ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a case study of a community-based response to Tropical Storm Irene, an extreme weather event. It summarizes the lessons learned, drawn from the experiences of the Central Vermont Long Term Recovery Committee about cultivating community resilience in the days, weeks, months, and years during the response and recovery phases. Community leadership was highlighted as a critical factor in towns and villages across Vermont as well as the strong sense of duty that spurred many volunteers to action. The group drew from community volunteers and a variety of social service agencies within the region including the local chapter of the United Way, the regional office of the Vermont Agency for Human Services, a workforce development organization, the local community action agency, and local volunteers. Disasters can serve as catalysts—whether inspiring community volunteerism or the hosting of real conversations of how climate change is impacting livelihoods in real time.
