Public Policy Initiatives

The National Leadership Forum on Disaster Volunteerism

This group was brought together in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks which increased awareness to a serious and ongoing challenge - how to engage and manage volunteers in disasters, especially those of significant magnitude.

The National Leadership Forum on Disaster Volunteerism convened senior leadership and operations experts from the volunteer, emergency management and trauma communities to further efforts to improve our nation's ability to engage volunteers appropriately and effectively in all phases of disaster. The Society of Trauma Nurses is a part of this discussion group.

FORUM GOALS

• Identify challenges and opportunities associated with disaster volunteerism.
• Develop draft recommendations and action steps for addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities.
• Secure commitment from participating organizations to work toward the recommendations proposed.

After the initial meeting it was agreed that all three objectives were met, while recognizing that the Forum was a first step in the process of improving disaster volunteerism. Additional discussion and input encompassing all three objectives will occur before finalizing plans or strategies for implementation.