Improving disaster recovery for marginalized communities through building trusting relationships

Cassandra R. Davis; Evan Johnson; Megan Griffard; Simona Goldin

doi:10.5055/jem.0846

Authors

Cassandra R. Davis, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4444-3113
Evan Johnson, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9536-8312
Megan Griffard, PhD
Simona Goldin, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.0846

Keywords:

hazards, trust, governmental support, community engagement

Abstract

Communities, scholars, and federal agencies have noted the increase in frequency and magnitude of hazardous events due to climate change. Emerging evidence suggests that marginalized communities are less likely to recover from a hazardous event when compared to their more advantaged peers, partly due to distrustful or nonexistent relationships with organizations meant to support recovery. These results suggest a need for research to inform governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) on how best to build trusting relationships for communities most in need.

We conducted nine focus groups with community leaders, academics, and government officials and combined our results with a pilot survey administered to 179 NGOs and 140 government agencies nationwide. Respondents described the necessary components to build trust that stemmed from treating groups with respect. They also indicated that receiving financial support would help them to improve their relationships with marginalized groups.

Author Biographies

Cassandra R. Davis, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Public Policy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Evan Johnson, PhD

Research Assistant Professor, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Megan Griffard, PhD

Assistant Professor, Educational Policy and Leadership, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada

Simona Goldin, PhD

Research Associate Professor, Department of Public Policy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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