Interview Questionnaire

FOR THE ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW, the conversation was divided into five different sections, which covers topics from the narrator’s personal information to their connection with Sunset Park.

A Background & personal information

The first part serves as an introduction for the participants to share their life background, childhood, and family, as well as the languages that they speak. This section intends to provide context and insight into the individual’s cultural background and personal experiences.

B Connection with the neighborhood

This section delves into their early memories of Sunset Park; dialogues about their first time settling in Sunset Park, the reasons why they’re attracted to the neighborhood, their early memories of it.

C Involvement in the creation of spaces for the Sunset Park community

The third part is a dialogue about the interviewee’s involvement in the Sunset Park community. This includes several questions about their involvement in local organizations and initiatives, such as the first organization they connected with, why they got involved, and challenges they faced. It also asks about the impact of their involvement on the community, personal learning experiences, and proud moments during the time they worked in the community.

D Connection with Voces Ciudadanas

For this part of the interview, the question focuses on the participants connection with Voces Ciudadanas. The conversation asks how they got connected to Voces Ciudadanas and in what capacity they have been involved with the organization. Additionally, it also asks for the individual’s opinion on what has been critical to the organization’s success in achieving its goals and whether there are any principles or values that come to mind.

E Public spaces and the co-production of new spaces

The final section explores the significance of public spaces, especially in Sunset Park. It raises the question of how the community feels about using public resources, such as public land and underutilized public infrastructures. The dialogue continues with the soon-to-be vacant interim library space, and how the community can claim the space for the benefit of the community.

“Sunset Park is such a home for so many people. [...] and especially people who are raising children here or who grew up here, it’s like you put your roots down and then to realize that rents are about to go out of control and you might lose your community... That’s so scary... Especially if you’re someone I think who has already moved from another country to here and now you might lose the new home you have.”

Rebecca Giordano