The massive wildfires that hit Oregon in September 2020 had a tremendous impact on the health and well-being of communities across the state. In the aftermath of this disaster, community-based organizations (CBOs) were at the forefront of providing much-needed services and support, especially those serving communities of color. As the smoke cleared, these organizations identified profound gaps in communications, evacuation, shelter and other systems intended to alert and protect Oregonians from disaster.
In collaboration with Trauma Informed Oregon and Oregon Health Authority, the Disaster Resilience Learning Network emerged to address these gaps and bring together a coalition of culturally specific leaders of color to better serve those disproportionately impacted by disasters. The network continues to foster lasting relationships and resilience work across the state. In Fall 2022, a committee of Disaster Resilience Learning Network members created the group's goals and objectives, finalizing their mission going forward. This work is detailed extensively in the report below, and summarized on this webpage.
With 22 participating CBOs and 35 active representatives, the Disaster Resilience Learning Network's membership works toward improving well-being, creating relationships between leaders of color and connecting the importance of culture to climate and disaster resilience.
Download the full report to see grant allocations by United Way of the Columbia-Willamette in 2022 to Disaster Resilience Learning Network members, projects which are estimated to have impacted over 8,000 people. The full report also gives a detailed look into how nine Disaster Resilience Learning Network members utilized these grants to build resilience and better prepare people of color for disasters, before, during and after they occur.
"Through this resiliency Network, we are able to think about and do things in community that center joy, language and connection. Our community gatherings provide space for folks to come together."
Blanca Gutierrez, Cultural Director, Rogue Climate
MISSION:
We are committed to advancing equitable disaster resilience, for people of color, through healing- centered, culturally grounded collaborations and sustainable practices.
VALUES:
We are committed to fostering space for culturally rooted people and to equity at the heart of our health, our work and our resilience.
PHILOSOPHY:
Our network was created within the theoretical guidelines of the social resilience framework, healing-centered, trauma- informed and culturally grounded approaches.
Resilience Grants 2022-2023
Funded by: Oregon Health Authority, Meyer Memorial Trust, Marie Lamfrom and United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.
After extensive research and collaboration, member CBOs of the DRLN were invited to apply for United Way of the Columbia-Willamette Resilience Grants. Over the course of two years, $446,500 was granted out to DLRN organizations focused on building resilience & social connection for communities impacted by climate-related disasters. These projects supported access to mental health resources and culturally responsive therapy, a broadening of the emergency alert system, sharing of culturally rooted healing practices, community-building focused on women of color and more. Read more about them in the full DRLN Annual report above.
You can also learn more about some of the DRLN member organizations in these stories featured below:
