Championing neighborhood resilience and emergency readiness.
Friends of Salem CERT is a newly formed nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the volunteers of the Salem Community Emergency Response Team. While our local CERT volunteers train diligently to serve as Salem’s neighborhood first responders during major crises, Friends of Salem CERT works behind the scenes to build the resources, advocacy, and community partnerships necessary for their success.
We are organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Our goal is to bridge the gap between community need and emergency capability, ensuring that every corner of the City of Salem, Oregon, is resilient, prepared, and included.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support Community Emergency Response Teams and their volunteers within the City of Salem, Oregon, through targeted advocacy, resource development, and community education. We strive to:
- Expand Response Capacity: Secure funding, equipment, and advanced training resources to increase our volunteers’ capacity to respond to a wide range of local emergencies and disasters.
- Advocate for Public Safety: Serve as a dedicated voice for the Salem CERT program, educating policymakers on the critical value of neighborhood-level disaster preparedness.
- Promote Equity & Diversity: Improve equity in emergency planning and response while actively working to increase the diversity and participation of CERT volunteers so our team truly reflects the community we serve.
Strategic Focus Areas
Capacity & Equipment Support
When disaster strikes, having the right tools saves lives. We are establishing pathways to provide medical supplies, communication gear, and advanced training resources that keep our local teams equipped and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
Policy & Community Advocacy
We believe that disaster preparedness should be a priority at every level of local government. We advocate for sustainable support and the seamless integration of CERT capabilities into Salem’s official emergency management strategies.
Diversity & Equity Outreach
Disasters affect everyone, but not everyone has equal access to preparedness resources. We build partnerships with diverse cultural, neighborhood, and community organizations across Salem to break down barriers to training and ensure equitable disaster resilience.
Get Involved During Our Launch
We are building the foundation for a safer Salem, and we need community builders, organizers, and emergency preparedness advocates to help us grow. Whether you are a certified CERT veteran, a local business owner, or a resident passionate about public safety, there is a place for you to help shape our organization.
Friends of Salem CERT is an independent nonprofit organization established to support, advocate for, and enhance the mission of the City of Salem CERT program as sponsored by the City of Salem, Oregon, Fire Department.