Reading 11.3

Coles, E., & Buckle, P. (2004). Developing community resilience as a foundation for effective disaster recovery. The Australian Journal of Emergency Management, 19(4), 6-15.

Woman in Juba, Sudan, Votes in Extended Elections

An official from Sudan's National Elections Commission (left) assists a voter at a polling station in Juba, Sudan. Originally set for 11 to 13 April, the date to vote in Sudan's general elections has been extended by an additional two days.

Source: UN photo/Tim McKulka; 12 April 2010; Juba, Sudan; Photo #433972 www.unmultimedia.org/photo accessed September 2010.

Activity 11.1: Reflecting on Coles and Buckle

• Locate the definition of ‘community’ provided by Cole and Buckle; do you agree with their definition? If not, how would you define 'community'?
• What are the characteristics you see in the community/communities that you belong to?
• What characteristics of communities could prove a hindrance during and after an emergency?
• What characteristics of communities can support or enhance the recovery capability of a community?

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