It Doesn’t Have to be Complicated

Diversity.  Equity.  Inclusion.  Equal Rights.  Civil Rights.  Vulnerable.  Disadvantaged.  Historically Underserved.

These are words that are often defined differently by people.  These words can be confusing to some as they apply to disasters.  But I don’t think they are confusing, if you support the spirit and intent behind them, and if you approach the concepts with compassion, empathy, and kindness.  Let’s try some different words.  

Martin Luther King, Jr once said. “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” 

Maya Angelou proclaimed, “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity, there is beauty, and there is strength.”

And Mahatma Gandhi foretold, “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.”

Humanity.  Beauty.  Strength.  Unity.  Beauty (again). 

Are you cool with those words?  I know, right?  I know that, like any issue, readers will fall into one of three categories:  Allies, Adversaries, and Ambivalent.   If you are an Ally, please cheer this on and spread the word.  If you are an Adversary, please reach out and try to tell me where I am wrong.   But typically, these two audiences combined are not as large as the third one, the Ambivalent.   You, Ambivalent ones, are my audience.   Because if we can sway you to not only appreciate, but also actually champion a meaningful approach to diversity et al in emergency management, then, well, the world will be a better place for all of us.

We don’t need a dictionary.   Which do you like better?  Which would you like better if it was your family?  When a natural disaster strikes, Mother Nature doesn’t take a census survey on race, religion, age, or income.  The winds blow and the floods come in, with no regard.  But we then respond with regard.  Do we want a world where we hand everyone in the impacted area the same amount of money and assistance?  Or do we want a world where everyone is given the opportunity to recover and see a better day?

How do we get there?   A friend of mine once told me that “information must be accessible in order to be actionable.”  I think that is an amazing approach, and one I have believed in for the last 12 years since I first heard it.  We can do a better job in outreach, translations, services, and assistance to those who are historically underserved before, during, and after disasters.  

Many years ago, I deployed as a soldier in response to Hurricane Katrina.  I won’t forget the young sergeant who told me about the day he stepped into an elderly nursing home to find a few dozen senior citizens dead. He described them as appearing to have practically died in place, in beds and chairs, without seemingly having a chance to attempt escape. The sergeant went on to explain, with distant eyes not making contact with anyone in the group at the time, that what he saw in New Orleans was far worse than anything he experienced in combat. He had served a tour in Iraq the year prior.

Are we better off at helping the historically underserved now than we were then?  I hope so.  Can we claim, “mission accomplished?”  Not by a long shot.

The ask here is simple.  You don’t have to be an expert on the words or be able to quote policy.   But, if you are ambivalent, simply take a step forward and become an ally.  Let’s lead together with compassion, empathy, and kindness.  We need everyone we can get it.  Ask questions.  Seek solutions.  Try to make a positive difference.  Let’s care for people who most need care. Let’s fix the system.

And if you are an adversary, if you are disinclined to embrace diversity and provide for an equitable and just emergency management posture, then let’s debate.  And may God have mercy on your soul.

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