Disaster Resilience Learning Network (DRLN)
Overview
Overview
The Disaster Resilience Learning Network (DRLN) is a network of culturally-specific community-based organizations (CBOs) dedicated to creating culturally-rooted healing spaces led by leaders of color and for leaders of color in disaster work. The DRLN was created to help bring together CBOs working with those disproportionately impacted by disasters, especially Latinx and tribal nations of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) communities.
DRLN Annual Report
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.
In 2024 and 2025, the DRLN focused on reimagining the leadership and decision-making process of the Network and in-person gatherings. These efforts resulted in the Advisory Lead Council, consisting of six DRLN members, and regional leads for CBO members located in Portland Metro, Central Oregon, and Southern Oregon. United Way of Columbia-Willamette also continued the DRLN Resiliency Grant which support local and regional disaster resilience efforts. Seven CBOs received funding through this grant.
Mission Statement
To advance equitable disaster resilience, for people of color, through healing centered, culturally grounded collaborations and sustainable practices.
Values
The DRLN is committed to a space for culturally rooted people. The DRLN is committed to equity at the heart of our health, our work, and our resilience.
Goals
- To improve and support the health and wellness of BIPOC leaders working in climate and disaster resilience,
- To build relationships for leaders of color working in climate and disaster resilience,
- To center and bridge the importance of culture into climate and disaster resilience
DRLN Membership
The Disaster Resilience Learning Network's members consist of 20 community-based organizations (CBOs) that primarily work with communities of color in disaster work here in Oregon; OHA's Environmental Public Health team; United Way of Columbia-Willamette; and Trauma Informed Oregon.
Membership Directory
- AfroVillage
- Beyond Toxics
- Bridging Cultures (Puentes Entre Culturas)
- Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos
- Coalición Fortaleza
- Confederate Tribes of Grand Ronde
- Equitable Giving Circle
- Familias en Acción
- Friends of Tryon Creek
- Living Islands
- Micronesian Islander Community
- Native American Rehabilitation Association NW, Inc. (NARA)
- The Next Door, Inc.
- Nurturely
- Oregon Health Authority
- Oregon League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
- Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility
- Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste
- Raices de Bienestar
- Radical Rest
- Respond to Racism (in Lake Oswego)
- Rogue Climate
- Rogue Food Unites
- The Stronghold: A Culturally Responsive Peer Support Program
- Trauma Informed Oregon
- UNETE, Center for Farm Worker Advocacy
- Unite Oregon
- United Way of Columbia-Willamette
- Voz Workers' Rights Education Project
Contact Us
For more information, please fill out the form below or contact Christy da Rosa (cdarosa@pdx.edu) and/or Jamila Wilson (jamilaw@unitedway-pdx.org).