Though we're immensely grateful to see more resources becoming available to organizational leaders, we see that many resources, like the Phases of Disaster Response, and the current categories for disaster funding (which segment according to the type of incident that has occurred, such as a tornado or a wildfire or an act of terror), do not fit the mold of challenges communities are facing today. This great disparity further complicates, frustrates, and hinders the healing and restoration processes for survivors. We can do so much better.
Now, the same communities that have experienced decades of heartache and destruction, as well as communities that have experienced far more privileged circumstances, all are facing additional cascading tragedies. These include multiple natural disasters within close proximity, or combinations of natural and human-caused disasters, or combinations of natural and technological disasters, or disasters in communities amid overwhelming rates of opioid addictions and suicide.
We must all do our part to consider the ways we can sustain ourselves and our neighbors amid impacts of trauma and disaster, add good back into a troubled world each day, and share strength and nourishment we have to offer to others as we go.
Beyond our blogs, some of the ways that donors, volunteers, and staff at ICTG are making a difference is by providing a range of support for leaders. Leaders often need and want:
- to become more informed about how trauma or disaster may impact their organization or how their organization can be a source of support for their community in times of great adversity
- to be coached in getting prepared or navigating post-trauma circumstances
- to be supported therapeutically through individual listening sessions, through group debriefings, through pastoral counseling, counseling with psychologists or MFTs, or through spiritual direction.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you think any of these resources may be helpful to you.
If you would like to encourage this critical work, I invite you to make a financial contribution today. Your generosity makes a great difference! Thank you.