals varying from ages
as young as 5 to adults that it is always better to be safe than sorry, so they need to take
necessary precautions to make sure they are ready for just about any crisis.
Outcomes: The end goal of this project is to enlighten the public of the inner workings of the
Edward J. Bloustein, staff and students. In line with this year’s theme of “Shore Revitalization
and Resilient Communities”, hopefully, the public will realized how imperative it is that they
plan ahead and prepare for natural disasters. The American Red Cross is one of the top
organizations that handles disaster relief and community restoration. Preparing and educating
the public can help organizations like the Red Cross reduce disaster recovery time.
Evaluation: After presenting the data and facts to the public, based on their responses and
whether they are actively participating to learn, one can infer that there is a higher possibility
they will be adopt a refined lifestyle that will include disaster preparation. A mini survey will be
distributed at the end of tent visit to get the reaction of visitors and allow them to briefly reflect
on what they learned and what they could take away and apply to everyday life (steps of
preparation).