DisasterReady: Ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances

In a world where disasters, both natural and man-made, continue to pose a constant threat, a beacon of hope has been shining for the past decade. DisasterReady.org, an online learning platform built and managed by the Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation, has been a silent force behind the scenes, empowering humanitarian and development professionals worldwide. As it marks its 10th anniversary, let's take a closer look at how DisasterReady has made a lasting impact and why its mission is more crucial now than ever.

A decade of empowerment

For the past ten years, DisasterReady has been a force to be reckoned with. This unique online platform has been providing high-quality, free educational content on disaster preparedness, response and recovery to professionals in the humanitarian and development sectors. In a world where access to quality education can be limited, DisasterReady has stepped up to level the playing field for aid and development workers globally who operate in some of the hardest places on the planet.

Leveraging the Cornerstone LMS, this platform removes barriers of cost, expands accessibility to training, and supports aid and development organizations to safely and effectively accomplish their mission. DisasterReady has become one of the largest and most trusted sources of professional development for those who work in humanitarian and development roles.

Global reach, local impact

One of the standout achievements of DisasterReady is its global reach. With an average of 1,000 sign-ups per day, it has touched the lives of more than a million humanitarians from 195 countries. These individuals provide aid in the face of disasters of all kinds, including the Israel-Hamas war and ongoing crisis in Ukraine, as well as the earthquakes in Afghanistan, flooding in Libya and wildfires in Hawaii. DisasterReady's impact is not limited by borders — it's a truly international force for good.

A pressing need

The 10-year milestone couldn't have come at a more crucial time. The world is facing an increasing number of geopolitical issues and natural disasters, as evidenced by the 387 natural hazards and disasters recorded by the Emergency Event Database in 2022. This underscores the importance of DisasterReady's work today and in the future. The Director of DisasterReady.org, Tina Bolding, points out, "This milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to increasing the skills of humanitarian professionals as they prepare for the critical work they do. Leading this program has been an incredible honor, and I am deeply moved by the impact DisasterReady has had on the lives of countless individuals dedicated to making the world a better place.

A rich repository of knowledge

DisasterReady isn't just about offering a platform — it's about providing invaluable resources. What makes DisasterReady unique is the breadth and depth of its content library, all of which is 100% free. The Catalog includes both original courses developed with subject matter experts from across the sector as well as donated courses from NGOs and leading providers of professional development.

With a library of over 1,500 online learning materials available in nine languages, it offers free certifications and courses on a wide range of topics. From Core Humanitarian Essentials to Personal Safety and Security, Project Management, Emergency Healthcare, Psychological First Aid, Child Protection and many more, it covers the breadth and depth of knowledge required for professionals working in disaster-prone areas.

The road ahead

Throughout DisasterReady's 10-year journey, it's important to recognize it's not just an educational platform — it's a lifeline for those who face disasters head-on, providing them with the knowledge and skills to save lives and rebuild communities. With the world facing increasing uncertainties and challenges, the work of DisasterReady is more critical than ever.

DisasterReady's commitment to making the world a safer place is a shining example of what can be achieved when the for-profit and non-profit sectors come together for the greater good. As it looks ahead to the next decade, one can only imagine the countless more lives it will touch and the compassionate aid and development workers it will empower.

In a world filled with an ever-increasing number of disasters, DisasterReady remains a beacon of hope, empowering those who work tirelessly to make the world a better place. Here's to another decade of empowerment, knowledge and resilience.

To learn more about the Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation, visit: www.cornerstoneondemand.org.

To learn more about DisasterReady.org, visit: www.disasterready.org.