Disaster Resilience Learning Network (DRLN)

The massive wildfires that hit Oregon in September 2020 had a tremendous impact on the health and well-being of communities across the state. In the immediate aftermath of this disaster, community-based organizations serving communities of color identified profound gaps in communications, evacuation, shelter, and other systems intended to alert and protect the state’s residents from disasters. The Disaster Resilience Learning Network (DRLN) was created to bring together culturally specific and/or people of color serving community-based organizations (CBOs) and leaders who serve communities of color disproportionately impacted by disasters.

Upon review of the Disaster Resilience Learning Collaborative (DRLC) in 2021 evaluation and findings, CBOs advocated for the collaborative to move into a network able to better foster relationship-building and resilience collaborations across Oregon. In Fall 2022, a committee of Network members created the Network's goals and objectives and finalized its mission. This committee received stipends for sharing their wisdom and time.

In 2023, the DRLN transitioned from planning to workgroups that translated the Network’s goals into objectives and actionable steps. This workgroup received stipends for sharing their time and wisdom. Efforts towards advocacy also grew as the Network was called to present on its mission and actions in conference and workshop settings. Many Network members also received mini-grants through United Way of Columbia-Willamette’s DRLN Resiliency Grant which support local and regional disaster resilience efforts.