Opportunities From: United Way of the Golden Triangle Regional

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're looking for seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

What You'll Do:

Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Small commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering more accessible for everyone.

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. Communities across the country count on the Red Cross every day. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months. From helping people effected by disasters, like home fires and floods, to supporting the collection of lifesaving blood, you can make a difference. Ninety percent of our workforce are volunteers who are inspired to give back. Discover the volunteer role that’s right for you. We can’t do it without you. Join us today and discover one of the best ways to spend your summer.

As a Shelter Service Associate, you can support the day-to-day activities within a shelter during a large disaster which may include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information, or other areas within a shelter. Free online training will be provided. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel outside of their local area, a commitment of at least 14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required.

Be a meaningful part of a larger mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

Training is free, but the hope you provide is priceless. Make a difference by turning tragedy into hope.

Create a Red Cross ID:  visit redcross.org/shelterheroes click on apply now, create a Red Cross ID.

Confirm your account:  Fill in your contact information, choose how you would like to receive your conformation.

Policy Agreement: Read and Agree to Red Cross Policies. Continue to background check.

Background check: Authorize background check.

To learn more:

Visit: redcross.org/shelterheroes

Email: volrecruitmentALMS@redcross.org

Call/Text: Michael Bowers, 662-871-7470

Shelter Client Story

If this Volunteer opportunity does not interest you, browse all volunteer opportunities or take our short quiz to determine what's best for you.

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. Communities across the country count on the Red Cross every day. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months. From helping people effected by disasters, like home fires and floods, to supporting the collection of lifesaving blood, you can make a difference. Ninety percent of our workforce are volunteers who are inspired to give back. Discover the volunteer role that’s right for you. We can’t do it without you. Join us today and discover one of the best ways to spend your summer.

As a Shelter Service Associate, you can support the day-to-day activities within a shelter during a large disaster which may include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information, or other areas within a shelter. Free online training will be provided. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel outside of their local area, a commitment of at least 14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required.

Be a meaningful part of a larger mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

Training is free, but the hope you provide is priceless. Make a difference by turning tragedy into hope.

Create a Red Cross ID:  visit redcross.org/shelterheroes click on apply now, create a Red Cross ID.

Confirm your account:  Fill in your contact information, choose how you would like to receive your conformation.

Policy Agreement: Read and Agree to Red Cross Policies. Continue to background check.

Background check: Authorize background check.

To learn more:

Visit: redcross.org/shelterheroes

Email: volrecruitmentALMS@redcross.org

Call/Text: Michael Bowers, 662-871-7470

Shelter Client Story

If this Volunteer opportunity does not interest you, browse all volunteer opportunities or take our short quiz to determine what's best for you.

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. Communities across the country count on the Red Cross every day. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months. From helping people effected by disasters, like home fires and floods, to supporting the collection of lifesaving blood, you can make a difference. Ninety percent of our workforce are volunteers who are inspired to give back. Discover the volunteer role that’s right for you. We can’t do it without you. Join us today and discover one of the best ways to spend your summer.

As a Shelter Service Associate, you can support the day-to-day activities within a shelter during a large disaster which may include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information, or other areas within a shelter. Free online training will be provided. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel outside of their local area, a commitment of at least 14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required.

Be a meaningful part of a larger mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

Training is free, but the hope you provide is priceless. Make a difference by turning tragedy into hope.

Create a Red Cross ID:  visit redcross.org/shelterheroes click on apply now, create a Red Cross ID.

Confirm your account:  Fill in your contact information, choose how you would like to receive your conformation.

Policy Agreement: Read and Agree to Red Cross Policies. Continue to background check.

Background check: Authorize background check.

To learn more:

Visit: redcross.org/shelterheroes

Email: volrecruitmentALMS@redcross.org

Call/Text: Michael Bowers, 662-871-7470

Shelter Client Story

If this Volunteer opportunity does not interest you, browse all volunteer opportunities or take our short quiz to determine what's best for you.

This summer, turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. Communities across the country count on the Red Cross every day. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months. From helping people effected by disasters, like home fires and floods, to supporting the collection of lifesaving blood, you can make a difference. Ninety percent of our workforce are volunteers who are inspired to give back. Discover the volunteer role that’s right for you. We can’t do it without you. Join us today and discover one of the best ways to spend your summer.

As a Shelter Service Associate, you can support the day-to-day activities within a shelter during a large disaster which may include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information, or other areas within a shelter. Free online training will be provided. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel outside of their local area, a commitment of at least 14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required.

Be a meaningful part of a larger mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

Training is free, but the hope you provide is priceless. Make a difference by turning tragedy into hope.

Create a Red Cross ID:  visit redcross.org/shelterheroes click on apply now, create a Red Cross ID.

Confirm your account:  Fill in your contact information, choose how you would like to receive your conformation.

Policy Agreement: Read and Agree to Red Cross Policies. Continue to background check.

Background check: Authorize background check.

To learn more:

Visit: redcross.org/shelterheroes

Email: volrecruitmentALMS@redcross.org

Call/Text: Michael Bowers, 662-871-7470

Shelter Client Story

If this Volunteer opportunity does not interest you, browse all volunteer opportunities or take our short quiz to determine what's best for you.

Turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. Communities across the country count on the Red Cross every day. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months. From helping people effected by disasters, like home fires and floods, to supporting the collection of lifesaving blood, you can make a difference. Ninety percent of our workforce are volunteers who are inspired to give back. Discover the volunteer role that’s right for you. We can’t do it without you. Join us today and discover one of the best ways to spend your summer.

Lead your community through recovery. As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can help your neighbors in need and feel good knowing you made a real impact!

This position supports the Regional Disaster Cycle Services department. To serve on a Disaster Action Team as a worker on a DAT response to provide 24-hour immediate support and assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by a home fire or other local disaster.

Works as part of an assigned team to respond to local disasters within two hours.

Has access to RC Care and can directly enter case data.

Works with on-scene lead to assess whether additional resources/support are required and communicates those needs to DAT Leadership.

Attends regularly scheduled team/DAT meetings as required by Chapter/Region.

Commits to being available during assigned shifts and communicates scheduling conflicts with DAT Leadership.

Be a meaningful part of a larger mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

Training is free, but the hope you provide is priceless. Make a difference by turning tragedy into hope.

Create a Red Cross ID:  visit redcross.org/volunteer click on apply now, create a Red Cross ID.

Confirm your account:  Fill in your contact information, choose how you would like to receive your conformation.

Policy Agreement: Read and Agree to Red Cross Policies. Continue to background check.

Background check: Authorize background check.

To  Learn more:

Visit: REDCROSS.ORG/volunteer

Email: michael.bowers@redcross.org

Call/Text: Michael Bowers, 662-871-7470

DAT Video

DAT WEBSITE

If this Volunteer opportunity does not interest you, browse all volunteer opportunities or take our short quiz to determine what's best for you.

Turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. Communities across the country count on the Red Cross every day. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months. From helping people effected by disasters, like home fires and floods, to supporting the collection of lifesaving blood, you can make a difference. Ninety percent of our workforce are volunteers who are inspired to give back. Discover the volunteer role that’s right for you. We can’t do it without you. Join us today and discover one of the best ways to spend your summer.

Lead your community through recovery. As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can help your neighbors in need and feel good knowing you made a real impact!

This position supports the Regional Disaster Cycle Services department. To serve on a Disaster Action Team as a worker on a DAT response to provide 24-hour immediate support and assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by a home fire or other local disaster.

Works as part of an assigned team to respond to local disasters within two hours.

Has access to RC Care and can directly enter case data.

Works with on-scene lead to assess whether additional resources/support are required and communicates those needs to DAT Leadership.

Attends regularly scheduled team/DAT meetings as required by Chapter/Region.

Commits to being available during assigned shifts and communicates scheduling conflicts with DAT Leadership.

Be a meaningful part of a larger mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

Training is free, but the hope you provide is priceless. Make a difference by turning tragedy into hope.

Create a Red Cross ID:  visit redcross.org/volunteer click on apply now, create a Red Cross ID.

Confirm your account:  Fill in your contact information, choose how you would like to receive your conformation.

Policy Agreement: Read and Agree to Red Cross Policies. Continue to background check.

Background check: Authorize background check.

To  Learn more:

Visit: REDCROSS.ORG/volunteer

Email: michael.bowers@redcross.org

Call/Text: Michael Bowers, 662-871-7470

DAT Video

DAT WEBSITE

If this Volunteer opportunity does not interest you, browse all volunteer opportunities or take our short quiz to determine what's best for you.

Turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. Communities across the country count on the Red Cross every day. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months. From helping people effected by disasters, like home fires and floods, to supporting the collection of lifesaving blood, you can make a difference. Ninety percent of our workforce are volunteers who are inspired to give back. Discover the volunteer role that’s right for you. We can’t do it without you. Join us today and discover one of the best ways to spend your summer.

Lead your community through recovery. As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can help your neighbors in need and feel good knowing you made a real impact!

This position supports the Regional Disaster Cycle Services department. To serve on a Disaster Action Team as a worker on a DAT response to provide 24-hour immediate support and assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by a home fire or other local disaster.

Works as part of an assigned team to respond to local disasters within two hours.

Has access to RC Care and can directly enter case data.

Works with on-scene lead to assess whether additional resources/support are required and communicates those needs to DAT Leadership.

Attends regularly scheduled team/DAT meetings as required by Chapter/Region.

Commits to being available during assigned shifts and communicates scheduling conflicts with DAT Leadership.

Be a meaningful part of a larger mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

Training is free, but the hope you provide is priceless. Make a difference by turning tragedy into hope.

Create a Red Cross ID:  visit redcross.org/volunteer click on apply now, create a Red Cross ID.

Confirm your account:  Fill in your contact information, choose how you would like to receive your conformation.

Policy Agreement: Read and Agree to Red Cross Policies. Continue to background check.

Background check: Authorize background check.

To  Learn more:

Visit: REDCROSS.ORG/volunteer

Email: michael.bowers@redcross.org

Call/Text: Michael Bowers, 662-871-7470

DAT Video

DAT WEBSITE

If this Volunteer opportunity does not interest you, browse all volunteer opportunities or take our short quiz to determine what's best for you.

Turn your compassion into action when you volunteer with the American Red Cross. Communities across the country count on the Red Cross every day. The need remains critical and constant during the summer months. From helping people effected by disasters, like home fires and floods, to supporting the collection of lifesaving blood, you can make a difference. Ninety percent of our workforce are volunteers who are inspired to give back. Discover the volunteer role that’s right for you. We can’t do it without you. Join us today and discover one of the best ways to spend your summer.

