The role of NGOs in building sustainable community resilience

Abstract

Purpose

This case study aims to explore the findings and documented impacts of Volunteering Qld’s “Step Up” programme which is the largest community resilience building programme led by a non-government organisation (NGO) in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

It will describe the programme design and systems that support this type of qualitative work using evidence-based data collected by the project coordinators over the duration of the programme and contextualising these within a broader resilience framework.

Findings

This case study will demonstrate and advocate for the need to create stronger partnerships and more significant opportunities for the sector to engage in resilience-building activities.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this project was limited by organisational capacity to conduct research into its own programme, as it was being delivered and with limited resourcing. There is a significant need for further research into the work of NGOs in the emergency management and disaster resilience and the impacts of these programmes on communities.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this case study is a recognition that there are inherent challenges for disaster management agencies trying to engage communities in dialogue around planning risk-informed response and recovery plans for disasters.

Social implications

However, NGOs are ideally placed to work in and with the communities which they service, to educate and support them at all stages of disaster management.

Originality/value

This is a unique first-hand account of the experience of a NGO delivering community resilience programme in Australia and provides an important insight for practitioners and researchers alike.

Citation

Fitzpatrick, T. and Molloy, J. (2014), "The role of NGOs in building sustainable community resilience", International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 292-304. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-01-2014-0008