Community Resilience A Systems Perspective or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Accept Change …and an Afterword M. J. Plodinec 8 April, 2014

New Spectrum of Change Physical Natural disasters Terror Accidents Economic After-effects of Great Recession Globalization Spreading prosperity Health Potential for new animal and plant diseases, and pandemics Likelihood that medical advances will extend life spans

A community is… …an eco-system Individuals and organizations bound together by geography and self-interest to efficiently provide common services, and… a system of systems!

Communities’ central role

Resilience Positive adaptation to change or: When life rips up your pineapple plant, you make Singapore Slings ( But that means you better have your shaker ready! )

Disasters Have Directions

Social Capital is…

Vulnerability

Connections and Recovery

Fostering Community Resilience Focus on building strengths Leadership Connections Resources Plans Keep communities informed; have them keep you informed Recognize the differences among and within communities Culture Connections Systems

Importance of Community Leadership

There are rhythms in recovery; be patient Natural Environment Built Environment Community Institutions Individuals and Families Economic Institutions

Celebrations of small successes are essential for greater ones!

An Afterword: Security is mostly a superstition It does not exist in nature Nor do the children of men As a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer In the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure Or it is nothing. To keep our faces toward change and Behave like free spirits In the presence of fate is strength undefeatable. – Helen Keller Cultivate Humility, Accept Change, Recognize the Systems that Surround Us