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MARCH 2023
Happy Women's History Month!
This month and every month we celebrate the women making a difference in their communities, like Deanne Criswell, FEMA’s first woman administrator, who took office in April of 2021.
Criswell began her emergency management career as a firefighter, at a time when women were just beginning to be accepted into the field. Although she was discouraged at her entry exam, she rose with determination and continued to excel throughout her career, ultimately leading to her current role as FEMA administrator.
“By challenging ourselves and stepping outside of our comfort zones, women can help grow and represent diversity at all levels of leadership across the emergency management enterprise,” Criswell said.
This Women’s History Month, we encourage our partners to celebrate the women on their teams. Administrator Criswell is the first woman in her position; she is paving the way for the many women that will follow in her footsteps.
To continued partnership,
The Resilient Nation Partnership Network
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Climate and Societal Interaction’s CAP/RISA: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Funding Opportunity
The Climate Adaptation Partnerships (CAP) program, formerly the Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) program, in the Climate and Societal Interactions (CSI) division of the Climate Program Office has just published a funding opportunity CAP is soliciting applications for three competitions, with approximately $3.6 million available in FY22/23. (Approximately $4.8 million is available in total.) Projects will work across existing CAP/RISA teams and expand activity regions to test, scale and transfer knowledge to build national adaptation capacity. The principal investigator of the proposal must be a member of a current CAP/RISA team. The three competitions are as follows:
- Improving Engagement Methods for Coastal Resilience Planning.
- Assessing Tradeoffs and Co-Benefits for Complex Decision-Making in Communities Facing Coastal Inundation and/or Inland Flooding.
- Identifying Complex Interactions Between Social Infrastructure and Wildfire Risks to Improve Community Adaptive Capacity.
Letters of intent should be received by email by 5 p.m. ET on February 1, 2023.
Full applications must be received by 5 p.m. ET on March 29, 2023.
National Wildlife Federation: Nature-based Solutions Funding Database
As natural hazards, like flooding and drought, grow in intensity and frequency each year, communities face the growing pressure to develop and implement plans that protect vulnerable communities, infrastructure, natural habitats and farmland. Nature-based solutions offer a cost-effective, long-term approach to addressing environmental issues, like polluted water, eroded soils or degraded habitats, while simultaneously considering social and economic outcomes. While there are several funding sources for nature-based practices, this database focuses on federal funding and technical assistance programs.
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Partner News
A Message from Bradley Dean: A New Partnership Journey
Over the last 3.5 years, the Resilient Nation Partnership Network has been an incredible influence in my life, both personally and professionally. It also helped that I am just a bit of an extrovert. It is unbelievable what we have accomplished during that time.
Through your partnership, the RNPN has led some of the most innovative efforts at FEMA. Alliances for Equity, Alliances for Climate Action, Alliances for Inclusive Resilience, and now Stories of Resilience have completely changed how we co-create with partners. This genuine co-development resulted in incredible resources and the exponential growth of the Network.
Over the years, nothing has been more valuable, or kept me grounded in the needs of the Whole Community more, than building diverse resilience partnerships with you! You all are truly inspiring.
I will now embark on a new partnership journey as the Climate Communications & Partnerships Lead for FEMA Resilience; an entirely new role for the agency. Much like the RNPN years ago, the path is a bit unclear and needs to be forged, but the opportunities are endless. Your partnerships will continue to be a key to our success.
The RNPN team is incredible – as many of you know. The success of the RNPN will always be due to teamwork and partnership. As I ride off into the sunset (not really you all have my email) Peter Herrick will be taking on leadership of the Network. He is awesome, humble, and actually led the network many years ago in its infancy. You are in capable hands.
I will finish by saying the RNPN will have no bigger supporter than me and I won’t be a stranger. Our partners are too awesome and I will be sure to see you around.
To continued partnership,
Brad
RNPN: Thank You to Everyone Who Attended the February Resilience Exchange!
During our February Exchange co-hosted with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Climate Hubs, we discussed the challenges and benefits of advancing resilience in rural and agricultural communities. In the coming weeks, we will be releasing an Insights and Reflections document that summarizes the key discussion points and considerations from that event.
