Whether it’s the COVID-19 pandemic or Hurricane Ian, major disasters can dramatically disrupt society on multiple levels. Yet it is often the poorest and most underserved communities that are most hurt in their aftermath.

This is why Stetson Law looks forward to hosting the Disaster Resilience Symposium, which takes place Mar. 15-16. A collaborative effort led by nonprofit Equal Justice Works and cohosted by the American Bar Association and American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Disaster Legal Services, the event’s theme is “Building Community Resilience Through Advocacy and Systemic Change.”

Important policy discussions

The event will bring together legal, academic and community voices instrumental in disaster law and the resilience movement for keynote presentations on current and emerging issues in disaster response and preparedness. Organizers plan to examine the question of how to build more equitable disaster resiliency and recovery strategies through the lens of law and policy.

“As we see on the news, disasters are occurring at an alarming rate across the globe,” said Law Professor Christine E. Cerniglia, who is Stetson Law’s Director of Clinical and Experiential Education. “How communities prepare to become more resilient will define our future – most importantly, how communities respond to ensure all members in the community are resilient – will further define us. This symposium hopes to provide a space to think about how to bolster preparedness for all, including the most vulnerable, in order to create equality in disaster response.”

Disaster resilience through a legal lens

Over the symposium’s duration, panelists and speakers will discuss the recent changes in disaster law, systemic challenges, and how disaster and preparedness, response and recovery may evolve in the future. Attendees can also learn about legal resources and tools they can use to advocate for greater resiliency in the communities they serve.

“This conference brings together leading advocates and thinkers to share best practices and resources for increasing and improving community response and resilience to all types of disasters,” said Equal Justice Works CEO Verna Williams, “Lawyers play a critical role in disaster preparedness and recovery and to build disaster resilience in communities, we know having a sustained presence of lawyers on the ground is crucial. We’re thrilled to work in partnership with groups that are on the frontlines of this important issue.”

Attendees can expect highly substantive sessions discussing timely topics like climate justice, how disaster effects migrants, advocacy through organizing and more. Immersive workshop experiences, meanwhile, aim to broaden their perspectives on the critical role legal and government professionals play in helping low-income families recover in the aftermath of a disaster.

The Disaster Resilience Symposium is free to attend. Those who do so in person are eligible to earn CLE credit. Registration closes February 14. Learn more and register.

-Kate Bradshaw
[email protected] | 727-430-1580