Managing Volunteers in Disaster Response: How It Differs from Managing Professional First Responders
Volunteers can both help and hinder disaster reaction, so managing them is different from managing professional first responders.
a. Volunteers have varying motivations and may have time limitations.
In disaster situations, volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and may have different reasons for wanting to help. Some volunteers may be motivated by a desire to give back to their community, while others may be seeking personal satisfaction or a sense of purpose. Additionally, volunteers may have other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities, that limit the amount of time they can dedicate to disaster response activities.
b. Volunteers have to bring their own equipment.
Unlike professional first responders who are equipped with specialized gear and tools, volunteers often have to bring their own equipment to the disaster site. This can pose challenges, as volunteers may not have access to the same resources as professional responders. Organizers of volunteer efforts need to consider this and provide guidance on what supplies volunteers should bring with them to effectively assist in the response efforts.
c. Volunteers do not belong to unions.
While professional first responders may be part of unions that advocate for their rights and working conditions, volunteers do not belong to unions. This means that volunteers may not have the same level of protection or representation as professional responders. Organizers of volunteer efforts need to be mindful of this difference and ensure that volunteers are treated fairly and respectfully throughout the disaster response process.
d. Volunteers do not require supervision.
Unlike professional first responders who work within established command structures and chains of command, volunteers may not require direct supervision. However, this does not mean that volunteers should be left to their own devices. Organizers of volunteer efforts need to provide clear guidance, training, and support to ensure that volunteers can effectively contribute to the disaster response efforts without compromising safety or efficiency.
Managing volunteers is not like managing professional first responders because: The differences between managing volunteers and professional first responders lie in the varying motivations and time limitations of volunteers, the need for volunteers to bring their own equipment, the absence of union membership among volunteers, and the differing levels of supervision required for volunteers. By recognizing and addressing these differences, organizers can effectively leverage the contributions of volunteers in disaster response efforts.