Community resilience is the ability of a community to re-organize, change, learn, and recover in response to hazards, threats, or disruptions while positively contributing to social well-being, the economy, and the environment. This resilience can be built within an individual person, with their family and friends, within a business, and/or at a community and society level and includes economic, human, social, and political capital. In contrast, vulnerabilities are defined as characteristics or qualities of social systems that create the potential for harm. Certain factors can increase a community’s vulnerability and identifying what these factors are can highlight a need in the community. This information will inform local and state level efforts and can activate resilience characteristics that are inherent in both individuals and communities.
Residents were invited to complete a Community Needs and Assets Survey survey to identify: (1) areas that have been impacted by post-wildfire debris flows and erosion from mine tailings, (2) vulnerabilities, and (3) resiliencies. In addition, during local meetings, the research team engaged community members who then shared their experiences and the geographic areas impacted by the post-wildfire debris flows; this information directly informed our sampling plan. Recruitment occurred through community festivals, and community and/or town council meetings, interaction at local public events, telephone calls and emails, press releases, announcements in the town newsletters; and e) a website presence. Individuals were compensated with a $10 gift card.
Check back soon to see the results!