At the Water Table: Conversations with River Network

Survivor-Led Disaster Resilience with DORIS BROWN

River Network

How has community organizing and disaster preparedness evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic? For Doris Brown at West Street Recovery (WSR) in Houston, Texas, this kind of advocacy has only expanded. WSR is a survivor-led organization focused on community organizing and disaster resilience. Water is a critical issue for WSR, with many residents facing high bills and unsafe drinking water. In this episode, Doris reflects on water equity and the challenges faced by BIPOC neighborhoods and calls for systemic change in how we support communities facing an onslaught of climate disasters. Doris also addresses the need for widespread education and community action if we’re to move toward her vision for a just water future.

This episode was hosted by Erin Kanzig and Campbell Simmons at the Water, Equity and Climate Resilience Caucus. Campbell is no longer on the River Network staff, but we deeply appreciate their compassion, knowledge, and commitment to water advocacy, which shines through in this conversation with Doris. 

Enjoyed this episode? Learn more and join the national network of water, justice, and river advocates at rivernetwork.org.