International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment
Volume 5 Issue 3
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/toc/ijdrbe/5/3

The role of NGOs in building sustainable community resilience
Tal Fitzpatrick (Education Policy and Research, Volunteering Queensland, Brisbane, Australia)
Julie Molloy (Social Engagement Initiatives, Volunteering Queensland, Brisbane, Australia)
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-01-2014-0008
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.