What is VOAD?
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) is a humanitarian coalition of independent voluntary organizations active in emergency disaster relief. These include the Red Cross, Salvation Army, local food banks, the Church, and hundreds of others. VOAD was founded in 1969 with the purpose of coordinating relief efforts among voluntary agencies, faith-based groups, and government organizations involved in disaster response. The mission of VOAD is to provide efficient services to all disaster survivors and eliminate duplication of services by focusing on the “Four C’s:” Cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration. LDS Charities, the humanitarian non-profit arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a member of VOAD.
Each VOAD organization has a role and strength. For example:
| Organization | Strength |
|---|---|
| Red Cross | Mass Care, Sheltering |
| Baptists | Famous mobile kitchens that can serve 20,000 – 30,000 hot meals per day |
| Catholic Charities | Case Management & Long-Term Care |
| Mennonites | Start-to-finish rebuilding |
| Seventh Day Adventists | Donations & Warehouse Management |
| Team Rubicon | Advanced muck-outs and cleanup |
| Mormon Helping Hands | Click here for Typical resources and responses |
Disaster recovery is complex and requires long-term coordination from many organizations. The Church’s area welfare specialist/ VOAD representative assists stake presidents and the area seventy to coordinate relief efforts with visiting stakes and other responding agencies, to maximize effectiveness and minimize duplication of efforts.
Why does the Church participate in VOAD?
The LDS Church is a voting member of the National VOAD organization and supports the platform and mission of VOAD. By participating in VOAD, the Church is an official part of the emergency response community in the United States. Organizations such as the Red Cross and Salvation Army are active members of VOAD. Also, many national, state, and local government organizations including Homeland Security and FEMA actively participate in preparation and coordination efforts. It is important to develop working relationships with other response organizations before an emergency or disaster occurs.
What is a state VOAD?
The National VOAD organization is divided into state chapters. There is a state VOAD chapter in each of the 50 states. Some of the larger states have more than one chapter. Most state VOAD chapters meet on a monthly basis to discuss preparation and coordination efforts. The assigned VOAD specialist is encouraged to attend the monthly VOAD meetings. Information on each state chapter can be found at the National VOAD Web site: www.nvoad.org.
Read More…
- Policies on Service (Age, End Dates, Proselytizing, Liability, Risk, and Insurance, Proselytizing, etc.)
- Procedures (How to Get Work Orders, Absent Residents, Releases, Don’t Spray for Mold, Helping Unscheduled Neighbors, Reimbursement, etc.)
- Safety Information (Chainsaws, Nails, Risky Trees, etc.)
- Principles of Disaster Recovery
- Communication Strategies