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UWRC VOAD

Volunteer Sign-Up Form

  

 

 

The Rockland VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) has a broad mission to help our community with disaster planning and emergency management – it is a forum used to coordinate information and activities between non-profit, governmental and private sector entities before, during and after a crisis. The purpose of the Rockland VOAD is to provide the structure to coordinate the work of voluntary agencies and other organizations to prevent, reduce and relieve suffering in times of disaster, both natural and man-made.  The United Way of Rockland County (UWRC) serves as the convener and organizer of the Rockland VOAD. Within this structure, UWRC recruits, trains and supervises volunteers. Although there may be times when VOAD volunteers will be working directly with organizations other than UWRC, all volunteers that work with the Rockland VOAD are recognized as UWRC volunteers and are ultimately supervised by the UWRC during the time of their service.

¨  The Rockland VOAD’s main role in the event of a crisis is in response and recovery.  Volunteers’ assistance is generally needed at least 24 hours after the onset of a crisis situation.  VOAD volunteers usually begin their  work around the time the initial crew of “first responders” (emergency personnel and crisis teams from organizations such as the American Red Cross) need our assistance.  One does not need to be a Rockland resident to be a UWRC VOAD volunteer.

¨   In recognition and support of the UWRC VOAD volunteers’ vital role in emergency management and response, volunteers and their families will receive preferential treatment as “emergency responders” while the UWRC VOAD volunteer is actively working as a VOAD volunteer. For example, while you are actively volunteering, you and your family would receive preferential treatment for medical attention, emergency shelter and support services whenever possible in the event of a crisis.

¨  In the event of a crisis situation, it is strongly recommended that volunteers first take care of any of their own and their family’s needs and safety before volunteering to help.

¨  United Way’s 211 helpline* facilitates communication between the UWRC and the VOAD volunteers. In the event of a crisis in which volunteer help is needed, 211 call specialists will be contacting volunteers to determine which volunteers are available to serve and to convey where they should go to receive further instructions. VOAD volunteers are strongly encouraged to keep in contact with United Way’s 211 helpline throughout a time of crisis. When a crisis arises, volunteers will generally meet at the Rockland Assistance Center, located at United Hospice of Rockland (11 Stokum Lane, New City) before proceeding to their specific relief locations.

To become a UWRC VOAD volunteer, please provide us with the following information. Please mail it or fill out the online version at: http://www.uwrc.org/howtohelp/voadform.html

 

Your Name:                                                                                                                                                                    

                                                  (Last)                                       (MI)                                 (First)

Home Address:                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                  (Street)                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                           

                                                  (City, State)                                                                                  (Zipcode)

Employer name and address:                                                                                                                                    

Phone #s:

     HOME:          (       )                               CELL:  (       )                    

     WORK:          (       )                              

If you have access to a computer and e-mail at home, please provide us with at least one e-mail address.  UWRC VOAD may need to send you important information regarding relief efforts via e-mail during times of crisis. E-mail Address:                                                       ________________________________________

                                                                                          (Please PRINT clearly)

* -- Please see the below for more information regarding the 2-1-1 Information Hotline

By signing this form, you are confirming that you are interested in becoming a UWRC VOAD volunteer and agree to be contacted by UWRC and/or 211 regarding training opportunities or meetings. Please inform your family that 211 will be contacting UWRC VOAD volunteers every 6 to 8 weeks to confirm your contact information. Please note: United Way of Rockland County respects your privacy.  Personal information , including e-mail addresses, is never shared with third parties. United Way of Rockland County will use this information to acknowledge your role as a disaster relief volunteer, keep you informed about our work and communicate training opportunities related to this volunteer opportunity.  If you wish to be taken off the VOAD volunteer list at any time, please contact us and/or 211.


What Is 2-1-1?

 

2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services information and referral (I & R).  2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember and universally-recognizable number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies.  2-1-1 makes it possible for people in need to navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human services’ agencies and programs.  By making services easier to access, 2-1- encourages prevention and fosters self-sufficiency.

 

Benefits To 2-1-1 Users

 

  1.  One call gives you access to resources across your community.  2-1-1 is efficient, fast, and easy to use.

 

  1.  No more wrong numbers; no more wasted time trying to find the right resource(s).

 

  1. 2-1-1 is a confidential call; most often the name of the caller is not even taken.

 

  1. 2-1-1 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system/saving that vital community resource for life and death emergencies.

 

  1. Hours of 2-1-1 hotline are currently 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

  1. 2-1-1 is an easy way to find or give help in your community.

 

Community Benefits

 

  1.  2-1-1 strengthens your community by uniting the people in your area who want to help with those who need help.

 

  1. There are almost 900,000 non-profit organizations in the United States, plus scores of government agencies.  People looking for assistance have programs.  Likewise, people who want to help often do not know where to begin.

 

  1. 2-1-1 is a useful planning tool.  Based on aggregate data about the types of calls that the 2-1-1 Center receives, communities are in a better position to anticipate demand for services and mobilize resources to meet changing needs.

 

  1. 2-1-1 touches the lives of every person in the community, and whether you are in a situation where you need help or find yourself later in a situation to give help, 2-1-1 is always there for you.

 

Benefits As A Crisis Tool

 

  1.  2-1-1 is a critical information system, which is necessary prior to, during, and after a community crisis, such as an attack, flood, fire, or other local or national tragedy.  Prior to a community crisis, it is critical that an information system is in place that will respond to the crisis at a moment’s notice.

 

  1. 2-1-1 responds immediately during times of crisis, to field calls regarding the crisis and to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs.

 

  1. One 2-1-1 is implemented, it maintains a permanent presence in the community.  As a result, people can find the help they need, whether their needs arise a week or several years after the crisis event.