Green, Kenneth E.Neal, David M.Quarantelli, E. L.2005-03-072005-03-071989http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/507The formation of citizen groups to deal with actual or potential adverse situations has been a growing phenomenon since the 1970s. We discuss field data from more than 50 emergent citizen groups (ECGs) that were formed to either prevent or prepare for both natural and technological community disasters. We particularly focus on the relationships of 12 local ECGs and other community organizations. Using a collective behavior approach we look at ECGs in terms of their organizational set. The consequence of the ECGs legitimacy and success are then discussed in terms of the patterns informational networks which develop with other members of the organizational set.343681 bytesapplication/pdfen-USECGemergency citizen groupcommunity disasterOther