Lead your community through recovery. As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can help your neighbors in need and feel good knowing you made a real impact!

This position supports the Regional Disaster Cycle Services department. To serve on a Disaster Action Team as a worker on a DAT response to provide 24-hour immediate support and assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by a home fire or other local disaster.

Works as part of an assigned team to respond to local disasters within two hours.

Has access to RC Care and can directly enter case data.

Works with on-scene lead to assess whether additional resources/support are required and communicates those needs to DAT Leadership.

Attends regularly scheduled team/DAT meetings as required by Chapter/Region.

Commits to being available during assigned shifts and communicates scheduling conflicts with DAT Leadership.

Be a meaningful part of a larger mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

Training is free, but the hope you provide is priceless. Make a difference by turning tragedy into hope.

Create a Red Cross ID:  visit redcross.org/volunteer click on apply now, create a Red Cross ID.

Confirm your account:  Fill in your contact information, choose how you would like to receive your conformation.

Policy Agreement: Read and Agree to Red Cross Policies. Continue to background check.

Background check: Authorize background check.

To  Learn more:

Visit: REDCROSS.ORG/volunteer

Email: michael.bowers@redcross.org

Call/Text: Michael Bowers, 662-871-7470

DAT Video

DAT WEBSITE

If this Volunteer opportunity does not interest you, browse all volunteer opportunities or take our short quiz to determine what's best for you.

You will assist the archivist with history filing and data bases. 

Volunteers and school organizations will come in to assist Club members with tutoring and mentoring.  

Are you a licensed RN, LPN, LVN? American Red Cross has an urgent need for healthcare volunteers to provide basic assistance to shelter residents during this hurricane and wildfire season. Free online training is available. Join now!

As a Disaster Health Services Service Associate, during large disasters, you can use your professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands on care and education to shelter residents. Free online training will be provided and can count towards nursing continuing education units. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel outside of their local area, a commitment of at least 10-14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required. Qualified licenses include RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP, APRN. Only RNs have full scope of practice.

Disaster Health Services Video

Healthcare Professional Website

Volunteers are needed at the Columbus Lowndes Habitat for Humanity ReStore to support our mission of helping everyone in our community with access to safe, affordable housing. 

ReStore volunteers assist with preparing donated merchandise for sale (cleaning, displaying, etc), work with customers during shopping hours and help intake donation items.

Please contact us to schedule new volunteer orientation!

Lasagna Love is spreading throughout Mississippi! If you love to cook and are looking for a kind way to put that skill to work, we need volunteers! We are especially in need of chefs in this area where we have many requests and very few volunteers. 

We provide complimentary meals to those in need. Whether the need is financial, health-related, emotional or your neighbor is just plain exhausted, we bring a lasagna or some other hearty entree.

Would you please consider joining this amazing nonprofit to help us feed your community?

Do you have just a few hours to spare to do an act of kindness for a neighbor? Are you looking for a special family activity? Would you consider just signing up for "one time only" to help us feed your neighbors?

If you sign up today, you will be matched with a family in the next few weeks to cook and deliver a meal. If you love the experience, you can continue. If it doesn't work out for you, we understand (but we think you will love it!)

Help us feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities:  https://www.lasagnalove.org/volunteer/

SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY. Please do not apply if you do not intend to follow through with your application. Applications are followed up with email responses by library staff.

The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library is accepting volunteers to at the downtown Columbus branch. Volunteers will work with librarians to provide quality service to our community's patrons. 

Minors may not apply without special permissions from parents/guardians.

◦Direct volunteers to their assignment

◦Thank them for volunteering

◦Direct to the exit or transportation if it is available

Thank all volunteers for offering to help and ask to see their Referral Forms. Using a street map, show volunteers where their work assignment is located. Smaller strip maps may also be drawn and printed to hand out to volunteers.

If there is a phone at the Maps Station, you may provide that phone number in case the volunteers get lost. Remind them that they also have contact information for the agency or work site to which they were referred.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignments. Direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

If you need assistance, please raise your flag or put on the hat to summon a Runner.

◦Check Volunteer Referral Forms

◦Issue ID: Name, dates working, name of agency referred to

◦Explain to vols that ID is only valid through date on wristband

Thank all volunteers for coming out and ask to see their Referral Forms. Clearly write on an ID wristband the name of the volunteer, dates he/she will be working, and the name of the agency to which the volunteer was referred, as shown on their Referral Form. Place the ID wristband securely on the volunteer’s wrist.

Explain to the volunteers that the ID will be “good” only for the date(s) written on the band. Authorities may not permit them to enter any of the disaster-impacted areas on any other day, without a current ID wristband. If volunteers plan to work more than one day, you may write the beginning and ending dates of their service.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignment. When your briefing is concluded, direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

For this exercise, please ask participants to take a seat in the sitting area in the middle of the room. They may trade places with a VRC staff member as time allows.

◦Brief all volunteers on *general* safety/what to expect on the job site

◦Wait for small group to gather before training

Keep attendance for safety training

Your job is to brief all new volunteers on what to expect at their job sites, how to be safe while volunteering and how to take good care of themselves after their experience. When a small group has gathered, thank the volunteers for offering to help. Pass around a clipboard with an attendance sheet and check to be sure that all participants have signed it.

Read the entire Safety Training Sheet slowly, emphasizing the importance of following supervisors’ instructions at the work site. Encourage everyone to attend a debriefing, if available, at the end of their shift. Ask if there are any questions. If a question arises to which you do not know the answer, put on the hat to summon a Runner. Ask the Runner to summon the VRC Director or other VRC staff to answer the question. At the conclusion of the briefing, direct volunteers to Station #5 Volunteer ID.

Attach a copy of the Safety Briefing Script/Handout to the attendance sheet for each class, file this in the folder and turn it in to the VRC Director daily.

Maintenance of these records is important to help protect the Volunteer Reception Center, voluntary agencies, and emergency management officials from liability, should a volunteer be injured on the job.

◦Unaffiliated: Enter data on who is assigned to open work orders

◦Unaffiliated: Inform agencies as vols are assigned

◦Unaffiliated: Maintain open requests for vol board

◦Unaffiliated: Take requests for volunteers from agencies

When a volunteer brings you his/her Referral form, pull the corresponding Request for Volunteers form from the file. Enter his/her name and the date of the referral on the bottom of the Request Form. Place your initials in the appropriate box on his/her Referral Form. Direct the volunteer to Station #4 for a Safety Briefing.

As you have time, call the agency contact to let him/her know who or how many volunteers have been referred. Confirm with the agency contact whether you should continue referring volunteers or close out the Request.

When a Request has been filled, raise your flag or put on the hat to call a Runner and ask him/her to confirm that the request has been removed from the board.

Enter the date and reason the request was closed (completed, no longer needed, etc.) at the bottom of the Request Form. If your Requests for Volunteers have been entered into a database, be sure to enter the date and reason the Request was closed as soon as possible. Place open Requests in one file and closed Requests in the other, alphabetically by agency.

You may have to call an agency contact to clarify the agency’s Request. When you speak with an agency contact, record the information on the Request form in the section called ―Follow-up Contacts with Requesting Agency.‖

This group must also keep up with OPEN requests for volunteers & ensure they are up to date (ie, the agency is still active and has capacity to receive unaffiliated volunteers).

This group may also follow up with agencies and see if they could take more volunteers or continue taking volunteers as more unaffiliated vols arrive.

◦Conduct brief interview on volunteer skills and preferences

◦Assign volunteer to an available opportunity

◦Document volunteer assignments

Your job is to do a quick interview of the prospective volunteer and refer him/her to a job at an agency appropriate to his abilities and interests. Requests for volunteers will be posted on a board in front of you (behind the volunteers being interviewed) and will be erased as the needs are filled. If the VRC has a computer system, you might also receive a printed list of the current needs.

When a new volunteer approaches, ask for his/her Registration Form. With the volunteer, verify its completeness and accuracy, and use it as a guide from which to inquire more about the volunteer’s skills. At the conclusion of the interview, keep his/her Registration Form. When the volunteer accepts an assignment, complete a Referral Form, filling in all information requested, sign or initial it, and give it to the volunteer and instruct him/her to report to Data Coordination (Station #3).

Before you signal the Greeter that you are ready for another interview, take a minute to jot down in the ―Notes‖ section anything about the volunteer you feel is important and that the volunteer did not include on his/her Registration Form (a special skill, an obvious physical limitation, etc.). If your center decides to use the blind field labeled ―Office Use Only,*‖ check the appropriate box. Place his/her Registration Form in the file.

Key points to remember are:

♦ Sit facing the wall/needs board

♦ Disaster registration differs from a “normal” volunteer intake – there is less time to try to fit each volunteer into an ideal assignment

♦ Refer the volunteer on the spot if possible – it may be impossible to contact him/her later. If the volunteer has special training or unusual skills that you think might be needed soon, ask him/her to wait in the sitting area and to check the volunteer request board for new requests for their specialized skills

♦ Be sure to watch for volunteers who would work well in the Volunteer Reception Center. (It may seem self-serving, but if the VRC has sufficient staff and works effectively, the community will benefit!)

♦ It is likely that some volunteers will exhibit the stress of the disaster – they may be survivors themselves. An extra measure of patience and understanding is needed

♦ You may be called upon to train new volunteers to assist with the interviewing

o Welcome volunteers & give general info about VRC

o Provide volunteers with registration form & liability form

o Monitor flow of volunteers, alert VRC Director to any issues, provide any crowd control necessary

o Direct media to PIO/Media contact/VRC Director

o Direct residents seeking help to work order intake

If they are there to volunteer, thank them, give them a “Volunteer Instructions” sheet, and ask them to fill out a Registration Form. When the form is completed, direct them to the next available interviewer at Station #2

♦ If they are media personnel, direct them to the Public Information Officer

♦ If they are disaster survivors needing assistance, refer them to the appropriate relief organization and, if appropriate, the FEMA registration process

♦ If they are bringing cleaning supplies, nonperishable food, etc., to donate, refer them to an agency that is accepting donated goods

If there is a long wait, some volunteers may not understand the reason and may become impatient. Please thank everyone for volunteering, briefly explain the process, and ask everyone to be patient or, if they prefer, to come back later

Answer the phone

◦Shuttle requests/questions as needed

◦Give info

VRC STAFF TASKS – PHONE BANK STAFF

You will be handling two types of calls, those from agencies requesting volunteers and those from people wanting to volunteer. The information you record about each call must be complete and in sufficient detail to facilitate matching volunteers to the needs. DO take control of each call immediately. It is much more efficient to ask the questions in the order in which they appear on the form. (If the caller takes control you will find yourself scribbling in the margins and will not get all the required information.)

