One Law Student Making a Difference

At twenty-seven Ben Smilowitz, a third year student at the University of Connecticut law school never imagined he’d be doing the type of work that he does. It all started in 2005 when he volunteered for the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina and managed Client Service Centers along the Gulf Coast.

“While witnessing the gaps in critical disaster relief services firsthand, I was unsuccessful in my efforts to get the Red Cross to improve conditions,” said Smilowitz. “I told myself that if an organization did not exist to receive information about gaps in services from whistleblowers during disasters, and provide public oversight to the organizations that comprise U.S. disaster response, I would start it.”

A year later, an organization with Smilowitz at the helm was created, called the Disaster Accountability Project (DAP). Their main objective is to help improve the nation’s disaster management systems through public accountability, citizen oversight and empowerment, whistle blower-engagement and policy research.

“The DAP is working to empower the public to fill this vacant oversight role,” said Smilowitz. “Through a network of monitors and a toll-free hotline, DAP provides an opportunity for previously unheard citizens to find their voices.”

The response from organizations such as the Red Cross and FEMA toward the DAP has been very mixed. Most organizations do not like having someone tell them what they’re doing wrong. However; many that go into these types of jobs have the best of intentions and want to fix the United States so they take suggestions from the DAP into consideration.

“Since Hurricane Ike hit Texas, I've spoken with a number of FEMA, Homeland Security, and Red Cross workers,” said Smilowitz. “Many were interested in working with the Disaster Accountability Project to improve service delivery in the aftermath of Ike.”

“We need help,” said Smilowitz. “There are many ways to help on a large or small scale. We need volunteers and fall, spring, and summer interns.”

The DAP needs volunteer monitors who assist with getting the word out about the hotline and helping verify reports of service gaps. With the aftermath of Hurricanes Ike and Hanna the hotline is receiving a record number of phonecalls.

Volunteers can also work in various departments such as research, communications, website design and programming, writing, organizing, fundraising, coalition building, and outreach. The DAP is also looking into starting college chapters or clubs.