ADA National Network Learning Session: Listos California Emergency Preparedness Campaign - An Innovative Community Based Approach to Disaster Preparedness

This webinar will highlight the efforts of this ground breaking $50 million approach to whole community preparedness. We will discuss how centering the community first, preparedness efforts are more accessible, relevant and effective to target populations. The presentation will demonstrate both the necessity of preparing our most vulnerable and diverse communities as well as methods to do so. We will discuss specific strategies including market research, expert input, data analysis, and community insight that guided this initiative to success.

Learning objectives:

• Know the importance of using data and input from experts as well as community members to drive an overall strategy.
• Understand how a community based approach better prepares vulnerable populations, especially people with disabilities.
• Learn about creative models to better engage diverse and vulnerable populations.

Presenters:

Karen Baker, a nationally recognized leader, strategist and community problem solver, currently works to address California's most pressing issues by leveraging service, partnerships and innovative program design. Having held cabinet posts under three governors-Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom, Karen has built efforts that continue to show great impact to this day. She was tapped by Governor Newsom as the architect and co-chair of Listos California, a campaign focusing on building an effort that is people-centered and ensures that our most vulnerable and diverse Californians are prepared. Karen also serves as Senior Advisor in the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Previously, Karen has held several leadership positions at leading non-profits, as well as served on the team that created AmeriCorps during the Clinton Administration.

Justin Knighten is a public affairs and communications strategist, storyteller and advocate who works to advance equity, inclusion and human rights. Justin is an expert in leading successful issue and political communications campaigns to frame debates, build and restore reputations and fuel successful movements. Justin was appointed in 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve as Assistant Deputy Director in the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and as Co-Chair of Listos California, a culturally competent emergency preparedness campaign to boost resiliency through preparing vulnerable communities for disasters like wildfire and now this COVID-19 pandemic. Justin recently joined the national advisory council of the new NextGen Chamber of Commerce. Previously, Justin served as senior vice president of a Sacramento-based public affairs firm, global public affairs director of the Harvey Milk Foundation and in the Office of the Secretary at the California Environmental Protection Agency.