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Statewide Volunteer Initiative Launched
When a disaster or emergency strikes, like the wide-spread flooding that wreaked havoc on southern Wisconsin this summer, response and recovery are community-wide efforts. We have learned that in these times of need, volunteers are at the ready. From helping to sandbag to cooking meals, assisting with communications and disaster clean-up, disaster relief organizations and individual volunteers are invaluable resources during emergencies and disasters.
To help communities respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters using volunteer resources, the state Citizen Corps Council and Wisconsin Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) are partnering to launch the Wisconsin Emergency Volunteer – WeVolunteer – Initiative.
Together, we are aiming to better coordinate local volunteer programs, encourage and prepare Wisconsin citizens to volunteer during emergencies and disasters and work on strategies to incorporate volunteers in disaster response plans. We are also addressing emerging issues such as volunteer training, management and liability.
We have a list of disaster relief organizations with over 200 local chapters as a resource for individuals and communities to identify volunteer opportunities in their area and to begin building local volunteer partnerships prior to an emergency. Our website will grow to include a statewide volunteer registry, lessons learned, templates for volunteer management and information on training and new and emerging issues.
Attached is a newsletter that highlights outstanding volunteer programs and efforts and discusses topical issues like volunteer liability. More frequent electronic newsletters will include model programs and ideas for local emergency volunteer plans.
This is just a first step in coordinating volunteer efforts statewide, and we are dedicated to providing helpful and timely resources for you. If you have any questions or comments, you can reach us at OJAWeVolunteer@wi.gov or by calling the Office of Justice Assistance at 608-266-3323.
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