What are some successful examples of crisis communication with diverse communities?

1 Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina was one of the deadliest and costliest natural disasters in U.S. history, affecting millions of people in the Gulf Coast region in 2005. Among the most vulnerable and affected groups were the African American and Latino communities, who faced disproportionate challenges such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. The crisis communication efforts during and after the disaster were widely criticized for being slow, insensitive, and inadequate. However, some local and grassroots organizations stepped up to fill the gaps and provide timely, relevant, and culturally appropriate information and assistance to the affected communities. For example, the People's Hurricane Relief Fund, a coalition of community groups, activists, and volunteers, created a bilingual radio station that broadcasted critical information, such as evacuation routes, shelter locations, health tips, and legal advice, in English and Spanish. The radio station also served as a platform for community voices and stories, fostering solidarity and empowerment among the listeners.

2 Christchurch Earthquakes

Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand's South Island, experienced a series of devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, killing nearly 200 people and damaging thousands of buildings. The city is home to a diverse population, including many immigrants and refugees from different countries and cultures. The crisis communication efforts during and after the earthquakes were praised for being inclusive, responsive, and innovative. For example, the Christchurch City Council partnered with various ethnic and religious organizations, such as the Canterbury Refugee Council, the Muslim Association of Canterbury, and the Christchurch Migrants Centre, to ensure that the information and services provided were accessible and appropriate for the diverse communities. The council also used social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, to communicate with the public and receive feedback and suggestions. The social media platforms also enabled the communities to share their experiences, support each other, and celebrate their resilience.

3 COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an ongoing global health crisis, requiring emergency managers and communicators to address the needs and concerns of diverse communities, who may be more vulnerable due to language barriers, cultural beliefs, social determinants of health, and stigma. Crisis communication efforts have varied widely across countries and regions, but some examples of good practices include using multiple channels and formats to reach different audiences, providing information in different languages, engaging with community leaders and representatives, acknowledging and addressing the emotional and psychological impacts of the pandemic, promoting positive messages and stories of solidarity, compassion, and hope, and recognizing the contributions and achievements of diverse communities.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?