When a crisis strikes a city—whether a flood, an economic shock, or a public health emergency—the first people to act are rarely municipal agencies. They are neighbours rescuing neighbours, youth groups mapping evacuation routes, and community leaders organizing food distribution long before formal systems mobilize. In Accra’s low-lying neighbourhoods, volunteer groups clear drains ahead of seasonal floods to prevent homes from being inundated. In São Paulo, community kitchens sprang up during the pandemic to feed families cut off from income. These acts of solidarity reveal a powerful, often overlooked asset: the civic infrastructure that sustains cities when formal systems falter.
To build resilience, urban leaders must recognize residents as essential partners. The 2026 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) offers guidance on strengthening this civic infrastructure. Here's my take.