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    How to Become an International Disaster Volunteer
    How to Become an International Disaster Volunteer
    How to Become an International Disaster Volunteer
    Ebook244 pages2 hours

    How to Become an International Disaster Volunteer

    By Michael Noone

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    About this ebook

    How to Become an International Disaster Volunteer discusses the immense value an experienced water systems engineer, trauma surgeon, or communications specialist could bring to a disaster stricken community, while also explaining how their professional educations do not prepare them for the logistical, psychological, and physical demands of traveling to, and functioning in, an international catastrophe with little water or electricity, limited sleep and food, a chaotic working environment, and with team members from diverse backgrounds and with different personalities.

    This book provides a step-by-step guide for the entire process, including self-evaluating tactics, fitness measurements for volunteering, how to research disaster relief organizations, how to gain appropriate training and applicable experiences, the best practices during deployments, and the personal recovery process upon returning home.

    Each chapter focuses on one aspect of the progression, but also includes case studies of disasters, profiles of relief organizations, and checklists for each stage.

    • Presents tactics from an emergency manager who has extensive international disaster volunteer experience
    • Includes proven strategies that will help readers stand out to organizations
    • Provides practical advice on how to prepare for chaotic disaster conditions
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherElsevier Science
    Release dateFeb 27, 2017
    ISBN9780128045084
    How to Become an International Disaster Volunteer
    Author

    Michael Noone

    Michael Noone has more than 20 years’ experience in emergency response, with international deployments to the Dominican Republic, Haiti following the catastrophic 2010 earthquake, the Philippines following Super-typhoon Haiyan, and multiple US deployments with the federal Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) CA-1. He currently works to coordinate public health disaster response for five counties in Southern California with a population of 15 million, and was previously the Emergency Coordinator with the Orange County Health Care Agency.

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      Book preview

      How to Become an International Disaster Volunteer - Michael Noone

      effectively.

      Chapter 1

      Is Disaster Volunteering for You? The Rewards and Demands

      Abstract

      This chapter is an introduction to the positive attributes of disaster volunteering including personal fulfilment, teamwork, and service to others and the negatives such as psychological stress, physical danger, impacts on work and school and financial costs. It encourages the reader to take a systematic look at their motivations, goals, and strengths and weaknesses.

      Keywords

      Introduction to disaster volunteering; positive aspects of disaster volunteering; negative aspects of disaster volunteering; fulfilment of disaster volunteering; teamwork of disaster volunteering; emotional effects of disaster volunteering; career effects of disaster volunteering

      Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

      I took the one less traveled by,

      And that has made all the difference.

      Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken

      Thank you for your interest in helping others as an international disaster volunteer. I believe we have an innate and noble urge to support fellow humans (and animals, and the environment) in need. That desire manifests in a variety of ways. Most people will see news accounts of a disaster unfolding across the globe and their thoughts and prayers will go out to those affected. Many will take the time to make a personal financial donation. A smaller percentage will organize events to gather funds or supplies to send to the victims. And a very few individuals will grab their equipment and supplies, kiss their loved ones goodbye, and travel for hours or days to get to the disaster zone and begin directly helping those suffering. Who are these disaster responders and how do you become one?

      Volunteers responding to Syrian refugees. Photo Courtesy of Mike Morse Photography.

      Five W’s and an H

      Even if you end up with a different focus I think it’s helpful to recall, if possible, what initially drew your attention to international disaster volunteering.

      TIP

      As part of your development, I strongly urge you to begin keeping a journal, a folder, and/or an electronic record of the research, checklists, and articles you gather.

      Who—Who did you see that made you interested in disaster relief work? Was it a news account? Or a movie, or a book? Can you remember the name of the organization to find out more about it? Or was it a friend, coworker, fellow student, or relative? Can you ask them about their experiences?

      What—What do you want to do? Are you drawn to medical aspects of disaster volunteering? If so, what level will you start at and/or aspire to—technician, nurse, or physician? Are you interested in providing shelter, food, sanitation, animal care, communications, or clean

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