Beyond, and at times in collaboration with, the identified government agencies and organizations who respond to disasters and support recovery efforts there are a growing number of “communities of resilience”, formed by people across the globe who recognize the need for support in different forms and are acting on the need by organizing locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Connecting geographically disparate groups via the web offers so much possibility for sharing best practices and connecting at many different levels it has become a valuable resource. However, grass roots teams, committees and other local associations are also recognizing that they are the ones who will know best what their particular community needs in recovery in the various sectors (people, environment, economy and infrastructure) and are also acknowledging the need to “prepare to recover”.

Below are (a tiny microcosm of) examples of the rapidly growing communities of practice, and related articles/videos.

Various informal groups in S E Asia are interviewed in “D.I.Y Disaster Plan- how informal networks Battled Bangkok’s Worst Flood” by journalist Dustin Roasa about how they organized and responded to flooding in their country in 2011, then worked together on effective recovery solutions. There is no one group that coordinates; but rather gives examples of community groups that have strong social capitol to draw on, and just “git er done” when the need arises.

Safecast is a blogsite made up of an international organization of citizen scientists. It originated following the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and Fukishima nuclear power plant meltdown on March 11 of that year. It collects and offers information regarding environmental hazards and monitoring to supported affected residents in post environmental disasters so they can make more informed decisions.

In San Fransisco, USA, – Neighbourhood Empowerment Network has been running for several years and expanding in various directions to support resilience in SF. One of the intiatives (that could be done anywhere), Neighborfest helps back up the importance of building social capitol before an event, through organization of a series of block parties.

In British Colombia,Canada, the Business Ambassador program was launched by several of the 34 Community Futures offices across the province. This was to support businesses in the areas affected by wildfires in 2017. It was extended into 2018, as an effective tool in small business recovery.

If you feel like some popcorn and have an hour to spare, this video: Mexico City: Life Sized City – offers various ideas on rebuilding neighbourhoods after earthquakes.

From Maine, USA, funded by the Orton Family Foundation, “Community Heart & Soul” is a process for drawing smaller communities together for sustainability through collaborative efforts. This is one method that could be used to build emergency plans, and pre event recovery plans as part of the community building process.

And lastly (for now…) Authors Laurie A. Johnson and Robert B. Olshansky offer the book “After Great Disasters- An in-Depth Analysis of How Six Countries Managed Community Recovery” which is discussed in this article from Citylab and reflects on how there always needs to be a balance when making decisions about post disaster recovery rebuilding-and it must be a collective discussion between government and community.