Stronger Together: Co-Creating Inclusive Community Engagement Strategies for Wildfire Resilience

As climate events intensify, the need for wildfire resilience is more pressing than ever, particularly for communities in remote and high-risk areas. For a community engagement strategy to be effective, it must do more than simply share information—it must connect meaningfully with every resident, taking into account their unique perspectives, abilities, and access to resources. This approach helps ensure that all residents, regardless of language, access to technology, or trust in traditional communication sources, are prepared and empowered.

Assumptions in Current Resources and Communication Channels

Current resources often assume that residents have:

1. Access to and proficiency with technology – Many communication channels, like websites and social media, rely on residents having internet access and the digital skills to navigate these platforms.

2. Fluency in English – Resources are often only available in the region’s primary languages, leaving out non-native speakers or those with limited literacy skills.

3. Trust in government or institutional sources – Not all residents feel comfortable with or trust information coming from traditional media or government sites.

4. Time and mobility – Attending in-person community events may be difficult for residents with work or mobility limitations, leading to unintentional exclusion.

Who Gets Excluded, and Why It Matters

These assumptions create gaps, unintentionally excluding vulnerable groups:

• Non-native speakers or those with low literacy may struggle to understand resources only available in English or French, which may mean missing critical wildfire preparedness steps.

• Residents without reliable internet access miss out on updates posted online or on social media.

• Community members without trust in traditional institutions, including Indigenous communities and marginalized groups, may be less inclined to act on information from unfamiliar or distrusted sources.

• Individuals with limited mobility or challenging schedules may be unable to attend in-person events, missing opportunities to engage directly with preparedness information.

These exclusions leave people vulnerable—unable to fully prepare their homes or protect their families, even if resources technically exist for them.

Strengthening Resilience Through Inclusive Strategies

A “whole-of-society” approach to wildfire resilience requires designing strategies that engage all community members. Here’s how:

1. Co-Create Resources with the Community – Collaborate directly with diverse community groups to develop relevant, accessible resources. For example, visual aids or translated resources may be helpful for non-native speakers, while audio or video resources could benefit low-literacy audiences.

2. Partner with Trusted Local Networks – Work with organizations and individuals who already have established trust within the community. This might include Indigenous leaders, local nonprofits, or established allies within organizations who can deliver essential preparedness information through trusted relationships.

3. Adapt Communication Channels – Go beyond traditional media by incorporating culturally relevant communication methods, such as posters in community centers, radio broadcasts in multiple languages, or even door-to-door outreach where internet access is limited.

4. Empower Residents with Action-Focused Resources – Resources should emphasize practical, clear actions each resident can take to prepare, such as creating defensible space around their home or assembling an emergency kit. Examples from other communities highlight the power of step-by-step guides, hands-on workshops, and volunteer “buddy” systems that help residents prepare together.

5. Gather and Implement Feedback – Regularly assess which groups feel informed and prepared and adjust strategies to address any gaps. This continuous feedback loop keeps the engagement strategy relevant and responsive to changing community needs.

Building Resilience, Together

By co-creating and adapting community engagement strategies for wildfire resilience, we ensure that everyone—regardless of language, technology access, or background—can take an active role in protecting their homes and loved ones. Inclusive strategies help us truly stand stronger together, prepared for whatever comes our way.

About the Author Cheryl Evans, Principal Consultant, Climate Ready Together Ltd., is dedicated to empowering communities with the tools and knowledge needed to face climate challenges head-on. Through her expertise, Cheryl emphasizes the power of inclusive, community-driven approaches that bring everyone into the fold of resilience planning.