When an agency calls to requests volunteers, fill out a Request for Volunteers Form while you are speaking with the agency caller. If there is a computer available for entering the request into a database, Data Entry staff should enter the need as soon as possible, or could enter the data directly while speaking to the caller.

Next, call a Runner by raising the flag at your station. Ask the Runner to post the Volunteer Request on the board in view of the Interviewers (Station #2) and then to give the Request for Volunteers Form to the Data/Agency Coordinator (Station #3).

When people call to volunteer, thank them and give them the following registration options (this will need to be edited to reflect the system being used):

♦ They may register in person at the VRC, and will be given instructions when they arrive

♦ They may register online, and will be e-mailed regarding possible assignments and given further instructions. If the caller represents a group that wishes to volunteer together, ask him/her to be patient while you determine where they can be of most help. It might take one day or several to match a volunteer with a need, especially if he or she is coming from out of town

When a match (a mission) is found for that volunteer, e-mail or call him/her back. Ask him/her to print the registration form he completed online and schedule a time for him or her to come to the VRC to turn in the signed Registration Form and complete the registration process.

Fill requests as needed by other VRC staff.

Enter info from Vol Registration Forms into database

◦Enter Requests for Volunteers Forms & Close out when filled

Your job is to enter the information from the Volunteer Registration and Request for Volunteers Forms into the database so that an accurate record can be maintained of who participated in the recovery effort, what kinds of work they did, and when it was performed.

After the initial influx of volunteers has subsided, you may have time to begin entering the referrals recorded on the Request for Volunteers Forms and to close out the completed Requests. As needed by VRC staff, print updated lists of the unfilled Requests and ask a Runner to distribute copies to Phone Bank staff, Data Coordination, Interviewers and, if requested, the VRC Director.

Even if you are familiar with the software being used by the VRC, please ask for a brief orientation before beginning your first shift. Accuracy is more important than speed. The information you enter will be used to document the number of agencies and volunteers participating in the relief effort and the number of hours served.

If you have difficulty using the computer, please ask for help immediately. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself.

Your job is to oversee the operation of the Volunteer Reception Center. You will:

♦ Clearly designate one entrance and one exit

♦ Set up the room for efficient flow of volunteers and information

♦ Brief and assign tasks to staff and volunteers of the center

♦ Monitor the operation and make staffing changes when necessary

♦ Maintain all records of safety and job training provided to volunteers, and hours worked in the VRC by employees and volunteers

♦ Turn all records in to the County Budget Department weekly or at end of the activation

You should meet and thank all volunteers who help in the VRC and instruct them to sign in and out on the Volunteer Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. Instruct paid staff to sign in on the Employee Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. In a fast-paced disaster response, both paid and volunteer staff will need regular reminders to sign in and out.

Enter info from Vol Registration Forms into database

◦Enter Requests for Volunteers Forms & Close out when filled

Your job is to enter the information from the Volunteer Registration and Request for Volunteers Forms into the database so that an accurate record can be maintained of who participated in the recovery effort, what kinds of work they did, and when it was performed.

After the initial influx of volunteers has subsided, you may have time to begin entering the referrals recorded on the Request for Volunteers Forms and to close out the completed Requests. As needed by VRC staff, print updated lists of the unfilled Requests and ask a Runner to distribute copies to Phone Bank staff, Data Coordination, Interviewers and, if requested, the VRC Director.

Even if you are familiar with the software being used by the VRC, please ask for a brief orientation before beginning your first shift. Accuracy is more important than speed. The information you enter will be used to document the number of agencies and volunteers participating in the relief effort and the number of hours served.

If you have difficulty using the computer, please ask for help immediately. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself.

Your job is to oversee the operation of the Volunteer Reception Center. You will:

♦ Clearly designate one entrance and one exit

♦ Set up the room for efficient flow of volunteers and information

♦ Brief and assign tasks to staff and volunteers of the center

♦ Monitor the operation and make staffing changes when necessary

♦ Maintain all records of safety and job training provided to volunteers, and hours worked in the VRC by employees and volunteers

♦ Turn all records in to the County Budget Department weekly or at end of the activation

You should meet and thank all volunteers who help in the VRC and instruct them to sign in and out on the Volunteer Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. Instruct paid staff to sign in on the Employee Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. In a fast-paced disaster response, both paid and volunteer staff will need regular reminders to sign in and out.

Your job is to oversee the operation of the Volunteer Reception Center. You will:

♦ Clearly designate one entrance and one exit

♦ Set up the room for efficient flow of volunteers and information

♦ Brief and assign tasks to staff and volunteers of the center

♦ Monitor the operation and make staffing changes when necessary

♦ Maintain all records of safety and job training provided to volunteers, and hours worked in the VRC by employees and volunteers

♦ Turn all records in to the County Budget Department weekly or at end of the activation

You should meet and thank all volunteers who help in the VRC and instruct them to sign in and out on the Volunteer Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. Instruct paid staff to sign in on the Employee Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. In a fast-paced disaster response, both paid and volunteer staff will need regular reminders to sign in and out.

Your job is to oversee the operation of the Volunteer Reception Center. You will:

♦ Clearly designate one entrance and one exit

♦ Set up the room for efficient flow of volunteers and information

♦ Brief and assign tasks to staff and volunteers of the center

♦ Monitor the operation and make staffing changes when necessary

♦ Maintain all records of safety and job training provided to volunteers, and hours worked in the VRC by employees and volunteers

♦ Turn all records in to the County Budget Department weekly or at end of the activation

You should meet and thank all volunteers who help in the VRC and instruct them to sign in and out on the Volunteer Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. Instruct paid staff to sign in on the Employee Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. In a fast-paced disaster response, both paid and volunteer staff will need regular reminders to sign in and out.

Your job is to oversee the operation of the Volunteer Reception Center. You will:

♦ Clearly designate one entrance and one exit

♦ Set up the room for efficient flow of volunteers and information

♦ Brief and assign tasks to staff and volunteers of the center

♦ Monitor the operation and make staffing changes when necessary

♦ Maintain all records of safety and job training provided to volunteers, and hours worked in the VRC by employees and volunteers

♦ Turn all records in to the County Budget Department weekly or at end of the activation

You should meet and thank all volunteers who help in the VRC and instruct them to sign in and out on the Volunteer Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. Instruct paid staff to sign in on the Employee Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. In a fast-paced disaster response, both paid and volunteer staff will need regular reminders to sign in and out.

Fill requests as needed by other VRC staff.

Answer the phone

◦Shuttle requests/questions as needed

◦Give info

VRC STAFF TASKS – PHONE BANK STAFF

You will be handling two types of calls, those from agencies requesting volunteers and those from people wanting to volunteer. The information you record about each call must be complete and in sufficient detail to facilitate matching volunteers to the needs. DO take control of each call immediately. It is much more efficient to ask the questions in the order in which they appear on the form. (If the caller takes control you will find yourself scribbling in the margins and will not get all the required information.)

When an agency calls to requests volunteers, fill out a Request for Volunteers Form while you are speaking with the agency caller. If there is a computer available for entering the request into a database, Data Entry staff should enter the need as soon as possible, or could enter the data directly while speaking to the caller.

Next, call a Runner by raising the flag at your station. Ask the Runner to post the Volunteer Request on the board in view of the Interviewers (Station #2) and then to give the Request for Volunteers Form to the Data/Agency Coordinator (Station #3).

When people call to volunteer, thank them and give them the following registration options (this will need to be edited to reflect the system being used):

♦ They may register in person at the VRC, and will be given instructions when they arrive

♦ They may register online, and will be e-mailed regarding possible assignments and given further instructions. If the caller represents a group that wishes to volunteer together, ask him/her to be patient while you determine where they can be of most help. It might take one day or several to match a volunteer with a need, especially if he or she is coming from out of town

When a match (a mission) is found for that volunteer, e-mail or call him/her back. Ask him/her to print the registration form he completed online and schedule a time for him or her to come to the VRC to turn in the signed Registration Form and complete the registration process.

◦Direct volunteers to their assignment

◦Thank them for volunteering

◦Direct to the exit or transportation if it is available

Thank all volunteers for offering to help and ask to see their Referral Forms. Using a street map, show volunteers where their work assignment is located. Smaller strip maps may also be drawn and printed to hand out to volunteers.

If there is a phone at the Maps Station, you may provide that phone number in case the volunteers get lost. Remind them that they also have contact information for the agency or work site to which they were referred.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignments. Direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

If you need assistance, please raise your flag or put on the hat to summon a Runner.

◦Check Volunteer Referral Forms

◦Issue ID: Name, dates working, name of agency referred to

◦Explain to vols that ID is only valid through date on wristband

Thank all volunteers for coming out and ask to see their Referral Forms. Clearly write on an ID wristband the name of the volunteer, dates he/she will be working, and the name of the agency to which the volunteer was referred, as shown on their Referral Form. Place the ID wristband securely on the volunteer’s wrist.

Explain to the volunteers that the ID will be “good” only for the date(s) written on the band. Authorities may not permit them to enter any of the disaster-impacted areas on any other day, without a current ID wristband. If volunteers plan to work more than one day, you may write the beginning and ending dates of their service.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignment. When your briefing is concluded, direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

For this exercise, please ask participants to take a seat in the sitting area in the middle of the room. They may trade places with a VRC staff member as time allows.

◦Brief all volunteers on *general* safety/what to expect on the job site

◦Wait for small group to gather before training

Keep attendance for safety training

Your job is to brief all new volunteers on what to expect at their job sites, how to be safe while volunteering and how to take good care of themselves after their experience. When a small group has gathered, thank the volunteers for offering to help. Pass around a clipboard with an attendance sheet and check to be sure that all participants have signed it.

Read the entire Safety Training Sheet slowly, emphasizing the importance of following supervisors’ instructions at the work site. Encourage everyone to attend a debriefing, if available, at the end of their shift. Ask if there are any questions. If a question arises to which you do not know the answer, put on the hat to summon a Runner. Ask the Runner to summon the VRC Director or other VRC staff to answer the question. At the conclusion of the briefing, direct volunteers to Station #5 Volunteer ID.

Attach a copy of the Safety Briefing Script/Handout to the attendance sheet for each class, file this in the folder and turn it in to the VRC Director daily.

Maintenance of these records is important to help protect the Volunteer Reception Center, voluntary agencies, and emergency management officials from liability, should a volunteer be injured on the job.

