From Crisis to Candidacy

Community organisations are so critical to disaster recovery efforts, and many organisations emerge during and directly after disasters. Following the destructive Marshall Fire in Colorado, one community member co-founded a community organisation to support disaster survivors. Empowered by her experience, she then ran for Public Office and became a Trustee on the Local Council in the town of Superior, Colorado.

Jenn Kaaoush joins Andrew and Josh on the show today to discuss how her experience as a resident impacted by the fire motivated her to become a voice for those impacted by running for public office. When the fire destroyed over 1,000 properties, she sprang into action, co-founding the Superior Rising community organisation to support disaster survivors. Jenn, a former diplomat and fourth-generation Army veteran, shares insights on the importance of communication, empathy and community organising in disaster recovery while reflecting on her own personal growth through the crisis.

This episode offers a unique perspective on disaster recovery, highlighting the power of grassroots community organisations as part of the emergency response and recovery efforts, and the potential for community leaders in disasters to consider taking on a different role to make a difference in their community.

Watch Jenn’s advocacy following the fire on CBS.