By: Michael Corley, The Patterson Foundation
From its onset, The Patterson Foundation (TPF) has been interested in offering “relief” to individuals impacted by natural (earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.), man-made (terrorism, etc.) and economic (loss of job, etc.) disasters.
Why?
Because our leadership believes that TPF has the flexibility, opportunity, and responsibility to help those who have been negatively impacted by a situation that was caused through no fault of their own.
Our evolution in this space has been intentional, although not always methodical. (Learning with humility is never a straight trajectory.)
This said, as we have studied, learned and evolved, we have identified opportunities to make a difference. (See blogs about Alabama tornadoes, Season of Sharing, Japan Earthquake.)
On the “international disaster front,” our partnership with NetHope continues to evolve and move into exciting, unchartered territory. (More to come in a separate blog.)
In the domestic and local disaster space, TPF is taking steps to determine its role in leading transformative change while honoring its tenets of collaboration, connective tissue, leverage, financial thrivability, etc.
To help us develop our domestic and local strategies, and to form collaborative relationships with foundations located in the Southeastern Council of Foundations states and nationally, we have engaged an experienced disaster consultant, Veronica Taylor.
Veronica brings a world of experience (literally) which she will share when she begins blogging. Veronica’s charge is simple in words, but complex in development and execution: Develop TPF’s disaster strategy for local, state, regional and national areas. This strategy may include if, when, and how to respond in disaster situations, and which collaborations can be supported or created to leverage expertise.
Veronica joins a growing list of experts TPF has engaged for specific initiatives. Our model of using independent contractors/consultants allows us to access talent while remaining flexible and focused, and it allows the consultants to have engagements beyond the TPF relationship. A true “win-win.”
So check back soon for Veronica’s blogs about her work in driving TPF efforts.