If we have learned anything about effective community-based response to the health and economic consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that coordination between governments, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations is critical to addressing the needs of people with the fewest resources who bear the greatest impact of the pandemic.

In some communities, multi-sector coordination and collaboration came easy during COVID-19, while in other communities, diverse groups and entities had to learn how to work with each other on the fly, sometimes leaving out groups that serve the most vulnerable from the decision-making table and duplicating efforts when the crisis calls for equitable distribution of finite resources such as personal protective equipment (PPE).

As we find ourselves in the midst of yet another devastating wildfire season, I want to share the importance of the little-known or often misunderstood community-based network known as the VOAD (pronounced VO-AD) – Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters. A VOAD, as the names implies, is a voluntary network of nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and government entities that support efficient disaster relief and recovery efforts. Organizations and entities join their local VOAD network at their own volition and on their own dime. They join a VOAD because they understand that coming together is better than going it alone when a disaster strikes.

A VOAD is a mutual aid network recognized by emergency professionals in California and across the country. It is “table” comprised of community-based organizations ready to jump into action when local and state government agencies need to deploy resources. At a VOAD, organizations come together pre-disaster to discuss their roles during disasters, identify potential disaster response gaps, and learn about best practices in disaster relief and recovery. It provides resources equitably without duplicating efforts.

Read the full article about Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters by Alan Kwok at Northern California Grantmakers.