Introduction to the Cascadia Community Response Group
Welcome to the Cascadia Community Response Group, a vibrant coalition dedicated to fostering resilience and environmental stewardship within the unique bioregion of Cascadia. Based in Lane County, Oregon, our group is committed to educating and preparing its members for sustainable living and effective community response in times of need.
Our mission is to cultivate a robust network of informed, prepared, and proactive citizens who can respond to emergencies and engage in the stewardship of our local environment. Through training in scouting skills, rucking, and community emergency response techniques, we empower individuals to support their neighbors and protect our shared natural resources.
Join us as we explore the rich ecological tapestry of the Pacific Northwest, from its dense forests and coastal waters to its vibrant communities. Our activities are designed to enhance our members' connection to the land and each other, building a resilient Cascadia that thrives on cooperation, knowledge, and mutual respect.
Table of Contents
Mission Statement of the Cascadia Community Response Group
Our mission is to strengthen community resilience and promote environmental stewardship across the Cascadia bioregion. We are committed to preparing our members to effectively respond to both local challenges and broader ecological changes through education, training, and active engagement. By fostering a deep connection to our region’s unique natural landscapes and cultivating a network of skilled, proactive community members, we aim to ensure a sustainable future for all inhabitants of Cascadia. Together, we work towards a community that is not only prepared for the future but also deeply connected to and protective of our natural environment.
Who We Are
Origins and Milestones
The Cascadia Community Response Group was founded in Eugene, Oregon in March of 2024, born out of a desire to integrate physical fitness with practical skills and community building. Starting with ruck events that combined endurance training with nature exploration, our group aims to include a wider range of activities including fostering environmental stewardship and emergency preparedness.
Key Members
Justin McAffee - As one of the founding members of our group, Justin brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the outdoors. A seasoned wilderness survival instructor, Justin has dedicated his life to teaching others how to live harmoniously with nature. Justin works at shaping our training programs and community outreach initiatives.
What We Do
Group Activities
At the Cascadia Community Response Group, our activities are designed to enhance both individual skills and community resilience. Here’s a look at our core activities:
Scouting Skills: We offer comprehensive training in scouting skills that teach our members how to navigate and thrive in the natural landscapes of the Cascadia bioregion. These skills include map reading, plant identification, and wildlife tracking, which not only deepen our connection to the environment but also enhance our ability to act as stewards of our land.
Rucking: Rucking—hiking with a weighted pack—forms a significant part of our physical training. This activity builds endurance and strength, preparing members physically for emergencies while fostering a spirit of teamwork and determination.
Community Emergency Response Training: We provide specialized training that equips members to respond effectively to a variety of emergencies, from natural disasters to community crises. Our training covers first aid, disaster psychology, and emergency coordination, ensuring that members are ready to support their community when needed most.
Community Engagement and Preparedness
The activities we engage in are not just about individual skill development; they are deeply integrated into our broader goal of community engagement and preparedness. By participating in these activities, members not only gain practical skills but also contribute to a network of proactive citizens ready to take action in times of need.
Building Connections: Each event and training session is an opportunity for members to connect with like-minded individuals who are equally passionate about making a difference. These connections form the backbone of our community’s emergency response network.
Enhancing Resilience: Through continuous training and community-building activities, we enhance the overall resilience of the Cascadia bioregion. Our members become not only guardians of their local environments but also pivotal figures in disaster response and recovery efforts.
Promoting Sustainable Practices: By integrating principles of sustainability into all our activities, from responsible land use during scouting to minimizing waste in our gatherings, we ensure that our impact on the environment is positive and lasting.
Why Subscribe?
What You Gain
Subscribing to the Cascadia Community Response Group newsletter means equipping yourself with practical skills, enriching your understanding of our local ecosystem, and deepening your connections within a community dedicated to sustainability and preparedness. Our subscribers are the first to receive comprehensive insights and updates that can transform everyday living into a harmonious, environmentally conscious practice.
