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INTRO TO DISASTER

Walk through a basic introduction of why and how we respond to disasters. This course is required for all volunteers to be credentialed.

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CLEAN UP: LEVEL ONE

Ready to muck and gut or cut some trees? This Level One course introduces Clean Up operations and how we ensure safety on every response.

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FEEDING: LEVEL ONE

Providing a hot meal is one thing. Providing 15,000 in one day requires some planning. This training introduces how we pull it off and how you can join us!

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SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION: LEVEL ONE

This course introduces participants to a model for organizing and distributing donated supplies after a disaster that is both efficient for meeting physical needs and creates space for spiritual and emotional care.

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Take Your Training Up A Notch

Once you step onto a response site, you won't look back. Next-level training will help you prepare to respond to the next crisis, increase your capabilities, and put yourself in a better position to support the response. What are you waiting for?

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team leader works with american red cross partners
feeding team prepares food in palm coast florida

Grab Your Gear

Once you've completed training, you'll be ready to go the moment the next callout comes. Got your gear? Swing by the DR Shop for the latest hats, shirts, and gear to dress the part. We'll take care of the safety gear. You bring the rest.

DR Gear

Volunteer FAQs

Does everyone have to be trained? How much training do I need? Can my friend go? Check out our FAQs for all the answers you need to know!

Why do you have training?

We know everyone wants to respond after a disaster, but we want to ensure two key values of Virginia Baptist Disaster Response are fulfilled in every response: safety and coordination. Our Level One training courses give an overview of basic safety concerns and give volunteers a baseline understanding of how we coordinate with partners. These are important elements to understand before responding.

As the situation allows, we loosen this restriction and ensure volunteers undergo a site-based training and orientation upon arrival to cover these topics. 

Do I have to be trained to go?

In most cases, no. We work hard to afford opportunities for all willing volunteers to respond after a disaster. However, due to safety and coordination concerns, the first teams to respond are typically required to have completed our training courses.

Certain disciples require training for any volunteer: Crisis Care Chaplains, Children's Response Team. 

Can I bring a friend?

We would be glad for your friend to join you! If we are requiring previous training for that specific callout, that will also apply to your friend. 

How often must I be trained?

We require volunteers to attend training or respond to a callout once every three-year period in order to maintain credentials. 

How can I become a team leader?

Team leaders are required to have completed Level One training in a particular discipline and experienced a callout/response. Team leader training is offered regionally in a classroom setting and is coupled with on-site mentor/coaching from a current team leader. 

How can I use a special skill in a response?

From Incident Command to IT, project management to media relations, we utilize a wide variety of skills in a response. Interested in using a unique skill or previous experience to support disaster response? Let us know!