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May 2006

VolunteerFare: The Emergency Edition

Anytime, anywhere, the people of Maine could be faced with a wide-scale emergency. Whether it be an act of terrorism or natural disaster, volunteers play an important part in mitigating and responding to such tragedies. This month we take a look at volunteerism and its connection to emergency preparedness and response.

York County Disaster Relief

Imagine walking through 6 inches of water to get to your livingroom. Imagine your home or business being destroyed by water damage, and what the water doesn't take, the mold that sets in afterwards will. This is a reality for the people of York County. Hundred of businesses must pick up the pieces after this weeks flooding. People are returning to their flood ravaged homes and finding their lives turned upside down. Help your Maine neighbors in need by volunteering your service or donating money to the York County Disaster Relief.

Maine's Volunteer Emergency Units

A brief description of the major emergency response volunteer programs in Maine. Contact information is included if you are interested in learning more about their organization and/or program.

MEMA: Maine Prepares Web-Site Offers Simple Steps to Prepare for any Emergency

The Maine Emergency Management Agency Kicks off New Web-site with tips and pointers on how to keep you and your family safe in the event of a disaster.

A Request from the Maine VOAD President

Bob Van Deventer, with the National Emergency Response Team and President of Maine VOAD, recently returned from Louisiana on a disaster relief follow-up mission. He has brought back a report and some very specific needs for schools that are trying to reopen for the next school year. If you or civic groups you are part of can help out, please contact him directly. It would be great if we could return the support he has shown volunteer service in Maine by locating resources. Here is a letter from Bob.

MCCS Staffer, Anne Schink, Honored for Her Commitment to Disability Inclusion

Congratulations to MCCS Program Officer, Anne Schink, for receiving a UMaine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies 2006 "Daring to Dream" award.

Preventing a Disaster within A Disaster: The Effective Use and Management of Unaffiliated Volunteers

In April 2002, UPS, the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) convened the National Leadership Forum on Disaster Volunteerism. The meeting brought together volunteer and emergency management leaders and operations experts to explore ways to strengthen our nation?s ability to engage volunteers appropriately and effectively in all phases of disaster. Over 90 people representing more than 45 organizations participated. Attendees identified challenges and opportunities associated with unaffiliated volunteers, developed initial recommendations for addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities, and committed to work toward the recommendations proposed. This report grew out of their experience, knowledge, and insight.

Providing Emotional Support for Volunteers in Disaster Situations

Volunteers and members who are deployed to help during disasters may need additional support, due to the psychological impact of serving during these scenarios. This effective practice discusses how to help mitigate negative stress reactions, what to look for and how to intervene, and was submitted by Deborah Burr, AmeriCorps Program Director, Florida State Parks, Department of Environmental Protection, in January 2005. Excerpted from the document, Operation Blue Roof and Beyond: Protocol on the Deployment of AmeriCorps Teams for Disaster Recovery. Although it was written specifically for those dealing with hurricane disaster assistance, the information is relevant for those deploying and supervising volunteers and members in other disaster situations as well.

FEMA: Developing and Managing Volunteers for Emergency Managers

Check out this online course offered by FEMA for emergency managers and other organizations who rely on volunteers during disasters.

Free for All:Upcoming Events, Conference Info, Training and Volunteer Opportunities, and more!

The one page on the web that is dedicated to posting information from Maine's volunteer community and giving it straight to our readers!

From the Corporation

Press Releases and News from the Corporation for National and Community Service