CARD works to include LGBT concerns in local disaster planning



Much of the emergency preparedness courses and guides in our community are focused on the heterosexual majority. One population that is often neglected is the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community. CARD - Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters, has taken on the challenge of creating a fear-free, emergency preparedness curriculum that is specific to the LGBT community. 



Jimmy Nguyen, CARD’s LGBT Community Educator, is currently in the works of bringing this curriculum to life. LGBT community members face challenges and have unique needs that traditional approaches never consider. Issues such as having proper legal documentation to make medical decisions for your partner if he/she is incapacitated, or having a network of informed friends, so that they can advocate on your behalf is your are caught up in a disaster in an area that is hostile to LGBT people. Something as simple as making sure “family/unisex” restrooms are available can make a big difference for transgender people -- and it can be done before a disaster.  

During the research phase, Jimmy conducts research and follows the CARD process of hunting for empowered and creative solutions created by members of the community.  After a few months at CARD, Jimmy says “Being prepared is a lot easier and so much more fun this way. Anyone can do it!”

        But who is CARD and why is this organization taking on this project? CARD is a nonprofit, based in Oakland California. CARD was created in 1989, by local nonprofit agencies to address the preparedness and response needs of service providers — whose consumers are among the most vulnerable people in any community. The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake demonstrated what is now familiar: that despite great effort and billions of dollars invested, over many decades, traditional disaster response agencies  — FEMA, American Red Cross, Offices of Emergency Services, Department of Homeland Security, etc. — simply cannot address all of the emergency preparedness, planning and response needs of our increasingly diverse community.

Nonprofits from across Alameda County formed CARD. Today CARD leads and champions the “Use NO Fear” preparedness movement and actively seeks to end the use of fear and threat of disasters as the “motivation” for emergency preparedness.  CARD has created and embraced a “Prepare to Prosper” curriculum and philosophy. Their programs reflect, respect and support the realities, as well as the roles and goals of nonprofits, service agencies and faith groups. CARD serves as the point of contact for nonprofits and faith agencies in the Alameda County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

CARD’s Executive Director, Ana-Marie Jones, travels the country speaking about an alternative, empowerment-based approach to preparedness for all communities. CARD works to fulfill their vision with progressive funders, government entities, community agencies and committed private sector partners.

For more information please visit us at www.CARDcanhelp.org, www.Facebook.com/CARDcanhelp, or email us at info@CARDcanhelp.org.