Cards Against Calamity (Serious Play Gold Medal Version)

Coastal storms, marine debris, flooding, or any other possible troubles could bring disaster to an unprepared coastal community. It takes decision makers from all areas of a community who plan to improve, and act to adapt. InFor Cards Against Calamity, players take roles of different stakeholders in a community, and then propose and advocate for how to respond to, and prepare for, events that unfold. Should they welcome the hipsters or send ‘em packing? Invest in a new jobs training program? Hold a regatta to attract tourists? Each plan benefits some and demands others sacrifice; can the town come together to ensure they all survive?

Although the game features scenarios representative of a coastal community, the conversations and cooperative negotiation play are familiar to other towns and groups who need to work together with finite resources and disparate goals. Play together with your school board, town council, or not for profit to start a dialog about how to balance individual goals with community needs.

Cards against Calamity was funded by NOAA and developed in partnership with the WIlson Center and Environmental Law Institute.