|
Pictured Above: MCEM Community Outreach Coordinator Lydia Ledgerwood-Eberlein gives a preparedness presentation.
As Community Engagement Activities ramp up for the year, MCEM's Community Engagement Coordinator Lydia Ledgerwood-Eberlein worked with volunteer Emily Campbell to analyze community outreach data from 2025. This analysis is in service of MCEM's strategic plan, which aims for the following outcomes/outputs:
-
Outcome 1: Disaster vulnerable communities are better prepared for and more resilient to impacts from locally prevalent hazards, empowered to be the representatives within their own communities, and collaborative when preparing for and responding to local emergencies.
-
Output 1: Partnerships and collaboration with CBOs is increased
-
Output 2: Engagement with the least-served communities is improved through data analyses
MCEM received 72 requests for outreach events, resulting in 48 presentations, tabling events, and other outreach activities for community organizations. General preparedness presentations were the most common type of event, and Spring, Summer, and Fall were the busiest seasons.
17 outreach activities were with organizations or groups representing "disaster vulnerable" communities, such as people with disabilities or people of color. Audiences for other events included people who care for or work with disaster vulnerable community members. A few events were in languages other than English, including a preparedness presentation in Spanish for El Programa Hispano Catolico, and an event with the African Youth and Community Organization.
This analysis helps MCEM identify next steps for community outreach. Among those, MCEM has identified opportunities for proactive outreach. This includes conducting outreach with affordable housing providers, libraries, Community-Based-Organizations working with people living with disabilities, and more.
Want to request a Community Engagement activity for 2026? Visit MCEM's website and complete the Presentation and Materials Request Form. For other questions, contact Lydia Ledgerwood-Eberlein at lydia.ledgerwood-eberlein@multco.us.
| 
