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In partnership with Wilson County Emergency Management Agency, the Volunteer Network will act as the leading volunteer management hub for Wilson County in times of disaster. Additionally, the Volunteer Network will be the launching point for community leaders and organizations to coordinate long-term recovery for the community.
How to support disaster preparation and relief
Anyone with a Volunteer Network account can browse and sign up for volunteer opportunities that arise in the aftermath of a disaster. However, to be notified when the Volunteer Network needs disaster-response volunteers, make sure your account is designated as a disaster volunteer account. You will find instructions below on how to do so for new accounts and existing accounts. Keeping the skills section of your profile up-to-date can be very helpful when we need skilled support.
Instructions for new Volunteer Network accounts
- Visit the registration page to set up a new TVN volunteer account. Be sure when filling out your information that you check "yes" when asked if you want to help in a disaster. This will add you to our database of disaster volunteers.
Instructions for existing Volunteer Network accounts
- Log in to your TVN account.
- Hover over the "Manage My Account" menu item in the top right, then click "Personal Information."
- Scroll down and hit the plus sign in the black bar labeled "Demographic and Volunteer Options."
- Select "Yes" where it says "Please check if you want to help in a disaster." Be sure to hit save! This will add you to our database of disaster volunteers.
- It is super helpful to us if you spend some time updating the other areas of your profile, including your location and your skills so that we can more easily identify those who can help with certain tasks or in certain locations.
Notes on Volunteering in the Aftermath of a Disaster
- Officials ask volunteers to not self-deploy during a disaster, as unexpectedly showing up to communities affected by disaster creates an additional burden for first responders. Many volunteer opportunities require specialized training, and we want to ensure all volunteers are safe during recovery operations.
- Sometimes disaster-response volunteerism requires specific skill sets. Log in to your TVN account and record your skills in your volunteer profile, which will make it easier for us to contact you about recovery projects related to your specialized skills, and to more quickly and appropriately fill needs in the community.
- We encourage you to be patient as you wait for notification of an opportunity to volunteer in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Often, when disaster strikes, the first several days are critical for first responders, and an influx of volunteers can complicate their work and even be dangerous, if conditions have not been cleared for volunteers. The need for volunteers will continue for weeks, months, and possibly years after the disaster.
