Building Power Before the Storm: Join the Community Preparedness Network
- NAACP Des Moines
- Oct 24
- 2 min read
When disaster strikes, our communities in Iowa are too often left out—left out of preparedness planning, left out of response decisions, and left behind in recovery. From derechos and floods to public health crises and acts of violence, we’ve seen what happens when systems fail us. The Community Preparedness Network (CPN) changes that.
A System by Us, for Us
Led by the NAACP Des Moines Branch, the Emergency Preparedness & Community Resilience Plan is the first-of-its-kind, equity-centered approach to emergency planning in Iowa. The CPN is building a coordinated network of trusted organizations across Polk, Dallas, Story, Warren, Jasper, Marion, Boone, and Madison Counties—organizations that know our neighborhoods and understand our needs.
Each CPN member takes on a specialized role that strengthens our collective response:
Outreach & Neighborhood Canvassing:Â Checking on vulnerable residents before and after a crisis.
Food & Water Distribution:Â Hosting shelf-stable emergency supplies.
Health & Safety Stations:Â Offering first aid, cooling, or warming spaces.
Emergency Communication Hubs:Â Keeping our neighbors connected when it matters most.
More...
Every role receives training, resources, and ongoing support—because true resilience means we all have what we need to protect one another.
Why It Matters
Joining the CPN is about survival and sovereignty. We deserve:
✅ Clean water when systems fail
✅ Safe places to go during disasters
✅ Neighbors and institutions ready to respond
✅ Representation in emergency policy decisions
✅ Training and information ahead of emergencies
By joining, your organization becomes part of a movement that helps us move from survival to strength.
Learn More & Get Involved
We’re recruiting new members now—and we need you.
Introductory Sessions:
👉 Register https://www.naacpdesmoines.org/branch-events or learn more: secretary@naacpdesmoines.org
🎧 Listen before you come: Hear CPN Chair Diogenes Ayala discuss community resilience on the Black & Privileged Podcast with Abena Sankofa → Watch here
Together, we can build power before the storm—and ensure every Black Iowan is prepared, protected, and never left behind.