Cultural & Community-Based Associations & Organizations
Emergency management is strengthened when all voices and communities are represented. Below is a collection of associations and networks that support professionals across emergency management and first response, with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. These groups provide resources, training, and advocacy to ensure emergency services reflect the communities they serve.
African-American & Black-Focused
Black Emergency Managers Association International (BEMA International)
BEMA International is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advancing Black emergency management practitioners. The association provides networking, mentorship, professional development, and advocacy to ensure equitable representation and leadership opportunities within the emergency management and first responder fields.
Black Resilience Network
The mission of the Black Resilience Network is to catalyze leadership development, collaboration, and investments in Black towns, communities, and organizations so they can successfully play their vital roles in the disaster and climate resilience ecosystem. The nonprofit Next Leadership Development convenes the Black Resilience Network.
All-Community Focused
Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM)
I-DIEM is a global non-profit established to facilitate change by integrating equity into all aspects of emergency management. Our focus is on humanity and our vision supports the empowerment of marginalized communities within all phases of the disaster management cycle.
Latino-Focused
Latino Outreach Society of Bomberos Minnesota
The Latino Outreach Society of Bomberos Minnesota works to strengthen connections between the Latino community and emergency services. The organization focuses on outreach, education, and mentorship, supporting Latino representation in firefighting, EMS, and related public safety professions while fostering community trust and engagement.
Tribal-Focused
California Tribal Emergency Response & Relief Agency
The California Tribal Emergency Response & Relief Agency (CAL TERRA) is dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for emergencies and disasters. We believe that every person has the right to be prepared, and that a strong and resilient community is built on the foundation of individual preparedness. Through our community preparedness training programs, we aim to increase awareness and readiness among tribal and non-tribal people alike, while also providing specialized training to businesses to ensure that they can continue to operate in the face of adversity. Our mission is to create a safer, more prepared community for all.
Inter-Tribal Emergency Management Association (iTEMA)
iTEMA is a national Tribal association created for Indian Country, by Indian Country. The mission of iTEMA is to promote a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against all hazards that impact our Tribal communities. iTEMA supports education, training, and preparedness activities in a manner that promotes cooperation and equality for the whole community and works to develop partnerships with Tribal, Federal, state, and local agencies and organizations for the advancement of emergency management and services. To this end, we continue to formalize our organizational capacity and structure by and developing business and strategic planning structures to launch the organization.
Pacific Islander & Asian-Focused
Pacific Islands Emergency Management Alliance (PIEMA)
Supported by the New Zealand and Australia governments, The Pacific Islands Emergency Management Alliance (PIEMA) is at the forefront of emergency and disaster management training across the Pacific. Through its partnerships, PIEMA leads the way in strengthening preparedness, the response to, and recovery from emergencies and disasters.
Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
ADPC leads several regional programs that enhance disaster resilience, climate adaptation, and risk management across Asia and the Pacific. These initiatives focus on policy support, technology-driven solutions, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to build long-term resilience. These programs collectively drive innovation, regional cooperation, and community-based approaches to strengthening disaster and climate resilience in the region.
Disability-Focused
The Partnership For Inclusive Disaster Strategies
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (The Partnership) is the only U.S. disability-led organization with a focused mission of equity for people with disabilities and people with access and functional needs throughout all planning, programs, services and procedures before, during and after disasters and emergencies.
World Institute on Disability (WID)
WID is dedicated to designing, building, and supporting whole community solutions by removing barriers to include people with disabilities.
Women-Focused
WTFem (Women in the Field of Emergency Management)
At WTFem, we love information. WTFem collects resources, data, and personal experiences and shares it all in one spot.
At WTFem, we believe in action. WTFem has a volunteer cadre that provides resume review and support. We also have annual grants that fund scholarships, training, networking, and professional development.
Women in Fire
Women in Fire is an organization dedicated to championing female leadership and participation within the fire and emergency services. While our focus is on women, our membership includes male firefighters of all ranks, as well as institutional supporters. Members hail from 48 states and eleven countries. Our coalition represents hundreds of individuals contributing to the fire and emergency services in various roles.
LGBQTI-Focused
International EMS & Firefighters Pride Alliance
The International EMS & Firefighters Pride Alliance represents and supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, emergency medical and fire service professionals around the world. We are an LGBTQIA+ awareness, educational, peer support, and social organization.
Responders For PRIDE
Responders for PRIDE is dedicated to achieving our mission of promoting mental health, wellness, equality, education, and support for our LGBTQIA+ first responder community through visibility, fundraising, scholarships, and raising awareness. It is essential that the first responder community becomes a welcoming environment where everyone can embrace their authentic selves while serving the broader community.
