What does "whole community" approach refer to in the National Response Framework?

The "whole community" approach in the National Response Framework emphasizes the importance of engaging all segments of the community in emergency management and planning processes. This approach recognizes that effective disaster response and recovery require collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, private sector entities, community-based organizations, and the everyday citizens who may be affected by disasters.

By involving all community elements, the framework aims to leverage diverse resources, skills, and knowledge, encouraging everybody to contribute to preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. This inclusive strategy fosters a more resilient community able to respond to emergencies more effectively.

In contrast, the other options focus on limited participation: involving only government entities, excluding other vital players like non-profits and community groups, or gathering input solely from emergency responders. Such narrow scopes would not harness the full range of community capabilities and perspectives, which are essential for a comprehensive approach to emergency management.