Guidelines for Volunteers

3/18/08

Philosophy
of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
The motivation behind Southern Baptist disaster relief efforts has been summed up in the phrase, "A cup of cold water in Jesus' name." We are following the example of Jesus of Nazareth when He fed the 5,000 and the 4,000 and His teachings in the parable of the Good Samaritan and Matthew 25:32-46, plus other instances of teaching and healing.
Southern Baptist disaster relief is Christian love in action, meeting urgent needs of hurting humanity in crisis situations. It is meeting those needs with loving care and timely response as James 2:15-16 instructs us to do. There is no hidden agenda or ulterior motive.
Jesus often used teaching sessions to heal, or healing to teach. He once ended a teaching session by feeding 5,000 listeners. When He sent out the twelve disciples, He instructed them to teach and heal, giving first priority to teaching. However, when He sent forth the seventy, He reversed the order; healing and teaching. In His wisdom, our Lord knew when to use one ministry to accomplish another and also when to do one and not the other.
Our SBC disaster relief logo incorporates both kinds of ministry exemplified by Christ:

Arch – SBC, our world-wide link
Wheat – symbol of physical help

Fish – symbol of spiritual help
State name – our state is part of the team

The head of wheat represents bread: food, physical ministry. The fish represents the spiritual part of our ministry. Early Christians identified themselves by this symbol. The shield which forms an arch over the wheat and fish represents our scope of cooperation, as Southern Baptists, working together in both types of disaster relief ministry.
In the booklet, Involving Baptist Men in Disaster Relief, Laddie Adams of Oklahoma wrote, "There seems to be no area of mission action that requires more rapid response than time of disaster. The disaster comes unexpectedly and with it the opportunity for immediate ministry. If you are unprepared when it strikes and delay action, the opportunity passes with the urgent need."
The purpose of the Disaster Relief Operational system is to help Southern Baptists act immediately and effectively--as Jesus did--to help people. When people are hurting because of a disaster, we respond with love and with healing.
Volunteers become ...“the hands and feet of Jesus.”
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Guidelines for volunteers
General Guidelines
The following suggestions will improve your usefulness as a disaster relief volunteer and make your experience more satisfying:
1. If employed, discuss your situation with your employer. Be sure your absence for disaster response is fully approved. Do not jeopardize your employment.
2. Look over the "What to Take" checklist and have on hand basic items. Add any items that you know you might need for health, safety, comfort and efficiency.
3. Keep insurance information* with your disaster relief information and gear.
4. Make arrangements with family, church, civic clubs, etc. for someone to cover for you.
5. Keep phone numbers and e-mail addresses related to your state's disaster relief network where you can find them easily.
6. Participate as much as you can and want in disaster relief projects: training, non-disaster operations/events, maintenance, and upkeep.
7. Make suggestions; ask questions; participate.
*Insurance
Each volunteer is expected to have insurance in case of accident, injury or illness. Limited secondary medical/accident insurance coverage is provided volunteers by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Make sure your blue cap has you on the list before deployment. Personal liability is the responsibility of the volunteer.
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How to Volunteer
Getting a team to the field, whether first-out or relief, is no easy matter. Even if you cannot go at first, having several qualified people who can be ready in a day or two, or a week or two, and who are dependable, makes the director's and the call-out coordinator's job much easier.
Check off each step as it is accomplished.
q 1. The FIRST STEP in becoming a disaster relief volunteer is to complete the required training. Check the BGCO website for dates and locations of training sessions—www.bgco.org,left-hand side, part way down, ”Get Involved”, Disaster Relief Training.
q 3. The SECOND STEP is to get involved in preparation and serving. Demonstrate your commitment and abilities in the tasks you wish to perform on a disaster response (driving, setting up, cooking, maintenance, leadership, etc.)
q 4. The THIRD STEP is to make preparation and arrangements with your family, church, employer, etc. Take care of any health precautions, insurance, and financial responsibility.
q 5. The FOURTH STEP is to call your zone or associational leader when you hear of a disaster, ask if a response is probable, and say you are ready or will be (when).
SOME DO'S AND DON'TS

DO
Make adjustments as needed.
Do whatever you can within your abilities.
Let leaders know your special interests and abilities.
If you have a preference, say so.
DON'T
Expect favors or preferential treatment.
Expect to be the first called.
Expect to work with your group only.
Expect to work with the same people each time.

