On Nov. 12, FEMA’s Office of Equal Rights (OER) will host the first of three Civil Rights Stakeholder Summits. The first summit, “Multi-Cultural Summit: Equity Throughout Disasters,” is an opportunity for FEMA and our stakeholders to participate in a crucial conversation on equity in disasters. Motivated by FEMA’s core values of compassion, fairness, integrity and respect, the goal of this summit is to strengthen the foundation for an inclusive, whole-community based approach to emergency management.

The summit is designed to foster a collaborative dialogue to identify actual and perceived biases impacting equal access to programs and services before, during and after disasters.

FEMA understands that disasters impact individuals and communities differently. To foster a more inclusive, prepared and resilient nation, OER seeks to strengthen the agency’s communication with members of underserved and historically marginalized communities, such as those with low income, differing ethnic groups and limited English proficiency.

Perspectives and feedback from the public are critical to ensure FEMA effectively prepares and serves all communities.

Register in advance to join the summit discussion!

Upcoming summits dates and topics:
· Disability Summit: “Accessibility Throughout Disasters,” Thursday, Nov. 19
· Environmental Justice Summit: “Implementation Throughout Disasters,” Thursday, Dec. 3