1. American Red Cross in New York State Disaster Consortium “TAKING CHARGE OF OUR OWN DESTINY” Presented to the EMI Higher Education Conference on 10 June 2010 by Jim Savitt, Consortium Co-Chair

2. 2 ARC/NYS Disaster Consortium Purpose: Build the capacity to manage a catastrophic relief operation in New York, using New York-based people and physical resources.

3. 3 ARC/NYS Disaster Consortium Goal: Implement a recruitment, training, and advancement program that leads to two Level V teams in place by the end of 2011. Develop an inventory of all Red Cross equipment in New York State by the end of 2010. Develop an inventory of (mutual aid) sharable Red Cross equipment by the end of 2010.

4. 4 Disaster Consortium Structure and Membership Paid and Volunteer Staff from across the state. Six task forces. – Comprised of members from each of the regions. – Chaired by a Consortium member. – Plan, MSS, Tech, DSHR, PS, Training. Led by volunteer and paid staff counterpart (State Disaster Officer). Focus is on building capacity rather than direct response.

5. 5 Why Volunteer or Intern with the Consortium? Experience the planning and preparedness phase of the disaster cycle. Help build response capacity. Get mentored. Work as part of a team. Learn and appreciate the complexities of making ESF-6 (Mass Care, Housing, Human Services) work.

6. 6 What Does the Consortium Do? Helps assess chapter, regional, and statewide risks and capabilities. [Planning] Reviews regional response plans. [Planning] Creates a State Response plan. [Planning] Articulate government, NGO, and corporate partnerships. [Partner Services] Support and coordinate advanced training courses and instructor development. [Training] Support and coordinate regional and statewide exercises. [Training and DSHR] Support and coordinate leadership development among paid and volunteer staff. [DSHR] Survey chapters to determine amounts of equipment. [MSS, Tech]

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