The “Listas” Campaign, spearheaded by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), endeavors to fortify the state’s emergency preparedness by empowering women with vital resilience knowledge. This initiative stems from the insights garnered from the Listos California 2023 research, which underscored certain demographic groups in need of additional resources to bolster their disaster readiness, with women emerging as a significant focus for engagement.
Recognizing the indispensable role women play in emergency readiness within households and communities, Listas California was introduced in March during Women’s History Month. This strategic timing not only honors the contributions of women throughout history but also underscores their pivotal role in safeguarding families and communities during crises.
Since its inception in 2019, Listos California has played a pivotal role in reaching millions of Californians who may have otherwise lacked access to essential emergency preparedness information. Leveraging various channels and partnerships, Listas California has effectively disseminated lifesaving knowledge, equipping individuals with the tools and resources necessary to confidently navigate emergencies.
A recent statewide ethnic media briefing, coordinated by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media, served as a platform to raise awareness about Listas California and its mission. Key stakeholders and speakers, including Diana Crofts-Pelayo from Cal OES, Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, and Shayla Happi Amenra-Warmsley, a mother and teacher, highlighted the significance of empowering women in enhancing overall community resilience.
Diana Crofts-Pelayo, Assistant Director of Crisis Communication & Public Affairs at Cal OES, emphasized the importance of inclusive preparedness efforts, acknowledging the unique roles women play in disaster response and recovery. Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen stressed the significance of policy support and community engagement in advancing resilience initiatives.
Shayla Happi Amenra-Warmsley, representing the everyday women at the heart of emergency preparedness efforts, shared her perspective as a mother and educator. Her firsthand experiences underscored the critical need for accessible and relevant preparedness resources tailored to women’s needs and circumstances.
Through Listas California, the state continues to prioritize proactive measures to ensure all Californians are adequately prepared to face emergencies. By recognizing women as the backbone of state emergency preparedness efforts, Listas California not only fosters gender equity but also strengthens the overall resilience of communities across California. For more information and resources, individuals can visit ListosCalifornia.org and join the movement towards a safer, more prepared future.
Diana Crofts-Pelayo, Assistant Director of Crisis Communication & Public Affairs at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), opened her address by acknowledging the challenges California has faced due to various natural disasters and emergencies. However, amidst these trials, she conveyed a message of hope and empowerment, introducing the Listas California campaign as a beacon of positivity.
At the core of the campaign lies Cal OES’s mission: to assist individuals during times of need, whether stemming from natural disasters or other emergencies. Crofts-Pelayo stressed the importance of understanding what messages resonate with Californians during critical moments and how the state can best prepare its citizens, insights gleaned from comprehensive research.
Crofts-Pelayo outlined the campaign’s primary objectives, focusing on providing women with essential knowledge and resources for emergency preparedness. These resources are designed to be clear, concise, and relatable, offering actionable steps for navigating various emergency scenarios. Additionally, Listas California aims to equip California women with basic disaster tips applicable to any emergency situation.
Cal OES identified two distinct target audiences: women who serve as the heads of households, bearing significant responsibilities and often facing language barriers, and messengers within communities, typically second or third-generation Latina, Asian American Pacific Islander, or Black women. The campaign tailors emergency information to address the unique needs and circumstances of these demographics.
One of the campaign’s key objectives is to encourage individuals to sign up for local emergency alerts, ensuring they receive critical information from trusted sources during emergencies. Crofts-Pelayo emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting its potential to save lives and protect communities.
Reflecting on her personal connection to the campaign as a first-generation Latina, Crofts-Pelayo expressed her pride in the initiative’s inclusivity and impact. She emphasized the resilience and determination of the women in her own family, echoing the spirit of empowerment that Listas California seeks to instill in all Californians.
Crofts-Pelayo concluded her address by highlighting the campaign’s success thus far and encouraging ongoing participation from the community. She emphasized the importance of sustained efforts to promote emergency preparedness beyond Women’s History Month, underscoring the campaign’s enduring significance for California’s communities.