◦Unaffiliated: Enter data on who is assigned to open work orders

◦Unaffiliated: Inform agencies as vols are assigned

◦Unaffiliated: Maintain open requests for vol board

◦Unaffiliated: Take requests for volunteers from agencies

When a volunteer brings you his/her Referral form, pull the corresponding Request for Volunteers form from the file. Enter his/her name and the date of the referral on the bottom of the Request Form. Place your initials in the appropriate box on his/her Referral Form. Direct the volunteer to Station #4 for a Safety Briefing.

As you have time, call the agency contact to let him/her know who or how many volunteers have been referred. Confirm with the agency contact whether you should continue referring volunteers or close out the Request.

When a Request has been filled, raise your flag or put on the hat to call a Runner and ask him/her to confirm that the request has been removed from the board.

Enter the date and reason the request was closed (completed, no longer needed, etc.) at the bottom of the Request Form. If your Requests for Volunteers have been entered into a database, be sure to enter the date and reason the Request was closed as soon as possible. Place open Requests in one file and closed Requests in the other, alphabetically by agency.

You may have to call an agency contact to clarify the agency’s Request. When you speak with an agency contact, record the information on the Request form in the section called ―Follow-up Contacts with Requesting Agency.‖

This group must also keep up with OPEN requests for volunteers & ensure they are up to date (ie, the agency is still active and has capacity to receive unaffiliated volunteers).

This group may also follow up with agencies and see if they could take more volunteers or continue taking volunteers as more unaffiliated vols arrive.

◦Conduct brief interview on volunteer skills and preferences

◦Assign volunteer to an available opportunity

◦Document volunteer assignments

Your job is to do a quick interview of the prospective volunteer and refer him/her to a job at an agency appropriate to his abilities and interests. Requests for volunteers will be posted on a board in front of you (behind the volunteers being interviewed) and will be erased as the needs are filled. If the VRC has a computer system, you might also receive a printed list of the current needs.

When a new volunteer approaches, ask for his/her Registration Form. With the volunteer, verify its completeness and accuracy, and use it as a guide from which to inquire more about the volunteer’s skills. At the conclusion of the interview, keep his/her Registration Form. When the volunteer accepts an assignment, complete a Referral Form, filling in all information requested, sign or initial it, and give it to the volunteer and instruct him/her to report to Data Coordination (Station #3).

Before you signal the Greeter that you are ready for another interview, take a minute to jot down in the ―Notes‖ section anything about the volunteer you feel is important and that the volunteer did not include on his/her Registration Form (a special skill, an obvious physical limitation, etc.). If your center decides to use the blind field labeled ―Office Use Only,*‖ check the appropriate box. Place his/her Registration Form in the file.

Key points to remember are:

♦ Sit facing the wall/needs board

♦ Disaster registration differs from a “normal” volunteer intake – there is less time to try to fit each volunteer into an ideal assignment

♦ Refer the volunteer on the spot if possible – it may be impossible to contact him/her later. If the volunteer has special training or unusual skills that you think might be needed soon, ask him/her to wait in the sitting area and to check the volunteer request board for new requests for their specialized skills

♦ Be sure to watch for volunteers who would work well in the Volunteer Reception Center. (It may seem self-serving, but if the VRC has sufficient staff and works effectively, the community will benefit!)

♦ It is likely that some volunteers will exhibit the stress of the disaster – they may be survivors themselves. An extra measure of patience and understanding is needed

♦ You may be called upon to train new volunteers to assist with the interviewing

o Welcome volunteers & give general info about VRC

o Provide volunteers with registration form & liability form

o Monitor flow of volunteers, alert VRC Director to any issues, provide any crowd control necessary

o Direct media to PIO/Media contact/VRC Director

o Direct residents seeking help to work order intake

If they are there to volunteer, thank them, give them a “Volunteer Instructions” sheet, and ask them to fill out a Registration Form. When the form is completed, direct them to the next available interviewer at Station #2

♦ If they are media personnel, direct them to the Public Information Officer

♦ If they are disaster survivors needing assistance, refer them to the appropriate relief organization and, if appropriate, the FEMA registration process

♦ If they are bringing cleaning supplies, nonperishable food, etc., to donate, refer them to an agency that is accepting donated goods

If there is a long wait, some volunteers may not understand the reason and may become impatient. Please thank everyone for volunteering, briefly explain the process, and ask everyone to be patient or, if they prefer, to come back later

Fill requests as needed by other VRC staff.

Enter info from Vol Registration Forms into database

◦Enter Requests for Volunteers Forms & Close out when filled

Your job is to enter the information from the Volunteer Registration and Request for Volunteers Forms into the database so that an accurate record can be maintained of who participated in the recovery effort, what kinds of work they did, and when it was performed.

After the initial influx of volunteers has subsided, you may have time to begin entering the referrals recorded on the Request for Volunteers Forms and to close out the completed Requests. As needed by VRC staff, print updated lists of the unfilled Requests and ask a Runner to distribute copies to Phone Bank staff, Data Coordination, Interviewers and, if requested, the VRC Director.

Even if you are familiar with the software being used by the VRC, please ask for a brief orientation before beginning your first shift. Accuracy is more important than speed. The information you enter will be used to document the number of agencies and volunteers participating in the relief effort and the number of hours served.

If you have difficulty using the computer, please ask for help immediately. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself.

Answer the phone

◦Shuttle requests/questions as needed

◦Give info

VRC STAFF TASKS – PHONE BANK STAFF

You will be handling two types of calls, those from agencies requesting volunteers and those from people wanting to volunteer. The information you record about each call must be complete and in sufficient detail to facilitate matching volunteers to the needs. DO take control of each call immediately. It is much more efficient to ask the questions in the order in which they appear on the form. (If the caller takes control you will find yourself scribbling in the margins and will not get all the required information.)

When an agency calls to requests volunteers, fill out a Request for Volunteers Form while you are speaking with the agency caller. If there is a computer available for entering the request into a database, Data Entry staff should enter the need as soon as possible, or could enter the data directly while speaking to the caller.

Next, call a Runner by raising the flag at your station. Ask the Runner to post the Volunteer Request on the board in view of the Interviewers (Station #2) and then to give the Request for Volunteers Form to the Data/Agency Coordinator (Station #3).

When people call to volunteer, thank them and give them the following registration options (this will need to be edited to reflect the system being used):

♦ They may register in person at the VRC, and will be given instructions when they arrive

♦ They may register online, and will be e-mailed regarding possible assignments and given further instructions. If the caller represents a group that wishes to volunteer together, ask him/her to be patient while you determine where they can be of most help. It might take one day or several to match a volunteer with a need, especially if he or she is coming from out of town

When a match (a mission) is found for that volunteer, e-mail or call him/her back. Ask him/her to print the registration form he completed online and schedule a time for him or her to come to the VRC to turn in the signed Registration Form and complete the registration process.

◦Direct volunteers to their assignment

◦Thank them for volunteering

◦Direct to the exit or transportation if it is available

Thank all volunteers for offering to help and ask to see their Referral Forms. Using a street map, show volunteers where their work assignment is located. Smaller strip maps may also be drawn and printed to hand out to volunteers.

If there is a phone at the Maps Station, you may provide that phone number in case the volunteers get lost. Remind them that they also have contact information for the agency or work site to which they were referred.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignments. Direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

If you need assistance, please raise your flag or put on the hat to summon a Runner.

◦Check Volunteer Referral Forms

◦Issue ID: Name, dates working, name of agency referred to

◦Explain to vols that ID is only valid through date on wristband

Thank all volunteers for coming out and ask to see their Referral Forms. Clearly write on an ID wristband the name of the volunteer, dates he/she will be working, and the name of the agency to which the volunteer was referred, as shown on their Referral Form. Place the ID wristband securely on the volunteer’s wrist.

Explain to the volunteers that the ID will be “good” only for the date(s) written on the band. Authorities may not permit them to enter any of the disaster-impacted areas on any other day, without a current ID wristband. If volunteers plan to work more than one day, you may write the beginning and ending dates of their service.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignment. When your briefing is concluded, direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

For this exercise, please ask participants to take a seat in the sitting area in the middle of the room. They may trade places with a VRC staff member as time allows.

◦Brief all volunteers on *general* safety/what to expect on the job site

◦Wait for small group to gather before training

Keep attendance for safety training

Your job is to brief all new volunteers on what to expect at their job sites, how to be safe while volunteering and how to take good care of themselves after their experience. When a small group has gathered, thank the volunteers for offering to help. Pass around a clipboard with an attendance sheet and check to be sure that all participants have signed it.

Read the entire Safety Training Sheet slowly, emphasizing the importance of following supervisors’ instructions at the work site. Encourage everyone to attend a debriefing, if available, at the end of their shift. Ask if there are any questions. If a question arises to which you do not know the answer, put on the hat to summon a Runner. Ask the Runner to summon the VRC Director or other VRC staff to answer the question. At the conclusion of the briefing, direct volunteers to Station #5 Volunteer ID.

Attach a copy of the Safety Briefing Script/Handout to the attendance sheet for each class, file this in the folder and turn it in to the VRC Director daily.

Maintenance of these records is important to help protect the Volunteer Reception Center, voluntary agencies, and emergency management officials from liability, should a volunteer be injured on the job.

◦Unaffiliated: Enter data on who is assigned to open work orders

◦Unaffiliated: Inform agencies as vols are assigned

◦Unaffiliated: Maintain open requests for vol board

◦Unaffiliated: Take requests for volunteers from agencies

When a volunteer brings you his/her Referral form, pull the corresponding Request for Volunteers form from the file. Enter his/her name and the date of the referral on the bottom of the Request Form. Place your initials in the appropriate box on his/her Referral Form. Direct the volunteer to Station #4 for a Safety Briefing.

As you have time, call the agency contact to let him/her know who or how many volunteers have been referred. Confirm with the agency contact whether you should continue referring volunteers or close out the Request.

When a Request has been filled, raise your flag or put on the hat to call a Runner and ask him/her to confirm that the request has been removed from the board.

Enter the date and reason the request was closed (completed, no longer needed, etc.) at the bottom of the Request Form. If your Requests for Volunteers have been entered into a database, be sure to enter the date and reason the Request was closed as soon as possible. Place open Requests in one file and closed Requests in the other, alphabetically by agency.

You may have to call an agency contact to clarify the agency’s Request. When you speak with an agency contact, record the information on the Request form in the section called ―Follow-up Contacts with Requesting Agency.‖

This group must also keep up with OPEN requests for volunteers & ensure they are up to date (ie, the agency is still active and has capacity to receive unaffiliated volunteers).