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Who Should Volunteer?
The SBC disaster relief organization is multi-state, multi-racial, multi-talented. However, they have some elements in common. Rate yourself none, poor, adequate, good, or excellent on the following traits:
Task Force Members
_____ 1. Need to be persons who combine a number of Christian qualities: patient and caring, having a spirit of love and concern and a desire to share Christ with those around them.
_____ 2. Are expected to train and learn about disaster conditions and how to deal with the situations they will face.
_____ 3. Must be willing to follow directions of those in charge. At times there will be disagreements with operational procedures. However, we must remember that we are cooperating with many other volunteer organizations.
_____ 4. Must be willing to provide leadership as needs arise and assignments are made.
_____ 5. Must be versatile and flexible in their work. Team members are called on the basis of tasks that are needed and placed according to needs and talents.
_____ 6. Must be willing to stoop down and pick up more often than they usually do; and to reach up and bring down higher qualities than they usually do.
_____ 7. Need to arrange to be available. If volunteers are called and unavailable on consecutive times, they may not be called the next time.
_____ 8. Are requested to train in Christian witnessing in their churches if they have not previously done so.
_____ 9. Must have:
_____ spiritual strength--not wishy-washy in their faith
_____ physical strength--the work is long and strenuous
_____ moral strength--speech, attitude and actions
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When is a Volunteer Prepared?
When you have positive personal attitudes:
Mental - How you feel about........... YOURSELF
Social - How you feel about...............OTHERS
Spiritual - Your relationship with the.... LORD
...then you will be ready to take on the task of giving physical assistance.
Therefore, you have responsibility for your own personal:
pre-preparation attitudes approach
motivation assessment training
availability participation improvement
spiritual preparedness
Take a personal survey to check your attitude and preparation.
Ask yourself, "Am I..."
1. Ready to really help?
2. Going only out of duty?
3. Ever resentful of demands made on me?
4. Willing to take directions from others?
5. Part of the team? (or the whole show?)
6. There to help people in need?
7. Willing to work wherever needed?
8. Willing to get special training?
9. Suspicious of people who ask for help? What is my attitude and reaction to people who ask for help?
Every member must go through Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief training once every three years. You ID badge will remind you with an expiration date.
Disaster relief volunteers will find it helpful to themselves and others to participate regularly in state Baptist disaster relief training. Even if you have had the training being offered, you can help others in their preparation by sharing information and relating your experiences
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Ethical Guidelines for Volunteers
Each disaster is unique and each experience different in disaster response. A worker must take care not to undo the good of the work by some careless, unthinking word or action.
1. Workers must remember that they represent their church and their Lord. Attitudes and actions should demonstrate the teachings of Christ.
2. One must remember that personal words and actions will reflect on all other workers and the organization.
3. Workers should take time to listen to victims. Never be so busy in response to physical needs that you forget the people you have come to help. In most cases their greatest need is a friend to listen.
4. Never attempt to meet physical or personal needs that you are not trained to handle. Always be willing to refer the victim or the problem to the appropriate place for assistance.
5. Always respect the belongings and property of the victim. Remember that something which seems worthless to you may be a precious memory to the victim.
6. Never personally accept contributions from the people you help. If they ask to make a contribution, give them the BGCO address where they may send a donation or refer them to the blue cap on the unit. He will have donation envelopes on the truck or trailer.
7. Workers have a unique opportunity to put faith into action. Their ministry will open doors for personal witnessing. Always be prepared to share as opportunity arises.
8. Always be sensitive to the fact that information shared by a victim in confidence should stay that way. They have placed confidence in you to respect their privacy.
9. When taking pictures of disaster damage, be sensitive to the people involved. If they are present, always ask permission.
10. When sharing information about help available to victims, always be sure of your information. Do not build up hope of help that may not be available.
11. In sharing information about a disaster situation, always be sure of facts. Never be a part of rumors that arise after a disaster.
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Safety Guidelines for Volunteers
1. Stay in good health and physical condition, as much as possible. Have regular physical examinations. Consult your physician about your involvement in disaster relief.
2. Get recommended inoculations: hepatitis A and B, tetanus, influenza (in winter).
