Guest Post: Communications opportunities for disaster philanthropy

Editor's Note: Veronica Taylor is a consultant specializing in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. She previously worked with The Patterson Foundation to help deepen its understanding of the disaster space. As a guest blogger, she will cover issues relevant to the disaster sector. 

The last three blogs recommend areas to leverage resources for the most impact and dollar-for-dollar return on investment.  These are proven strategies for long-term recovery. What about all the other critical needs, best practices, or new ideas for better solutions?

I will be sharing a series of blogs with short blurbs and brainstorming ideas that are in need of resources and/or partnerships to make new realities. Join in the brainstorming, or let us know if you’re working on one of these concepts with a partner.  Spread the word, share the knowledge, and solve the problems! This is a call to ACTION!

Assist with the development of a communications plan for the long-term recovery plan.

Most communities have a Community Development Plan but the new realities of a disaster creates some challenges for this living document. 1) priorities in the plan will most likely change, 2) the land and structure availability may have changed, 3) the citizens will want to be more engaged in decision making and have more communication and information to make these decisions. How can your Foundation help with the development of a disaster recovery communications plan?

Conduct virtual neighborhood meetings and Citizen Corp training.

Social media is helping people connect and learn differently these days. We may not go next door to borrow a cup of sugar from our neighbor but we would get online and “chat” about a common topic of interest or concern. Communications is the key. The more a neighborhood, condo building, apartment complex, office tower, or housing development communicates and prepares for a disaster, the faster their recovery will be. How can you help communities connect, communicate, and prepare for disasters through social media?

Develop an outreach disaster communications plan with local colleges, universities, and technical schools.

Academic institutions are great for research and reporting projects, temporary housing solutions, computer and technology assets, immediate shelter, development of new technologies and methodologies, communication systems, land resources, and volunteers for disaster response and recovery. How can you leverage this great resource before, during, and after a disaster?