This group may also follow up with agencies and see if they could take more volunteers or continue taking volunteers as more unaffiliated vols arrive.

◦Conduct brief interview on volunteer skills and preferences

◦Assign volunteer to an available opportunity

◦Document volunteer assignments

Your job is to do a quick interview of the prospective volunteer and refer him/her to a job at an agency appropriate to his abilities and interests. Requests for volunteers will be posted on a board in front of you (behind the volunteers being interviewed) and will be erased as the needs are filled. If the VRC has a computer system, you might also receive a printed list of the current needs.

When a new volunteer approaches, ask for his/her Registration Form. With the volunteer, verify its completeness and accuracy, and use it as a guide from which to inquire more about the volunteer’s skills. At the conclusion of the interview, keep his/her Registration Form. When the volunteer accepts an assignment, complete a Referral Form, filling in all information requested, sign or initial it, and give it to the volunteer and instruct him/her to report to Data Coordination (Station #3).

Before you signal the Greeter that you are ready for another interview, take a minute to jot down in the ―Notes‖ section anything about the volunteer you feel is important and that the volunteer did not include on his/her Registration Form (a special skill, an obvious physical limitation, etc.). If your center decides to use the blind field labeled ―Office Use Only,*‖ check the appropriate box. Place his/her Registration Form in the file.

Key points to remember are:

♦ Sit facing the wall/needs board

♦ Disaster registration differs from a “normal” volunteer intake – there is less time to try to fit each volunteer into an ideal assignment

♦ Refer the volunteer on the spot if possible – it may be impossible to contact him/her later. If the volunteer has special training or unusual skills that you think might be needed soon, ask him/her to wait in the sitting area and to check the volunteer request board for new requests for their specialized skills

♦ Be sure to watch for volunteers who would work well in the Volunteer Reception Center. (It may seem self-serving, but if the VRC has sufficient staff and works effectively, the community will benefit!)

♦ It is likely that some volunteers will exhibit the stress of the disaster – they may be survivors themselves. An extra measure of patience and understanding is needed

♦ You may be called upon to train new volunteers to assist with the interviewing

o Welcome volunteers & give general info about VRC

o Provide volunteers with registration form & liability form

o Monitor flow of volunteers, alert VRC Director to any issues, provide any crowd control necessary

o Direct media to PIO/Media contact/VRC Director

o Direct residents seeking help to work order intake

If they are there to volunteer, thank them, give them a “Volunteer Instructions” sheet, and ask them to fill out a Registration Form. When the form is completed, direct them to the next available interviewer at Station #2

♦ If they are media personnel, direct them to the Public Information Officer

♦ If they are disaster survivors needing assistance, refer them to the appropriate relief organization and, if appropriate, the FEMA registration process

♦ If they are bringing cleaning supplies, nonperishable food, etc., to donate, refer them to an agency that is accepting donated goods

If there is a long wait, some volunteers may not understand the reason and may become impatient. Please thank everyone for volunteering, briefly explain the process, and ask everyone to be patient or, if they prefer, to come back later

Answer the phone

◦Shuttle requests/questions as needed

◦Give info

VRC STAFF TASKS – PHONE BANK STAFF

You will be handling two types of calls, those from agencies requesting volunteers and those from people wanting to volunteer. The information you record about each call must be complete and in sufficient detail to facilitate matching volunteers to the needs. DO take control of each call immediately. It is much more efficient to ask the questions in the order in which they appear on the form. (If the caller takes control you will find yourself scribbling in the margins and will not get all the required information.)

When an agency calls to requests volunteers, fill out a Request for Volunteers Form while you are speaking with the agency caller. If there is a computer available for entering the request into a database, Data Entry staff should enter the need as soon as possible, or could enter the data directly while speaking to the caller.

Next, call a Runner by raising the flag at your station. Ask the Runner to post the Volunteer Request on the board in view of the Interviewers (Station #2) and then to give the Request for Volunteers Form to the Data/Agency Coordinator (Station #3).

When people call to volunteer, thank them and give them the following registration options (this will need to be edited to reflect the system being used):

♦ They may register in person at the VRC, and will be given instructions when they arrive

♦ They may register online, and will be e-mailed regarding possible assignments and given further instructions. If the caller represents a group that wishes to volunteer together, ask him/her to be patient while you determine where they can be of most help. It might take one day or several to match a volunteer with a need, especially if he or she is coming from out of town

When a match (a mission) is found for that volunteer, e-mail or call him/her back. Ask him/her to print the registration form he completed online and schedule a time for him or her to come to the VRC to turn in the signed Registration Form and complete the registration process.

Fill requests as needed by other VRC staff.

Enter info from Vol Registration Forms into database

◦Enter Requests for Volunteers Forms & Close out when filled

Your job is to enter the information from the Volunteer Registration and Request for Volunteers Forms into the database so that an accurate record can be maintained of who participated in the recovery effort, what kinds of work they did, and when it was performed.

After the initial influx of volunteers has subsided, you may have time to begin entering the referrals recorded on the Request for Volunteers Forms and to close out the completed Requests. As needed by VRC staff, print updated lists of the unfilled Requests and ask a Runner to distribute copies to Phone Bank staff, Data Coordination, Interviewers and, if requested, the VRC Director.

Even if you are familiar with the software being used by the VRC, please ask for a brief orientation before beginning your first shift. Accuracy is more important than speed. The information you enter will be used to document the number of agencies and volunteers participating in the relief effort and the number of hours served.

If you have difficulty using the computer, please ask for help immediately. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself.

◦Direct volunteers to their assignment

◦Thank them for volunteering

◦Direct to the exit or transportation if it is available

Thank all volunteers for offering to help and ask to see their Referral Forms. Using a street map, show volunteers where their work assignment is located. Smaller strip maps may also be drawn and printed to hand out to volunteers.

If there is a phone at the Maps Station, you may provide that phone number in case the volunteers get lost. Remind them that they also have contact information for the agency or work site to which they were referred.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignments. Direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

If you need assistance, please raise your flag or put on the hat to summon a Runner.

◦Check Volunteer Referral Forms

◦Issue ID: Name, dates working, name of agency referred to

◦Explain to vols that ID is only valid through date on wristband

Thank all volunteers for coming out and ask to see their Referral Forms. Clearly write on an ID wristband the name of the volunteer, dates he/she will be working, and the name of the agency to which the volunteer was referred, as shown on their Referral Form. Place the ID wristband securely on the volunteer’s wrist.

Explain to the volunteers that the ID will be “good” only for the date(s) written on the band. Authorities may not permit them to enter any of the disaster-impacted areas on any other day, without a current ID wristband. If volunteers plan to work more than one day, you may write the beginning and ending dates of their service.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignment. When your briefing is concluded, direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

For this exercise, please ask participants to take a seat in the sitting area in the middle of the room. They may trade places with a VRC staff member as time allows.

◦Brief all volunteers on *general* safety/what to expect on the job site

◦Wait for small group to gather before training

Keep attendance for safety training

Your job is to brief all new volunteers on what to expect at their job sites, how to be safe while volunteering and how to take good care of themselves after their experience. When a small group has gathered, thank the volunteers for offering to help. Pass around a clipboard with an attendance sheet and check to be sure that all participants have signed it.

Read the entire Safety Training Sheet slowly, emphasizing the importance of following supervisors’ instructions at the work site. Encourage everyone to attend a debriefing, if available, at the end of their shift. Ask if there are any questions. If a question arises to which you do not know the answer, put on the hat to summon a Runner. Ask the Runner to summon the VRC Director or other VRC staff to answer the question. At the conclusion of the briefing, direct volunteers to Station #5 Volunteer ID.

Attach a copy of the Safety Briefing Script/Handout to the attendance sheet for each class, file this in the folder and turn it in to the VRC Director daily.

Maintenance of these records is important to help protect the Volunteer Reception Center, voluntary agencies, and emergency management officials from liability, should a volunteer be injured on the job.

◦Unaffiliated: Enter data on who is assigned to open work orders

◦Unaffiliated: Inform agencies as vols are assigned

◦Unaffiliated: Maintain open requests for vol board

◦Unaffiliated: Take requests for volunteers from agencies

When a volunteer brings you his/her Referral form, pull the corresponding Request for Volunteers form from the file. Enter his/her name and the date of the referral on the bottom of the Request Form. Place your initials in the appropriate box on his/her Referral Form. Direct the volunteer to Station #4 for a Safety Briefing.

As you have time, call the agency contact to let him/her know who or how many volunteers have been referred. Confirm with the agency contact whether you should continue referring volunteers or close out the Request.

When a Request has been filled, raise your flag or put on the hat to call a Runner and ask him/her to confirm that the request has been removed from the board.

Enter the date and reason the request was closed (completed, no longer needed, etc.) at the bottom of the Request Form. If your Requests for Volunteers have been entered into a database, be sure to enter the date and reason the Request was closed as soon as possible. Place open Requests in one file and closed Requests in the other, alphabetically by agency.

You may have to call an agency contact to clarify the agency’s Request. When you speak with an agency contact, record the information on the Request form in the section called ―Follow-up Contacts with Requesting Agency.‖

This group must also keep up with OPEN requests for volunteers & ensure they are up to date (ie, the agency is still active and has capacity to receive unaffiliated volunteers).

This group may also follow up with agencies and see if they could take more volunteers or continue taking volunteers as more unaffiliated vols arrive.

◦Conduct brief interview on volunteer skills and preferences

◦Assign volunteer to an available opportunity

◦Document volunteer assignments

Your job is to do a quick interview of the prospective volunteer and refer him/her to a job at an agency appropriate to his abilities and interests. Requests for volunteers will be posted on a board in front of you (behind the volunteers being interviewed) and will be erased as the needs are filled. If the VRC has a computer system, you might also receive a printed list of the current needs.

When a new volunteer approaches, ask for his/her Registration Form. With the volunteer, verify its completeness and accuracy, and use it as a guide from which to inquire more about the volunteer’s skills. At the conclusion of the interview, keep his/her Registration Form. When the volunteer accepts an assignment, complete a Referral Form, filling in all information requested, sign or initial it, and give it to the volunteer and instruct him/her to report to Data Coordination (Station #3).

Before you signal the Greeter that you are ready for another interview, take a minute to jot down in the ―Notes‖ section anything about the volunteer you feel is important and that the volunteer did not include on his/her Registration Form (a special skill, an obvious physical limitation, etc.). If your center decides to use the blind field labeled ―Office Use Only,*‖ check the appropriate box. Place his/her Registration Form in the file.