In addition to Crofts-Pelayo’s address, a special initiative featuring the First Partner of California, Jen Sieval Newsom, was showcased. Newsom emphasized the vital role women play in caring for their families during both calm and chaotic times, urging families to prioritize emergency preparedness and create comprehensive plans. Her participation underscored the broad support and commitment to the Listas California campaign across various levels of leadership within the state.
Stephanie Nguyen, Assemblymember for District 10, brought her unique perspective to the forefront, echoing the sentiments expressed by Diana Crofts-Pelayo and emphasizing the pivotal role of women, particularly in ethnic communities, in disaster preparedness and response.
Nguyen’s address resonated with personal experiences and cultural insights, highlighting the inherent leadership roles that women often assume within families and communities. Drawing from her background as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, she underscored the challenges and responsibilities faced by women in ethnic communities, who must balance preserving cultural heritage with embracing leadership opportunities.
She praised the Listas California campaign for its inclusivity, acknowledging the diverse tapestry of California’s population and the importance of representation in preparedness initiatives. Nguyen emphasized that disasters do not discriminate based on ethnicity or culture, making it essential for all communities to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources.
Nguyen stressed the effectiveness of the campaign’s approach, particularly in reaching communities that may have previously lacked access to comprehensive emergency preparedness information. She highlighted the power of seeing women who look like oneself delivering vital messages, citing firsthand accounts of individuals inspired to take action after watching campaign videos.
In her address, Nguyen reiterated the importance of women from ethnic communities being actively involved in preparedness efforts, as they possess invaluable insights and experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. She emphasized that effective messaging is not solely about data and research but also about delivering information in a relatable and accessible manner.
Nguyen concluded her address by reinforcing the core principles of emergency preparedness, encapsulated in the campaign’s five important tips for staying safe. From considering the needs of vulnerable individuals to signing up for alerts, she emphasized the importance of proactive measures in ensuring community resilience in the face of disasters.
As Nguyen’s passionate address came to a close, it was evident that her commitment to empowering women and promoting inclusive preparedness efforts would continue to drive positive change within California’s diverse communities. Her words served as a call to action, inspiring individuals to take ownership of their preparedness and work together toward a safer and more resilient future.
Shayla Happi Amenra-Warmsley, a mother of two and a dedicated teacher, brought a heartfelt perspective to the Listas California campaign, emphasizing the crucial link between preparedness and peace of mind, especially for families and educators like herself.
As a teacher, Amenra-Warmsley highlighted the inherent responsibility of educators in preparing students not just academically but also for life’s uncertainties. She eloquently articulated the connection between education and preparedness, emphasizing the importance of instilling resilience and problem-solving skills in students from a young age.
Amenra-Warmsley shared personal anecdotes, underscoring how the campaign had transformed abstract notions of preparedness into tangible actions for her and her family. She candidly discussed the evolution of her preparedness mindset, acknowledging that what had once been joking conversations about zombie apocalypses had now become serious considerations of practical emergency planning.
Through her involvement in the Listas California campaign, Amenra-Warmsley found empowerment in being able to take proactive steps towards preparedness, not just for her family but also for her students and the larger community. She emphasized the campaign’s role in facilitating ongoing learning and improvement, highlighting the dynamic nature of preparedness efforts.
Amenra-Warmsley’s narrative underscored the transformative power of preparedness education, both within her personal life and professional role as an educator. Her dedication to empowering others, particularly her students, resonated deeply, reflecting a commitment to fostering a culture of readiness and resilience within her community.
In her conclusion, Amenra-Warmsley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the Listas California campaign, recognizing it as a meaningful journey towards greater preparedness and community resilience. Her heartfelt words served as a testament to the campaign’s impact, inspiring others to embrace preparedness as a pathway to peace and empowerment in the face of uncertainty.
Conclusively, the Listas Initiative serves as a reminder of the vital lessons learned from past emergencies, highlighting the pivotal role of women in fortifying California’s readiness for future crises. It not only emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and empowerment but also underscores the need for ongoing education and proactive measures to ensure the safety and resilience of all individuals and families across the state.
For more information, visit: ListosCalifornia.org.
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