Civic Engagement: The Backbone of Community Resilience

Civic engagement is about more than just the active participation of a community in public affairs. It's about fostering a sense of responsibility and collaboration toward common challenges, which are critical elements to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. 

During the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2025 Building Resilience Conference, the Foundation’s Hilary Crow moderated a discussion with American Red Cross’s Trevor Riggen, The UPS Foundation’s Nikki Clifton, and United Way Worldwide’s Marcus Coleman. The panel highlighted case studies, challenges, and actionable strategies to strengthen civic engagement as a way of enhancing disaster resilience, and the role national organizations can play. 

The Critical Role of Civic Engagement and Community Involvement in Disaster Resilience 

Coleman stressed the significance of building relationships long before disasters occur. “It does not happen without a handshake. These hours we spend together reflect the social capital needed in the crises ahead of us to help make quick decisions.”  

Clifton echoed this sentiment, highlighting UPS’s global preparedness initiatives.

The Importance of Building Partnerships Before Disasters Strike 

All panelists underscored the necessity of establishing partnerships before disasters strike. Riggen emphasized the blurred lines between disaster preparedness and response due to the increasing frequency of disasters. He remarked, “The hardest part in preparedness is convincing people of the risk. Having relationships ahead of time, from the handshake to deep partnerships, is crucial.” 

In addition to logistics expertise, companies like UPS offer advice and counsel to its nonprofit partners, as seen when they recommended the Red Cross move its warehouse from Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Arlington, Texas. UPS provided in-kind support transporting relief goods to the new disaster relief site and helped them get it up and running.  

She explained, “It wasn’t just logistics expertise but using the [company’s] power to move goods. Now, that disaster field can support up to 100,000 people, which is phenomenal.” Marcus Coleman added that communities often try to do everything themselves during disasters, leading to wasted time and resources. It's important for organizations to recognize each other’s strengths and collaborate effectively. 

On the topic of ensuring effective collaboration when working with partners across sectors, Coleman shared: “Courage is contagious. And I think the best way for us to find courage—and we're going to find it during the next big catastrophic disaster—will be through that generosity and action to help our neighbors.” 

The Need to Focus Locally and Leverage Community Strengths 

The discussion also highlighted the importance of focusing locally and leveraging community strengths. Riggen pointed out, “Zip codes really matter. Local is always best.” For example, making sure volunteers and partnerships are local. He explained, “These disasters are becoming extended operations. You can't just move in and move out. You really need to be present in the community, understanding how they operate and adapt to each community.” 

In Yazoo County, Mississippi, the American Red Cross connected two partners – a hospital and a food pantry – to develop a mutual solution for issues they were facing.  This collaboration reduced the number of patients rebounding due to malnutrition by setting up food deliveries upon discharge. This collaboration underscores the importance of proactive community engagement and support in building resilience. 

Clifton emphasized the role of proximity in selecting partners. “Partners who are proximate to the communities they are called to serve have the cultural competence to understand what those communities need,” she shared. UPS also solicits feedback from its local employees to ensure partners showed empathy, dignity, and respect, and whether they were well positioned to help. 

Coleman highlighted the importance of aligning national expertise with local community visions, citing United Way’s efforts in Hyderabad, India, to build lakes and reservoirs for clean water access. 

Now is the time for greater collaboration and civic engagement. As Riggen shared, “Be ready to serve. Whether it's getting trained to be a volunteer, getting ready to mobilize your employees, or even just having your family prepared. All of those set you up for success and they'll set the community up for success if we all have a plan.” 

Clifton encouraged exploring partnerships and collaboration, stating, “We need to be stronger together and lift stories that matter.” Coleman reminded attendees of the power of gratitude and connection, saying, “Extend gratitude proactively; it pays forward in important ways.”