Key points to remember are:

♦ Sit facing the wall/needs board

♦ Disaster registration differs from a “normal” volunteer intake – there is less time to try to fit each volunteer into an ideal assignment

♦ Refer the volunteer on the spot if possible – it may be impossible to contact him/her later. If the volunteer has special training or unusual skills that you think might be needed soon, ask him/her to wait in the sitting area and to check the volunteer request board for new requests for their specialized skills

♦ Be sure to watch for volunteers who would work well in the Volunteer Reception Center. (It may seem self-serving, but if the VRC has sufficient staff and works effectively, the community will benefit!)

♦ It is likely that some volunteers will exhibit the stress of the disaster – they may be survivors themselves. An extra measure of patience and understanding is needed

♦ You may be called upon to train new volunteers to assist with the interviewing

◦Conduct brief interview on volunteer skills and preferences

◦Assign volunteer to an available opportunity

◦Document volunteer assignments

Your job is to do a quick interview of the prospective volunteer and refer him/her to a job at an agency appropriate to his abilities and interests. Requests for volunteers will be posted on a board in front of you (behind the volunteers being interviewed) and will be erased as the needs are filled. If the VRC has a computer system, you might also receive a printed list of the current needs.

When a new volunteer approaches, ask for his/her Registration Form. With the volunteer, verify its completeness and accuracy, and use it as a guide from which to inquire more about the volunteer’s skills. At the conclusion of the interview, keep his/her Registration Form. When the volunteer accepts an assignment, complete a Referral Form, filling in all information requested, sign or initial it, and give it to the volunteer and instruct him/her to report to Data Coordination (Station #3).

Before you signal the Greeter that you are ready for another interview, take a minute to jot down in the ―Notes‖ section anything about the volunteer you feel is important and that the volunteer did not include on his/her Registration Form (a special skill, an obvious physical limitation, etc.). If your center decides to use the blind field labeled ―Office Use Only,*‖ check the appropriate box. Place his/her Registration Form in the file.

Key points to remember are:

♦ Sit facing the wall/needs board

♦ Disaster registration differs from a “normal” volunteer intake – there is less time to try to fit each volunteer into an ideal assignment

♦ Refer the volunteer on the spot if possible – it may be impossible to contact him/her later. If the volunteer has special training or unusual skills that you think might be needed soon, ask him/her to wait in the sitting area and to check the volunteer request board for new requests for their specialized skills

♦ Be sure to watch for volunteers who would work well in the Volunteer Reception Center. (It may seem self-serving, but if the VRC has sufficient staff and works effectively, the community will benefit!)

♦ It is likely that some volunteers will exhibit the stress of the disaster – they may be survivors themselves. An extra measure of patience and understanding is needed

♦ You may be called upon to train new volunteers to assist with the interviewing

o Welcome volunteers & give general info about VRC

o Provide volunteers with registration form & liability form

o Monitor flow of volunteers, alert VRC Director to any issues, provide any crowd control necessary

o Direct media to PIO/Media contact/VRC Director

o Direct residents seeking help to work order intake

If they are there to volunteer, thank them, give them a “Volunteer Instructions” sheet, and ask them to fill out a Registration Form. When the form is completed, direct them to the next available interviewer at Station #2

♦ If they are media personnel, direct them to the Public Information Officer

♦ If they are disaster survivors needing assistance, refer them to the appropriate relief organization and, if appropriate, the FEMA registration process

♦ If they are bringing cleaning supplies, nonperishable food, etc., to donate, refer them to an agency that is accepting donated goods

If there is a long wait, some volunteers may not understand the reason and may become impatient. Please thank everyone for volunteering, briefly explain the process, and ask everyone to be patient or, if they prefer, to come back later

Enter info from Vol Registration Forms into database

◦Enter Requests for Volunteers Forms & Close out when filled

Your job is to enter the information from the Volunteer Registration and Request for Volunteers Forms into the database so that an accurate record can be maintained of who participated in the recovery effort, what kinds of work they did, and when it was performed.

After the initial influx of volunteers has subsided, you may have time to begin entering the referrals recorded on the Request for Volunteers Forms and to close out the completed Requests. As needed by VRC staff, print updated lists of the unfilled Requests and ask a Runner to distribute copies to Phone Bank staff, Data Coordination, Interviewers and, if requested, the VRC Director.

Even if you are familiar with the software being used by the VRC, please ask for a brief orientation before beginning your first shift. Accuracy is more important than speed. The information you enter will be used to document the number of agencies and volunteers participating in the relief effort and the number of hours served.

If you have difficulty using the computer, please ask for help immediately. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself.

◦Enter info from Vol Registration Forms into database

◦Enter Requests for Volunteers Forms & Close out when filled

Your job is to enter the information from the Volunteer Registration and Request for Volunteers Forms into the database so that an accurate record can be maintained of who participated in the recovery effort, what kinds of work they did, and when it was performed.

After the initial influx of volunteers has subsided, you may have time to begin entering the referrals recorded on the Request for Volunteers Forms and to close out the completed Requests. As needed by VRC staff, print updated lists of the unfilled Requests and ask a Runner to distribute copies to Phone Bank staff, Data Coordination, Interviewers and, if requested, the VRC Director.

Even if you are familiar with the software being used by the VRC, please ask for a brief orientation before beginning your first shift. Accuracy is more important than speed. The information you enter will be used to document the number of agencies and volunteers participating in the relief effort and the number of hours served.

If you have difficulty using the computer, please ask for help immediately. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself.

Fill requests as needed by other VRC staff.

◦Fill requests as needed by other VRC staff.

◦Answer the phone

◦Shuttle requests/questions as needed

◦Give info

VRC STAFF TASKS – PHONE BANK STAFF

You will be handling two types of calls, those from agencies requesting volunteers and those from people wanting to volunteer. The information you record about each call must be complete and in sufficient detail to facilitate matching volunteers to the needs. DO take control of each call immediately. It is much more efficient to ask the questions in the order in which they appear on the form. (If the caller takes control you will find yourself scribbling in the margins and will not get all the required information.)

When an agency calls to requests volunteers, fill out a Request for Volunteers Form while you are speaking with the agency caller. If there is a computer available for entering the request into a database, Data Entry staff should enter the need as soon as possible, or could enter the data directly while speaking to the caller.

Next, call a Runner by raising the flag at your station. Ask the Runner to post the Volunteer Request on the board in view of the Interviewers (Station #2) and then to give the Request for Volunteers Form to the Data/Agency Coordinator (Station #3).

When people call to volunteer, thank them and give them the following registration options (this will need to be edited to reflect the system being used):

♦ They may register in person at the VRC, and will be given instructions when they arrive

♦ They may register online, and will be e-mailed regarding possible assignments and given further instructions. If the caller represents a group that wishes to volunteer together, ask him/her to be patient while you determine where they can be of most help. It might take one day or several to match a volunteer with a need, especially if he or she is coming from out of town

When a match (a mission) is found for that volunteer, e-mail or call him/her back. Ask him/her to print the registration form he completed online and schedule a time for him or her to come to the VRC to turn in the signed Registration Form and complete the registration process.

o Welcome volunteers & give general info about VRC

o Provide volunteers with registration form & liability form

o Monitor flow of volunteers, alert VRC Director to any issues, provide any crowd control necessary

o Direct media to PIO/Media contact/VRC Director

o Direct residents seeking help to work order intake

If they are there to volunteer, thank them, give them a “Volunteer Instructions” sheet, and ask them to fill out a Registration Form. When the form is completed, direct them to the next available interviewer at Station #2

♦ If they are media personnel, direct them to the Public Information Officer

♦ If they are disaster survivors needing assistance, refer them to the appropriate relief organization and, if appropriate, the FEMA registration process

♦ If they are bringing cleaning supplies, nonperishable food, etc., to donate, refer them to an agency that is accepting donated goods

If there is a long wait, some volunteers may not understand the reason and may become impatient. Please thank everyone for volunteering, briefly explain the process, and ask everyone to be patient or, if they prefer, to come back later

◦Brief all volunteers on *general* safety/what to expect on the job site

◦Wait for small group to gather before training

Keep attendance for safety training

Your job is to brief all new volunteers on what to expect at their job sites, how to be safe while volunteering and how to take good care of themselves after their experience. When a small group has gathered, thank the volunteers for offering to help. Pass around a clipboard with an attendance sheet and check to be sure that all participants have signed it.

Read the entire Safety Training Sheet slowly, emphasizing the importance of following supervisors’ instructions at the work site. Encourage everyone to attend a debriefing, if available, at the end of their shift. Ask if there are any questions. If a question arises to which you do not know the answer, put on the hat to summon a Runner. Ask the Runner to summon the VRC Director or other VRC staff to answer the question. At the conclusion of the briefing, direct volunteers to Station #5 Volunteer ID.

Attach a copy of the Safety Briefing Script/Handout to the attendance sheet for each class, file this in the folder and turn it in to the VRC Director daily.

Maintenance of these records is important to help protect the Volunteer Reception Center, voluntary agencies, and emergency management officials from liability, should a volunteer be injured on the job.

◦Unaffiliated: Enter data on who is assigned to open work orders

◦Unaffiliated: Inform agencies as vols are assigned

◦Unaffiliated: Maintain open requests for vol board

◦Unaffiliated: Take requests for volunteers from agencies

When a volunteer brings you his/her Referral form, pull the corresponding Request for Volunteers form from the file. Enter his/her name and the date of the referral on the bottom of the Request Form. Place your initials in the appropriate box on his/her Referral Form. Direct the volunteer to Station #4 for a Safety Briefing.

As you have time, call the agency contact to let him/her know who or how many volunteers have been referred. Confirm with the agency contact whether you should continue referring volunteers or close out the Request.

When a Request has been filled, raise your flag or put on the hat to call a Runner and ask him/her to confirm that the request has been removed from the board.

Enter the date and reason the request was closed (completed, no longer needed, etc.) at the bottom of the Request Form. If your Requests for Volunteers have been entered into a database, be sure to enter the date and reason the Request was closed as soon as possible. Place open Requests in one file and closed Requests in the other, alphabetically by agency.

You may have to call an agency contact to clarify the agency’s Request. When you speak with an agency contact, record the information on the Request form in the section called ―Follow-up Contacts with Requesting Agency.‖

This group must also keep up with OPEN requests for volunteers & ensure they are up to date (ie, the agency is still active and has capacity to receive unaffiliated volunteers).

This group may also follow up with agencies and see if they could take more volunteers or continue taking volunteers as more unaffiliated vols arrive.

