Involving RSVP volunteers in homeland security efforts

Abstract

Volunteers with RSVP present a ready population that is able and willing to participate in homeland security efforts. RSVP programs seeking new ways to appropriately utilize seniors in this capacity will find this discussion from those currently in the field of national and community service thought provoking and useful. This effective practice was developed from ideas shared on the NSSCTalk e-mail discussion list from October 2002 to November 2002.

Issue

How to best utilize RSVP volunteers and programs in homeland security efforts.

Action

Several ideas concerning how best to utilize RSVP volunteers in homeland security efforts were shared on the National Senior Service Corps e-mail discussion list (NSSCTalk) in October and November 2002, hosted by the the Resource Center for the Corporation for National and Community Service. Effective practices include:

RSVP volunteers can help with distribution of information and other outreach, conduct emergency preparedness training, and help others assemble emergency preparedness kits.
RSVP volunteers can get training at their local American Red Cross chapter enabling them to serve on Disaster Action Teams (DAT), and they can assist with preparedness training there.
If there's an active Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) in the community, contact them to offer support. VOAD is a coalition of faith-based and other organizations who have a role in disaster preparedness and response (i.e., the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and Seventh Day Adventists). By connecting with the VOAD, RSVP programs have access to a variety of other groups who may be interested in collaborating. [Ideas shared by Cee Cee Molineaux, Emergency Management Coordinator, Corporation for National and Community Service, cmolineaux@cns.gov]

RSVP volunteers have collaborated with a local emergency management team by playing the part of family members in a mock drill.
RSVP volunteers serve with the local police in the crime prevention department. [Ideas shared by Dee Anna Booker, RSVP of North Texas, Wichita Falls, dbooker@texasconnection.org]

RSVP volunteers can help with keeping your individual neighborhood secure.
Through a Programs of National Significance (PNS) grant, RSVP volunteers assess the homes in a Block Grant Development area, and install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. [Ideas shared by Bonnie Phillips, Lubbock RSVP, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, rsvp@TTU.EDU]

Some RSVP volunteers may be willing to be trained as first responders.
Check with municipal transportation planners in your area. Many agencies are doing road mapping to prepare for natural and other disasters and sometimes need someone to ride with the mapper. [Ideas shared by Carol Childress, Poplar Bluff/Altrusa Club RSVP, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, butlercountyrsvp@semo.net]

Several of our RSVP volunteers donate blood through the American Red Cross.
A group of RSVP volunteers have received training through the American Red Cross to serve as a local Disaster Action Team.
One RSVP volunteer provides flag detail at the local Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).
One volunteer crochets afghans for the Fire Department when they respond to a fire or other disaster. The blankets are given to individuals who may be outside in the cold while waiting for firemen to put out the fire. [Ideas shared by Sheryl Silva, FGP/SCP/RSVP, Augusta, GA, ssilva@seniorcitizenscouncil.org]

Adapt existing programs to accommodate disaster preparedness.
Liaison with local law-enforcement, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross.
Hold a USA Freedom Corps recruitment event to coincide with the anniversary of September 11 or another patriotic day of remembrance. Invite those agencies that deal with disaster preparedness to talk about volunteer opportunities. One such event recruited some high quality volunteers for a Triad Program, Senior Environment Corps and other projects.
Keep the door open and look for opportunities to serve. [Ideas shared by Carol J. Bowen, Project Director, RSVP of Schuylkill County, rsvpcjb@hotmail.com]

Through the American Red Cross, RSVP volunteers serve as drivers, perform administrative functions at the blood bank, serve on a team of disaster volunteers, and act as health and safety instructors.
RSVP volunteers provide general clerical and public assistance for the California Highway Patrol.
At Sheriff's Community Centers, RSVP volunteers write reports, assist the public and officers, and take part in vacation watch. [Ideas shared by Lois Connell, Monterey Bay RSVP, rsvpvol@scvolunteercenter.org, Santa Cruz, California]

Context

Seniors want to help their country by assisting in the communities in which they live. Since September 1, 2001 programs are seeking new ways to engage this pool of active citizens. According to Dick Rowson, Director of the Executive Service Corps of Washington, D.C., there are two key elements in RSVP participation in homeland security:

The ability to "bring to the table" the experience and skills of retired executives and professionals capable of shaping and helping lead citizen participation in "first response" and "recovery" efforts in support of the professional, emergency services.
The promotion of the "neighborhood citizen corps" concept, on which Washington D.C. non-governmental agencies are basing their Homeland Security efforts. [Ideas shared by Dick Rowson, Director of the Executive Service Corps of Washington, D.C., RCRowson2@aol.com]

Outcome

Agencies focused on public safety and homeland security benefit from the addition of seniors who bring talent and experience.
Volunteers benefit because they can make a meaningful contribution to the community and they feel they are helping to strengthen the community in a time of need.
Citizens benefit through education and services.

Posted On

December 5, 2002

For More Information

Cee Cee Molineaux

Corporation for National and Community Service

Emergency Management Coordinator

Phone: (202) 606-5000 Ext.1

Email: cmolineaux@cns.gov

Resources

NSSCTalk is an e-mail discussion group, created primarily for the participants in the National Senior Service Corps, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Anyone with related concerns, however, is invited to join in.To subscribe by e-mail, send a blank message to join-nssctalk@lists.etr.org

Or subscribe via the Lyris Listmanager web page at http://lists.etr.org/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=nssctalk/.