Content Highlights
Detailed Profiles on Local Flora and Fauna: Each issue features in-depth explorations of different species found within the Cascadia bioregion. Learn about the ecological roles and conservation status of our native plants and animals, complete with beautiful photographs and identification tips.
Guides and Tips for Local Food Sourcing and Sustainable Living: Discover how to leverage the bounties of our region sustainably. Our guides help you source local food, reduce your carbon footprint, and implement eco-friendly practices that benefit both you and the planet.
Educational Content on Wild Skills and Environmental Conservation: From basic wilderness survival skills to advanced techniques in environmental conservation, our articles are designed to educate and empower. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsperson or a beginner, there’s something to enhance your capabilities.
Updates on Group Activities and Training Sessions: Stay informed about upcoming events, training opportunities, and community gatherings. Whether it’s a new ruck event, a workshop on sustainable practices, or a community clean-up initiative, you’ll know all the ways you can get involved.
By subscribing to our newsletter, you're not just staying informed—you're joining a movement. Together, we're building a resilient community that values knowledge, skills, and proactive engagement with our environment. Join us to be part of this transformative journey.
Join Our Community
Ready to make a difference in your community and the Cascadia bioregion? Subscribe to the Cascadia Community Response Group newsletter today! By subscribing, you'll receive regular updates on our activities, exclusive content on local flora and fauna, and practical tips on sustainable living and emergency preparedness.
Get Involved
We don’t just want you to read about our efforts—we want you to be a part of them. Every subscriber is a potential active member of our community. We invite you to participate in our discussions, attend our training sessions, and engage in our community events. Whether you’re looking to build skills, connect with like-minded individuals, or simply contribute to a healthier, more resilient Cascadia, there’s a place for you here.
Take Action Now
Subscribe: Don’t miss out on our latest posts and updates—subscribe to get them directly in your inbox.
Attend an Event: Check out our upcoming events and sign up for one that interests you. It’s a great way to learn, meet community members, and start making an immediate impact.
Join the Discussion: Share your ideas, ask questions, and connect with other members, in our discussion chats, or in the comment section.
Your Voice Matters
At the Cascadia Community Response Group, we believe that every member brings valuable insights and ideas that can help shape our direction and impact. Here’s how you can get actively involved and make your voice heard:
Feedback and Suggestions: We are always eager to hear from you! Whether it's feedback on our activities, suggestions for future content, or ideas for community projects, your input is crucial. We encourage you to reach out via our newsletter replies or dedicated feedback forms linked in each issue.
Volunteer Opportunities: Ready to roll up your sleeves and get involved on the ground? We offer numerous volunteer opportunities that range from organizing local events to participating in environmental clean-ups. Volunteering is a fantastic way to contribute directly to our mission and connect with fellow community members.
Interactive Features
To ensure our community remains dynamic and engaging, we incorporate several interactive features in our newsletter:
Q&A Sessions: Have questions about environmental stewardship or want to know more about emergency preparedness? Participate in our regular Q&A sessions where you can ask questions directly to our experts and guest speakers.
Polls: Your opinions help us tailor our activities and content to better suit our community’s interests and needs. Look out for polls in our newsletters where you can vote on everything from the topics of our next workshop to the location of our annual community meet-up.
Community Forums: Join our online forum to discuss ongoing topics, share your experiences, or provide tips on sustainable living practices. It’s a space for you to connect with other members, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on community initiatives.
Take the Initiative
Contribute Content: Are you knowledgeable about a specific area of our bioregion's ecology? Do you have tips on survival skills or local recipes using native plants? We encourage you to contribute articles or content suggestions for future newsletters.
Lead a Workshop: If you have expertise in any relevant areas, consider leading a workshop or training session. It's a great way to engage with the community while sharing valuable skills.
Join the Cascadia Community Response Group’s Substack today and become part of a movement that’s making a real difference in the Cascadia bioregion. Subscribe now, and let’s work together to make the Cascadia bioregion a stronger, more resilient place for all its inhabitants.
This page is continually updated.
