Developing an Engagement Plan for a Disaster Recovery Group

The Westchester County Long-Term Recovery Coalition (WCLRC) is a group of community organizations that came together in 2011 to facilitate coordination around the provision of long-term practical aid. The coalition had established bylaws and coordinated with key nonprofits, but needed a plan to reinvigorate outreach and coordination with nonprofits, government entities, and volunteers. The Capstone team employed academic literature and conducted interviews with stakeholders and specialists in disaster management to develop an engagement plan for WCLRC. Recommendations included strategies to clearly articulate the benefits of engaging in the coalition to members, provide a framework for sharing information among member organizations, and outlined initial steps to draw organizations to meetings. Based on the plan, WCLRC will be able to more effectively connect nonprofits, governments, and volunteers to coordinate efficiently during disaster recovery periods.