Software provider launches five video-based
courses that aim to aid continuity during disaster.
First
responders can only do so much during a disaster. Volunteers are increasingly a
huge part of the equation, and that includes spontaneous volunteers.
There has
been little or no training for these responders, but that just changed with the
launch of VolunteerReady.org, an online portal that
provides free courses for volunteers or potential volunteers. The video-based
courses run from 10 to 15 minutes and are accessible by smartphone, PC or
tablet.
The
initial phase or pilot consists of five graphically driven videos, each with
downloadable infographics that outline the key points of the topics. At the end
of each video is a knowledge assessment to drive home the key ideas of the
subject matter.
The
videos were developed by software provider Cornerstone OnDemand in
collaboration with FEMA, Catholic Charities USA; Emergency Management
Institute; Mennonite Disaster Service; Points of Light; Southern Baptist
Disaster Relief; Team Rubicon; and The Salvation Army.
“We know
from working with our working group and the number of organizations in our
orbit [Cornerstone OnDemand also previously launched DisasterReady.org] is we
have heard consistently from these organizations that are working with
spontaneous volunteers that there is a lack of training and resources for this
audience,” said Alexis Denny, director of grants and consulting for the
Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation.
Denny
said the groups with which Cornerstone OnDemand has been affiliated have been
mostly focused on affiliated volunteers, who have been given specific training.
“For individuals just showing up, most of them have no experience and don’t
necessarily understand what they’re stepping into, and there’s really nothing
that exists in terms of on-demand training.”
For
volunteer coordinators, the scene can be chaotic and dealing with new,
spontaneous volunteers who need some direction is difficult. A coordinator can
point potential volunteers to the videos to see what they may be getting into,
what they may be asked to do and help the potential volunteer decide if it’s
really what he/she wants to do at the time.
The
courses, so far, include: Spirit of Service; Know Before You Go; Code of
Conduct; Rules and Disaster Response; Physical Safety; and Emotional
Resiliency. Denny said those five were chosen from a long list of subjects and
that more courses will be available in the next couple of months.
The
Spirit of Service course, Denny said, is a bit of an introduction to
volunteering. “A feel-good video, if you will,” she said. “We talk about what
contributions someone who isn’t necessarily experienced can bring and how they
can work with professional organizations.”
She said
the Code of Conduct course teaches safety and effectiveness of volunteers and
how to help people during times of need and grief with respect to cultural
differences and emotions.
“The
energy and enthusiasm of local volunteers is welcomed and encouraged when
disasters strike,” read a statement by Team Rubicon’s Deputy Director of Field
Operations Pat Ross, on the VolunteerReady.org website. “Pausing to ensure
individuals are ready to go, enhances safety, promotes effective integration
into volunteer organizations, and ensures an awesome experience for those
volunteering,” he continued.
Denny
said the idea came to light two years ago when, after launching DisasterReady.org,
which focuses on training humanitarian workers outside of the country, the
foundation wanted to have an influence in the States also.
With the
number of disasters and the high incident of volunteerism, the foundation
convened a working group. “The idea is that people can take this training in
advance or even onsite,” Denny said.
“It’s intended to provide some basic concepts they need to know and also
help people understand if they should show up to help. If you’re a volunteer
coordinator, it’s super chaotic and the likelihood you’re going to be able to
step away and give someone very clear instruction before you put them into a
task is highly unlikely.”