Disaster Central: "B-Ready" Mobile App Release Announced to Help Individuals, Families, and Businesses Mitigate Disaster Impacts
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The app securely stores important files and documents on a cloud (HIPPA/PII compliant) server and provides emergency tips and guides. The app is free to members of the Disaster Central membership program.
Contact: John Romano, john@disastercentral.org
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Climate Generation: Register for the Summer Institute for Climate Change Education
Registration is live! Climate Generation’s Summer Institute for Climate Change Education is a three day climate change education conference structured to allow time for learning and networking. During the first two virtual days hosted by Climate Generation, educators can select from keynote presentations and concurrent workshops. During the third day, educators will attend a cohort workshop facilitated and hosted by a regional cohort leader to focus on place-based climate change education and the need for ongoing support throughout the year. Cohort days may be in-person or online, depending on educator and cohort leader needs in that region. Each group of 20-50 educators will explore local impacts, actionable solutions, connections to local experts, and planning and networking.
The Undivide Project: Using a Digital Justice Framework to Improve Disaster Preparation and Response
Reliable internet access is a key tool for connecting communities and coordinating disaster preparation and relief, yet 21 million Americans lack connectivity. Improving digital and climate literacy can save lives and livelihoods. The Undivide Project was part of the FAS + Day One Project Racial Justice in Tech Incubator to publish a policy memo, "Using a Digital Justice Framework to Improve Disaster Preparation and Response."
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Gulf of Maine Research Institution: Maine Islands Plan for Climate Change
In December 2022, students, teachers, and community members from North Haven and Vinalhaven took part in a community resilience training workshop developed by our Municipal Climate Action Program (MCAP) called Planning Forward. Planning Forward is an active learning, small-group workshop that surfaces community values to guide and empower participants in confronting the difficult reality of our changing climate and consider possible futures through new perspectives.
City of Boston's Office of Emergency Management: Roundtables to Resilience Series: Bringing Practitioners Together
The Roundtables to Resilience series is a part of the City of Boston Office of Emergency Management's Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program, and aims to bring together emergency management professionals from around the country to discuss topics related to disaster housing. For questions, please email: bostonrcpgp@boston.gov
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Disability Rights Texas: Lawsuit: San Antonio Emergency Plan Leaves Residents with Disabilities Out in the Cold
Deliberate indifference can no longer be the status quo, our most vulnerable needs must be identified and planned for to ensure equitable outcomes in disaster response and recovery measures. Inclusive planning processes must be engrained within blue-sky/steady state times and day-to-day emergency management operations to truly address the inequities. Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is committed to facilitating systemic change and sustaining public-private partnerships to help facilitate this process.
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EESI: Season 5 of EESI's Podcast is Now Underway
Season five of EESI’s podcast, The Climate Conversation, is now underway. This season is slated to cover issues including climate adaptation and resilience jobs and the work of the USGS Climate Adaptation Science Centers. Join us wherever you listen to podcasts!
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DRI International: DRI Announces Winners of the 2023 Awards of Excellence
DRI International is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 DRI Awards of Excellence for their achievements in business continuity, disaster recovery, and crisis management. The awards were announced at a gala event held during DRI2023 in Austin, TX.
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Local Governmental Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN): LGEAN Posts New Webpage "Climate Change and Outdoor Workers" as Part of Climate Equity Initiative
LGEAN recently posted a new web page on outdoor workers' vulnerability to climate impacts, existing state and federal frameworks to protect outdoor workers, and recommendations for local governments on how they can help protect this vulnerable population.
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 3 Sided Cube: Fighting Disasters with the Emergency Preparedness Platform
Mother nature can be devastating, so our disaster management app needed to be robust enough that people could rely on it. The American Red Cross approached 3 Sided Cube with the idea of a platform that allowed users to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters.
Read more here
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 American Flood Coalition: 4 Opportunities to Boost Flood Resilience in the Farm Bill
Congress’s reauthorization of the Farm Bill this year presents a huge opportunity for innovative solutions that empower farmers, improve soil health, and boost flood resilience.
Read more here
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Technical Assistance Available
Smart Growth America: Seeking Community Partners in Need of Climate & Land Use Technical Assistance
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Smart Growth America is offering free Technical Assistance to support at least three community-based organizations across the United States to address climate and land use housing topics. Funded by the Kresge Foundation, this year-long program of work will support community partners to effectively advocate for housing, zoning and planning policies, and infrastructure that is more prepared for the impacts of climate change such as flooding, extreme heat, drought, and wildfires. Technical Assistance may also address transportation topics as needed, including strategies to advocate for complete streets, transit and repair of existing infrastructure. Those interested in applying can fill out the Interest Form by March 15, 2023, or reach out to Jamie Zouras at jzouras@smartgrowthamerica.org.
