The Collaborative Disaster Volunteer Credential
Collaborative Disaster Volunteer Credential
“The tragic attack of September 11th has taught us many things, not the least of which is that we must protect our Ready Responders, the people who come out to help others in their most desperate time of need,” says Lisa Orloff, Founder of World Cares Center.
Since 2001, disasters have increased in frequency and in severity. We are faced with compound issues and a rising number of constituents in need. Our organizations are also tasked with finding new ways to serve while keeping everyone safe. How do we tackle such a mounting challenge while remaining resilient and healthy ourselves?
A board of advisors has joined forces to create a three-tiered Cooperative Disaster Volunteer Credential training program that provides a solid foundation of knowledge for any disaster volunteer. Founded in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, World Cares Center and its partners understand the need to train all types of volunteers to work together safely and with a common understanding of how things should get done. Often grassroots groups do not have the resources to develop and deliver their own training, and this is where the Cooperative comes in. New members are encouraged to join this collaborative movement that improves our ability to work together, share resources, and reduce responder injuries.
Advisory Board Members
The founding board and contributors include: Access Plus; All Nations International Chaplains Association; Atlantic COHST; Con Edison; Armando Aviles, Essex County Sheriff’s Office of Essex County Cops4Kids; Tatiana Sofia Begault, FEMA Gulf States Dive and Rescue, American Red Cross SELA, and the State of Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Office of Emergency Preparedness and ERN; Rick Cummins, Flood Rescue Academy; Andrew Bershad, NYC Emergency Services Unit, Ret., Flying Aces Consultancy; Dr. Lucia Velotti, Professor, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Fire Safety and Disaster Management; Latin American Chaplains Association; Dr. Edward Williams, President, Regional Ready Rockaway; Resiliency Advisors; Alison Thompson, PhD of The Third Wave Volunteers; Amber Mitchell, DrPH, MPH, CPH Director, The International Safety Center; and Cindy Lewis, CSP, CIT, Director, Office of Professional Development and Program Evaluation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Public Health: Simon Periera Shorey, Resilient JC: Dr. Novil Wijesekara, Disaster Preparedness and Response Division, Ministry of Public Health, Sri Lanka, with World Cares Center facilitating the initiative.
“The Collaborative Disaster Volunteer Credential training program enhances the knowledge and know-how to work safely by providing a common approach when volunteering in disaster incidents. I am pleased to be a part of guiding its development to meet the needs of my community and utilize it to prepare and protect my volunteers.”
– Dr. Edward Williams, Regional Ready Rockaway
Dr. Williams was a partner and friend. He was always serving his community with an eye to safety and preparedness. His legacy lives on in our work as he guides us from above. Rest in peace.
Take courses anytime, anywhere
