Here’s a commitment I recently made to an audience in Seoul:

I promise that before we are able to activate the basic functionality of the new version of IDRN, there will be major events that will highlight what the International Disaster Response Network seeks to address.

It’s disheartening to see that prediction come to fruition so quickly through the devastating floods and landslides in Nepal, and the impact of Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States.

Both events are water based.

Both have led to loss of life.

Both demonstrate the awesome power of water.

Both will be impacting their areas for years.

These recent events have sparked more interest in IDRN’s role, with many people asking what we’re doing to address the situation. The difficult part regarding this is that this question will persist, and the answer will confuse and frustrate many.

IDRN, at least the part we’re currently building, will not respond – directly.

The assumption that IDRN is the responding organization is where most people start. So, we will continue to educate everyone that IDRN doesn’t coordinate responses. Individuals and groups that are in IDRN will, though. And as time goes on and our membership grows, the answer will be much easier when we respond, “Many IDRN members are responding… and here’s how!”

The International Disaster Response Network (IDRN) seeks to empower individuals and groups to collaborate more seamlessly during disaster response. By fostering a strong network and providing essential reference resources, IDRN cultivates an environment where collective action thrives.

While IDRN doesn’t claim credit for the commendable efforts of its members, it amplifies their impact. When asked about IDRN’s contributions, we will proudly showcase the collective response of our dedicated members – someday.

For a while, we’ll encourage the few directly involved as we encounter them. We will continue building the network as disasters continue around us. At some point, IDRN will consistently replace the word “will” with the word “are.”