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Enterprise Community Partners: West Coast Resilience Academy Applications Open Until March 17
Affordable housing in California, Oregon and Washington is vulnerable to a growing set of climate risks and natural disasters, including flooding, wildfires, heat emergencies and earthquakes. Our West Coast Resilience Academy was created to help developers, owners and operators of affordable housing make properties more resilient and to reduce displacement of residents, damage to property, business interruptions, and other harmful impacts.
Climate Reality Project: Power Up Training – From Acts to Action Let’s Leverage the IRA and Infrastructure Act for Climate Action Now!
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How can new climate laws help us cut carbon pollution and build more resilient communities? Learn more by joining Climate Reality and former Vice President Al Gore for our free online training Power Up: From Acts to Action in April.
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FEMA: Center for Domestic Preparedness
The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) enhances the resiliency of U.S. communities by teaching responders to prepare for and safely respond to a wide range of natural and manmade disasters. The advanced, all-hazards training is free and delivered on the CDP campus in Alabama, at sites around the nation, and online.
FEMA: Join One of the Upcoming Fiscal Year 2023 Nonprofit Security Grant Program Technical Assistance Webinar Series
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Grant Programs Directorate invites nonprofit organizations to participate in upcoming webinars regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The NSGP provides funding support through a competitive process for facility hardening and other security enhancements to nonprofit organizations at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack and promotes emergency preparedness coordination and collaboration between public and private community representatives, as well as state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.
New Resources
Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS): "Equitable Climate Resilience for U.S. Local Governments" White Paper Released
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IBTS released results from a 2-year, nationwide study, funded by the Kresge Foundation with support from NLC and NFBPA. The study explains how cities can address social inequities in climate resilience planning.
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Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Paper-Based Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment and User Guide
The Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment is designed to guide personnel at houses of worship through a security-focused assessment to understand potential vulnerabilities and identify options for consideration in mitigating those vulnerabilities. This self-assessment is a first step in building an effective security program; it is not intended to be an in-depth security assessment. After completing this process and addressing preliminary findings, houses of worship personnel may consider pursuing more detailed security assessments to explore specific issues in greater detail.
Island Press: New, Free E-book Showcases Collective Action for Healthy, Resilient Communities
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For those who care about sustainability and equity, 2022 brought plenty of good news. Through the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, American Rescue Plan, and the Biden Administration's Justice40 initiative, money is—finally—flowing to climate change mitigation and resilience in hard-hit communities. But the devil, as they say, is in the details. Now that more funding is available, it’s important to make sure it is spent wisely and goes where it’s needed most. In 2022, contributors to the Island Press Urban Resilience Project (URP) dug into the details, devising concrete plans for collective action to build a greener, fairer future. Those ideas—originally published as articles, op-eds and interviews—have now been collected in the latest edition of our e-book series Resilience Matters, available online at no cost.
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FEMA: Take these 4 Steps to Apply for a Nonprofit Security Grant
The NSGP can provide funding support to nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, that are at high risk of terrorist attack. This funding can help your organization implement physical security enhancements and activities.
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USDA Climate Hubs: Adaption Workbook for Agriculture
This series of case studies was developed using Adaptation Resources for Agriculture, a resource developed to provide a flexible, structured and self-guided process to identify and assess climate change impacts, challenges, opportunities and farm-level adaptation tactics for improving responses to extreme and uncertain conditions.
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FEMA: Guide to Expanding Mitigation: Making the Connection With Agriculture
The Guide to Expanding Mitigation shows how community officials can work together with the agriculture sector to support hazard mitigation, including the planning process. This guide is a starting place for community officials to initiate a conversation about mitigation investments that make agriculture more resilient.
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3 Sided Cube: Guide on Implementing Apps Within Organizations
We are often asked a ton of questions, ranging from how much does it cost to develop an app, to how can our company measure the impact. Within this guide, we will be focusing on five most commonly asked questions that potential clients need answered when considering an app development project.
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