Course Description: 

This course introduces the skills and planning considerations required to manage large numbers of people who are not affiliated with an experienced relief organization, but who want to help in disasters. These helpers or spontaneous volunteers are generally well motivated and sincerely want to help, but if their efforts and resources are not coordinated effectively, they could be counterproductive, wasteful, and often place a strain on the disaster area. 

Selection Criteria:

Emergency managers and voluntary organizations responsible for the management of spontaneous volunteers.

Course Objectives:

• Identify issues and challenges in the management of spontaneous volunteers. 
• Identify the elements of a spontaneous Volunteer Management Plan. 
• Identify best practices for the management of spontaneous volunteers in disasters. 
• Develop and implement a spontaneous Volunteer Management Plan. 
• Explain the role of the Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) and virtual VRC in the transition from response to recovery.