California is experiencing the acceleration of unprecedented climate disasters. Many of our communities have lived through the first few phases of climate disasters and now have the opportunity to apply lessons we have learned to how we prepare ourselves for the current and additional impending crises: Most California localities are wildly underprepared. Some of the biggest challenges have been language access, cultural relevancy, and bridging the gaps of racial and economic inequities and emergency response models that are siloed and do not address community needs before, during, and after a crisis. Smaller, more community-driven organizations have been more effective than larger NGO or government entities in reaching  those most in need, and yet are profoundly underresourced.

There is no time to waste. As we prepare for and recover from climate crises, our communities are seeing that we can’t rebuild with the same values that resulted in the destruction we are seeing all around us. We must rebuild with the common good at the center of our communities, our governance models, and our relationship to the land, air, water, energy, and one another.

In each participating community…

1. Organizers of the workshop series establish (or strengthen an existing) coalition dedicated to community-driven climate disaster preparedness, response, & recovery

2. Participants develop a community-driven climate disaster preparedness and response plan with participation of neighbors

3. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change

4. Participants gain new skills and knowledge that support them in feeling confident to serve their communities in disaster preparedness and response

5. Coalition/cohort leaves with at least one proactive climate solution that is needed to build climate resilience in their community