1. 8/11/2017 Volunteer Management During An Emergency
Sonya Davis, CVM
Volunteer Program Manager
Arkansas Department of Health
Resilient People. Healthy Communities. A Nation Prepared.

2. Volunteer Management During An Emergency
What is a plan?
How do I develop a plan?
What is a volunteer?
How do I recruit the right volunteer?
How do I manage the volunteer?
How do I engage and at times activate the volunteer?

3. Volunteer Management During An Emergency
Rule #1
Find the plan. Know the plan. Live the plan. Exercise the plan. Wait! No plan?? Then develop a plan. Review it annually.
Note: Please review your agency’s policy on reviewing a plan, how often to submit changes, etc. You may need to review it more often.

4. Volunteer Management During An Emergency
Rule #2
Know your program. What is your mission? What are your capabilities to support the response efforts?

5. Volunteer Management During An Emergency
Rule #3
Know your volunteers. Communicate with them frequently.
Question: How?
Answer: Utilize trainings, s, phone calls, face-to-face meetings, etc.
Question: Why?
Answer: To engage them in the activity or response effort most suited to their needs, skillsets, training and interests.

6. Volunteer Management During An Emergency
Rule #4
Exercise the plan. Test the plan to determine if your plan will work in day-to-day response efforts.
Exercise your volunteers. Provide trainings that will engage and challenge their skills (i.e. tabletop exercises, drills, etc.).
Note: If the exercise indicates you may have “failed”-you have not. It shows your attempt to do what your plan says you will do and you must now embrace the need for modifications. Don’t be afraid. Try again.

7. Volunteer Management During An Emergency
Preparedness Checklist or Questions:
Do I have an approved volunteer management plan?
Am I recruiting volunteers who understand, agree and are willing to share the agency’s mission?
Am I offering relative and engaging training to support the mission and the volunteers’ needs?
Am I partnering with a nearby Medical Reserve Corps Unit or preparedness agency to exercise the plan and volunteers?
Have I developed a call down list or communications method to reach my volunteers during an emergency? Do I have backup communications or alternate means to communicate during an emergency?
Am I being inclusive in serving my public and volunteers?
Note: Feel free to view this as a starting point. This checklist is a quick frame of reference in developing your plan. Brainstorming sessions are recommended.

8. 8/11/2017 Open Discussion Session
Changes
Suggestions
Questions
Thoughts
Trust in the process or journey to arrive. Ask why.
Resilient People. Healthy Communities. A Nation Prepared.

9. 8/11/2017 THANK YOU. Let’s Connect. Let’s Collaborate
8/11/2017 THANK YOU! Let’s Connect. Let’s Collaborate. Let’s Be Healthier TOGETHER
Sonya Davis, CVM
Volunteer Program Manager
Arkansas Department of Health
Resilient People. Healthy Communities. A Nation Prepared.