◦Check Volunteer Referral Forms

◦Issue ID: Name, dates working, name of agency referred to

◦Explain to vols that ID is only valid through date on wristband

Thank all volunteers for coming out and ask to see their Referral Forms. Clearly write on an ID wristband the name of the volunteer, dates he/she will be working, and the name of the agency to which the volunteer was referred, as shown on their Referral Form. Place the ID wristband securely on the volunteer’s wrist.

Explain to the volunteers that the ID will be “good” only for the date(s) written on the band. Authorities may not permit them to enter any of the disaster-impacted areas on any other day, without a current ID wristband. If volunteers plan to work more than one day, you may write the beginning and ending dates of their service.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignment. When your briefing is concluded, direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

For this exercise, please ask participants to take a seat in the sitting area in the middle of the room. They may trade places with a VRC staff member as time allows.

◦Direct volunteers to their assignment

◦Thank them for volunteering

◦Direct to the exit or transportation if it is available

Thank all volunteers for offering to help and ask to see their Referral Forms. Using a street map, show volunteers where their work assignment is located. Smaller strip maps may also be drawn and printed to hand out to volunteers.

If there is a phone at the Maps Station, you may provide that phone number in case the volunteers get lost. Remind them that they also have contact information for the agency or work site to which they were referred.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignments. Direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

If you need assistance, please raise your flag or put on the hat to summon a Runner.

Answer the phone

◦Shuttle requests/questions as needed

◦Give info

VRC STAFF TASKS – PHONE BANK STAFF

You will be handling two types of calls, those from agencies requesting volunteers and those from people wanting to volunteer. The information you record about each call must be complete and in sufficient detail to facilitate matching volunteers to the needs. DO take control of each call immediately. It is much more efficient to ask the questions in the order in which they appear on the form. (If the caller takes control you will find yourself scribbling in the margins and will not get all the required information.)

When an agency calls to requests volunteers, fill out a Request for Volunteers Form while you are speaking with the agency caller. If there is a computer available for entering the request into a database, Data Entry staff should enter the need as soon as possible, or could enter the data directly while speaking to the caller.

Next, call a Runner by raising the flag at your station. Ask the Runner to post the Volunteer Request on the board in view of the Interviewers (Station #2) and then to give the Request for Volunteers Form to the Data/Agency Coordinator (Station #3).

When people call to volunteer, thank them and give them the following registration options (this will need to be edited to reflect the system being used):

♦ They may register in person at the VRC, and will be given instructions when they arrive

♦ They may register online, and will be e-mailed regarding possible assignments and given further instructions. If the caller represents a group that wishes to volunteer together, ask him/her to be patient while you determine where they can be of most help. It might take one day or several to match a volunteer with a need, especially if he or she is coming from out of town

When a match (a mission) is found for that volunteer, e-mail or call him/her back. Ask him/her to print the registration form he completed online and schedule a time for him or her to come to the VRC to turn in the signed Registration Form and complete the registration process.

◦Direct volunteers to their assignment

◦Thank them for volunteering

◦Direct to the exit or transportation if it is available

Thank all volunteers for offering to help and ask to see their Referral Forms. Using a street map, show volunteers where their work assignment is located. Smaller strip maps may also be drawn and printed to hand out to volunteers.

If there is a phone at the Maps Station, you may provide that phone number in case the volunteers get lost. Remind them that they also have contact information for the agency or work site to which they were referred.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignments. Direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

If you need assistance, please raise your flag or put on the hat to summon a Runner.

◦Brief all volunteers on *general* safety/what to expect on the job site

◦Wait for small group to gather before training

Keep attendance for safety training

Your job is to brief all new volunteers on what to expect at their job sites, how to be safe while volunteering and how to take good care of themselves after their experience. When a small group has gathered, thank the volunteers for offering to help. Pass around a clipboard with an attendance sheet and check to be sure that all participants have signed it.

Read the entire Safety Training Sheet slowly, emphasizing the importance of following supervisors’ instructions at the work site. Encourage everyone to attend a debriefing, if available, at the end of their shift. Ask if there are any questions. If a question arises to which you do not know the answer, put on the hat to summon a Runner. Ask the Runner to summon the VRC Director or other VRC staff to answer the question. At the conclusion of the briefing, direct volunteers to Station #5 Volunteer ID.

Attach a copy of the Safety Briefing Script/Handout to the attendance sheet for each class, file this in the folder and turn it in to the VRC Director daily.

Maintenance of these records is important to help protect the Volunteer Reception Center, voluntary agencies, and emergency management officials from liability, should a volunteer be injured on the job.

◦Unaffiliated: Enter data on who is assigned to open work orders

◦Unaffiliated: Inform agencies as vols are assigned

◦Unaffiliated: Maintain open requests for vol board

◦Unaffiliated: Take requests for volunteers from agencies

When a volunteer brings you his/her Referral form, pull the corresponding Request for Volunteers form from the file. Enter his/her name and the date of the referral on the bottom of the Request Form. Place your initials in the appropriate box on his/her Referral Form. Direct the volunteer to Station #4 for a Safety Briefing.

As you have time, call the agency contact to let him/her know who or how many volunteers have been referred. Confirm with the agency contact whether you should continue referring volunteers or close out the Request.

When a Request has been filled, raise your flag or put on the hat to call a Runner and ask him/her to confirm that the request has been removed from the board.

Enter the date and reason the request was closed (completed, no longer needed, etc.) at the bottom of the Request Form. If your Requests for Volunteers have been entered into a database, be sure to enter the date and reason the Request was closed as soon as possible. Place open Requests in one file and closed Requests in the other, alphabetically by agency.

You may have to call an agency contact to clarify the agency’s Request. When you speak with an agency contact, record the information on the Request form in the section called ―Follow-up Contacts with Requesting Agency.‖

This group must also keep up with OPEN requests for volunteers & ensure they are up to date (ie, the agency is still active and has capacity to receive unaffiliated volunteers).

This group may also follow up with agencies and see if they could take more volunteers or continue taking volunteers as more unaffiliated vols arrive.

◦Unaffiliated: Enter data on who is assigned to open work orders

◦Unaffiliated: Inform agencies as vols are assigned

◦Unaffiliated: Maintain open requests for vol board

◦Unaffiliated: Take requests for volunteers from agencies

When a volunteer brings you his/her Referral form, pull the corresponding Request for Volunteers form from the file. Enter his/her name and the date of the referral on the bottom of the Request Form. Place your initials in the appropriate box on his/her Referral Form. Direct the volunteer to Station #4 for a Safety Briefing.

As you have time, call the agency contact to let him/her know who or how many volunteers have been referred. Confirm with the agency contact whether you should continue referring volunteers or close out the Request.

When a Request has been filled, raise your flag or put on the hat to call a Runner and ask him/her to confirm that the request has been removed from the board.

Enter the date and reason the request was closed (completed, no longer needed, etc.) at the bottom of the Request Form. If your Requests for Volunteers have been entered into a database, be sure to enter the date and reason the Request was closed as soon as possible. Place open Requests in one file and closed Requests in the other, alphabetically by agency.

You may have to call an agency contact to clarify the agency’s Request. When you speak with an agency contact, record the information on the Request form in the section called ―Follow-up Contacts with Requesting Agency.‖

This group must also keep up with OPEN requests for volunteers & ensure they are up to date (ie, the agency is still active and has capacity to receive unaffiliated volunteers).

This group may also follow up with agencies and see if they could take more volunteers or continue taking volunteers as more unaffiliated vols arrive

◦Direct volunteers to their assignment

◦Thank them for volunteering

◦Direct to the exit or transportation if it is available

Thank all volunteers for offering to help and ask to see their Referral Forms. Using a street map, show volunteers where their work assignment is located. Smaller strip maps may also be drawn and printed to hand out to volunteers.

If there is a phone at the Maps Station, you may provide that phone number in case the volunteers get lost. Remind them that they also have contact information for the agency or work site to which they were referred.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignments. Direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

If you need assistance, please raise your flag or put on the hat to summon a Runner.

◦Check Volunteer Referral Forms

◦Issue ID: Name, dates working, name of agency referred to

◦Explain to vols that ID is only valid through date on wristband

Thank all volunteers for coming out and ask to see their Referral Forms. Clearly write on an ID wristband the name of the volunteer, dates he/she will be working, and the name of the agency to which the volunteer was referred, as shown on their Referral Form. Place the ID wristband securely on the volunteer’s wrist.

Explain to the volunteers that the ID will be “good” only for the date(s) written on the band. Authorities may not permit them to enter any of the disaster-impacted areas on any other day, without a current ID wristband. If volunteers plan to work more than one day, you may write the beginning and ending dates of their service.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignment. When your briefing is concluded, direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

For this exercise, please ask participants to take a seat in the sitting area in the middle of the room. They may trade places with a VRC staff member as time allows.

◦Conduct brief interview on volunteer skills and preferences

◦Assign volunteer to an available opportunity

◦Document volunteer assignments

Your job is to do a quick interview of the prospective volunteer and refer him/her to a job at an agency appropriate to his abilities and interests. Requests for volunteers will be posted on a board in front of you (behind the volunteers being interviewed) and will be erased as the needs are filled. If the VRC has a computer system, you might also receive a printed list of the current needs.

When a new volunteer approaches, ask for his/her Registration Form. With the volunteer, verify its completeness and accuracy, and use it as a guide from which to inquire more about the volunteer’s skills. At the conclusion of the interview, keep his/her Registration Form. When the volunteer accepts an assignment, complete a Referral Form, filling in all information requested, sign or initial it, and give it to the volunteer and instruct him/her to report to Data Coordination (Station #3).

Before you signal the Greeter that you are ready for another interview, take a minute to jot down in the ―Notes‖ section anything about the volunteer you feel is important and that the volunteer did not include on his/her Registration Form (a special skill, an obvious physical limitation, etc.). If your center decides to use the blind field labeled ―Office Use Only,*‖ check the appropriate box. Place his/her Registration Form in the file.

Key points to remember are:

♦ Sit facing the wall/needs board

♦ Disaster registration differs from a “normal” volunteer intake – there is less time to try to fit each volunteer into an ideal assignment

♦ Refer the volunteer on the spot if possible – it may be impossible to contact him/her later. If the volunteer has special training or unusual skills that you think might be needed soon, ask him/her to wait in the sitting area and to check the volunteer request board for new requests for their specialized skills

♦ Be sure to watch for volunteers who would work well in the Volunteer Reception Center. (It may seem self-serving, but if the VRC has sufficient staff and works effectively, the community will benefit!)

♦ It is likely that some volunteers will exhibit the stress of the disaster – they may be survivors themselves. An extra measure of patience and understanding is needed

♦ You may be called upon to train new volunteers to assist with the interviewing

◦Check Volunteer Referral Forms

◦Issue ID: Name, dates working, name of agency referred to

◦Explain to vols that ID is only valid through date on wristband

Thank all volunteers for coming out and ask to see their Referral Forms. Clearly write on an ID wristband the name of the volunteer, dates he/she will be working, and the name of the agency to which the volunteer was referred, as shown on their Referral Form. Place the ID wristband securely on the volunteer’s wrist.

Explain to the volunteers that the ID will be “good” only for the date(s) written on the band. Authorities may not permit them to enter any of the disaster-impacted areas on any other day, without a current ID wristband. If volunteers plan to work more than one day, you may write the beginning and ending dates of their service.

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignment. When your briefing is concluded, direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available.

For this exercise, please ask participants to take a seat in the sitting area in the middle of the room. They may trade places with a VRC staff member as time allows.

o Welcome volunteers & give general info about VRC

o Provide volunteers with registration form & liability form

o Monitor flow of volunteers, alert VRC Director to any issues, provide any crowd control necessary

o Direct media to PIO/Media contact/VRC Director

o Direct residents seeking help to work order intake

If they are there to volunteer, thank them, give them a “Volunteer Instructions” sheet, and ask them to fill out a Registration Form. When the form is completed, direct them to the next available interviewer at Station #2

♦ If they are media personnel, direct them to the Public Information Officer

♦ If they are disaster survivors needing assistance, refer them to the appropriate relief organization and, if appropriate, the FEMA registration process

♦ If they are bringing cleaning supplies, nonperishable food, etc., to donate, refer them to an agency that is accepting donated goods

If there is a long wait, some volunteers may not understand the reason and may become impatient. Please thank everyone for volunteering, briefly explain the process, and ask everyone to be patient or, if they prefer, to come back later

Your job is to oversee the operation of the Volunteer Reception Center. You will:

♦ Clearly designate one entrance and one exit

♦ Set up the room for efficient flow of volunteers and information

♦ Brief and assign tasks to staff and volunteers of the center

♦ Monitor the operation and make staffing changes when necessary

♦ Maintain all records of safety and job training provided to volunteers, and hours worked in the VRC by employees and volunteers

♦ Turn all records in to the County Budget Department weekly or at end of the activation

You should meet and thank all volunteers who help in the VRC and instruct them to sign in and out on the Volunteer Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. Instruct paid staff to sign in on the Employee Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. In a fast-paced disaster response, both paid and volunteer staff will need regular reminders to sign in and out.

◦Fill requests as needed by other VRC staff.

◦Enter info from Vol Registration Forms into database

◦Enter Requests for Volunteers Forms & Close out when filled

Your job is to enter the information from the Volunteer Registration and Request for Volunteers Forms into the database so that an accurate record can be maintained of who participated in the recovery effort, what kinds of work they did, and when it was performed.

After the initial influx of volunteers has subsided, you may have time to begin entering the referrals recorded on the Request for Volunteers Forms and to close out the completed Requests. As needed by VRC staff, print updated lists of the unfilled Requests and ask a Runner to distribute copies to Phone Bank staff, Data Coordination, Interviewers and, if requested, the VRC Director.

Even if you are familiar with the software being used by the VRC, please ask for a brief orientation before beginning your first shift. Accuracy is more important than speed. The information you enter will be used to document the number of agencies and volunteers participating in the relief effort and the number of hours served.

If you have difficulty using the computer, please ask for help immediately. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself.

◦Answer the phone

◦Shuttle requests/questions as needed

◦Give info

VRC STAFF TASKS – PHONE BANK STAFF

You will be handling two types of calls, those from agencies requesting volunteers and those from people wanting to volunteer. The information you record about each call must be complete and in sufficient detail to facilitate matching volunteers to the needs. DO take control of each call immediately. It is much more efficient to ask the questions in the order in which they appear on the form. (If the caller takes control you will find yourself scribbling in the margins and will not get all the required information.)

When an agency calls to requests volunteers, fill out a Request for Volunteers Form while you are speaking with the agency caller. If there is a computer available for entering the request into a database, Data Entry staff should enter the need as soon as possible, or could enter the data directly while speaking to the caller.

Next, call a Runner by raising the flag at your station. Ask the Runner to post the Volunteer Request on the board in view of the Interviewers (Station #2) and then to give the Request for Volunteers Form to the Data/Agency Coordinator (Station #3).

When people call to volunteer, thank them and give them the following registration options (this will need to be edited to reflect the system being used):

♦ They may register in person at the VRC, and will be given instructions when they arrive

♦ They may register online, and will be e-mailed regarding possible assignments and given further instructions. If the caller represents a group that wishes to volunteer together, ask him/her to be patient while you determine where they can be of most help. It might take one day or several to match a volunteer with a need, especially if he or she is coming from out of town

When a match (a mission) is found for that volunteer, e-mail or call him/her back. Ask him/her to print the registration form he completed online and schedule a time for him or her to come to the VRC to turn in the signed Registration Form and complete the registration process.

◦Brief all volunteers on *general* safety/what to expect on the job site

◦Wait for small group to gather before training

Keep attendance for safety training

Your job is to brief all new volunteers on what to expect at their job sites, how to be safe while volunteering and how to take good care of themselves after their experience. When a small group has gathered, thank the volunteers for offering to help. Pass around a clipboard with an attendance sheet and check to be sure that all participants have signed it.

Read the entire Safety Training Sheet slowly, emphasizing the importance of following supervisors’ instructions at the work site. Encourage everyone to attend a debriefing, if available, at the end of their shift. Ask if there are any questions. If a question arises to which you do not know the answer, put on the hat to summon a Runner. Ask the Runner to summon the VRC Director or other VRC staff to answer the question. At the conclusion of the briefing, direct volunteers to Station #5 Volunteer ID.

Attach a copy of the Safety Briefing Script/Handout to the attendance sheet for each class, file this in the folder and turn it in to the VRC Director daily.

Maintenance of these records is important to help protect the Volunteer Reception Center, voluntary agencies, and emergency management officials from liability, should a volunteer be injured on the job.

o Welcome volunteers & give general info about VRC

o Provide volunteers with registration form & liability form

o Monitor flow of volunteers, alert VRC Director to any issues, provide any crowd control necessary

o Direct media to PIO/Media contact/VRC Director

o Direct residents seeking help to work order intake

If they are there to volunteer, thank them, give them a “Volunteer Instructions” sheet, and ask them to fill out a Registration Form. When the form is completed, direct them to the next available interviewer at Station #2

♦ If they are media personnel, direct them to the Public Information Officer

♦ If they are disaster survivors needing assistance, refer them to the appropriate relief organization and, if appropriate, the FEMA registration process

♦ If they are bringing cleaning supplies, nonperishable food, etc., to donate, refer them to an agency that is accepting donated goods

If there is a long wait, some volunteers may not understand the reason and may become impatient. Please thank everyone for volunteering, briefly explain the process, and ask everyone to be patient or, if they prefer, to come back later

◦Conduct brief interview on volunteer skills and preferences

◦Assign volunteer to an available opportunity

◦Document volunteer assignments

Your job is to do a quick interview of the prospective volunteer and refer him/her to a job at an agency appropriate to his abilities and interests. Requests for volunteers will be posted on a board in front of you (behind the volunteers being interviewed) and will be erased as the needs are filled. If the VRC has a computer system, you might also receive a printed list of the current needs.

When a new volunteer approaches, ask for his/her Registration Form. With the volunteer, verify its completeness and accuracy, and use it as a guide from which to inquire more about the volunteer’s skills. At the conclusion of the interview, keep his/her Registration Form. When the volunteer accepts an assignment, complete a Referral Form, filling in all information requested, sign or initial it, and give it to the volunteer and instruct him/her to report to Data Coordination (Station #3).

Before you signal the Greeter that you are ready for another interview, take a minute to jot down in the ―Notes‖ section anything about the volunteer you feel is important and that the volunteer did not include on his/her Registration Form (a special skill, an obvious physical limitation, etc.). If your center decides to use the blind field labeled ―Office Use Only,*‖ check the appropriate box. Place his/her Registration Form in the file.

Key points to remember are:

♦ Sit facing the wall/needs board

♦ Disaster registration differs from a “normal” volunteer intake – there is less time to try to fit each volunteer into an ideal assignment

♦ Refer the volunteer on the spot if possible – it may be impossible to contact him/her later. If the volunteer has special training or unusual skills that you think might be needed soon, ask him/her to wait in the sitting area and to check the volunteer request board for new requests for their specialized skills

♦ Be sure to watch for volunteers who would work well in the Volunteer Reception Center. (It may seem self-serving, but if the VRC has sufficient staff and works effectively, the community will benefit!)

♦ It is likely that some volunteers will exhibit the stress of the disaster – they may be survivors themselves. An extra measure of patience and understanding is needed

♦ You may be called upon to train new volunteers to assist with the interviewing

Your job is to oversee the operation of the Volunteer Reception Center. You will:

♦ Clearly designate one entrance and one exit

♦ Set up the room for efficient flow of volunteers and information

♦ Brief and assign tasks to staff and volunteers of the center

♦ Monitor the operation and make staffing changes when necessary

♦ Maintain all records of safety and job training provided to volunteers, and hours worked in the VRC by employees and volunteers

♦ Turn all records in to the County Budget Department weekly or at end of the activation

You should meet and thank all volunteers who help in the VRC and instruct them to sign in and out on the Volunteer Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. Instruct paid staff to sign in on the Employee Sign-in/Sign-out Record daily. In a fast-paced disaster response, both paid and volunteer staff will need regular reminders to sign in and out.

We are a catering company located in Atlanta, Georgia. We recently took over the athletic facilities at Mississippi state and are currently recruiting for the Mississippi State football games, but we will also be working on recruiting for basketball and baseball as well! So keep that in mind.

If your non-profit organization is looking to contribute to the exceptional fan experience at Mississippi State while fundraising, we would love to hear from you! Each season, we contract with non-profit organizations to operate our concession stands as a means of raising funds for their activities. It's a great alternative to the traditional fundraising. Proof of the Pudding is proud to partner with non-profits to help make a difference and help your organization reach fundraising goals.

Looking for individuals who would like to work with children grades K-12th.

Would help in activity rooms, help with gym activities and supervision, and gardening

Homework help

Provide one on one interaction with a child for at least 1hr each week. Help with homework, do activities, or just talk