3. Take medications as prescribed by your physician. If possible, have a backup prescription order for medications.
4. Work within your strengths and limitations--physical (strength and health), emotional (stress management), and mental (knowledge and skills).
5. Take along personal health items which you have found helpful to your comfort and health.
6. Take and wear clothing, foot wear, and special equipment suited to the task and conditions: moisture, standing, heavy work, rough terrain, nails and glass, danger areas, etc.
7. Avoid extended sitting or standing in the same position, sun exposure, water exposure, heat and cold areas (especially where it's damp).
8. Eat regularly & increase water intake according to heat & work load.
9. Rest when you can. Some people can work longer, some not. Gauge yourself. Don't be intimidated by what others do if it affects your strength and usefulness.
10. Sleeping may be difficult. Try to arrange what is best for you.
11. Use caution in danger areas: electricity, traffic, broken glass, nails, etc.
12. Avoid constipation and diarrhea.
13. Report all cuts, burns, bruises, abrasions, strains, etc., to the first aid coordinator.
14. Complete personal and medical information prior to or immediately after arriving on the disaster site.
15. Become familiar with policy and procedures for on-site illness & injuries.
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Spiritual Preparation for Volunteers
Golden Rule...“Do unto others
as you would have them do unto you.”
AS A DISASTER RELIEF VOLUNTEER...
1. ...you represent your church; therefore your attitudes and actions should reflect the teachings of Christ and values of your church.
2. ...your speech, actions and attitude reflect not only on yourself but your fellow workers.
3. ...you should be sensitive to people, especially the victims you serve. As a caring person, take time to listen with an understanding heart and a mind to what they say.
4. ...you have made a commitment to assist disaster-affected persons within your abilities and limits; honor your commitment as unto Christ.
5. ...you are putting your faith into action and, therefore, sharing the gospel. This is not a time to engage in spiritual exploitation.
By answering "Why are you here?", you share your faith.
6. ...you respect other people's possessions, especially the disaster victims', being careful to assist in salvage and helpful in replacing some of their losses.
7. ...you are sensitive to persons' feelings when taking pictures of victims or property and obtain permission first.
8. ...you do not accept cash from anyone you are assisting. Envelopes are available that you can give to those wishing to make a donation. These are addressed to the Disaster Relief office at the BGCO.
9. ...you respect confidential information and privacy of disaster victims, such as names, financial matters, etc. Sharing your experience in a general way to illustrate the ministry is acceptable and recommended.
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Self-help for the Helper
Adapted from Crisis Counseling through Ohio Baptist Disaster Relief
QUESTIONS VOLUNTEERS SHOULD ASK:
1. Why do I want to help?
2. Am I able to handle the stress of helping others?
3. How stressful is it to my family that I give time to helping others?
4. Do I give myself time and permission to grieve about the losses in my life? Or do I stay so busy that I overlook this important part of my own recovery?
5. Do I eat right and get plenty of rest so I can remain healthy?
6. Do my spouse and children still have proper priority in my life or am I letting volunteer work edge them out?
8. Is what I'm doing in accordance with God's will for my life?
VOLUNTEERS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO...
Recognize stress in themselves.
2. Participate each day in the team debriefing during the disaster response.
3. Monitor their own...frequency of rest, length of work time, personal food needs, shelter and privacy, personal support system.
"Peoples' emotional reaction to the situation, not the situation itself, produces the crisis." ---Okum
BASIC LISTENING SKILLS FOR DISASTER VOLUNTEERS
1. Look at the person, giving them your complete attention.
2. Give occasional responses to let the person know you understand--nod head, change expressions, make oral response, ask questions.
3. Paraphrase and ask for clarification. This often helps the victim see a different viewpoint. (Do not put words in the victim's mouth.)
Avoid interrupting, if possible, unless there is real confusion that
jeopardizes your ability to help.
Be tolerant and be willing to accept new ideas. Don't moralize or condemn.
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What to Take Checklist

Devotional Materials:
q Bible
q Devotionals
q Open Windows
q Witnessing tracts
q Hope in Crisis
q Spiritual Preparation for Disaster Relief
Identification:
q Disaster relief ID
q Driver's license
q Vehicle registration
Health, Safety & Hygiene:
q Prescription medicine
q New prescription orders (if possible)
q Non-prescription drugs
q Allergy kit (bees, etc.)
q Sunblock (15+)
q Bar soap
q Liquid antibacterial soap
q Laundry detergent
q Deodorant
q Feminine needs
q Personal needs
q Towels
q Wash cloths
q Mouth wash
q Tooth brush
q Tooth paste
q Dental floss
q Shampoo & rinse
q Comb and brush
q Hair spray
q Chap stick
q Shaving cream
q Razor
q Diarrhea cure
q Antacids
q Laxative
q Insect spray
q Skin lotion
q Blister kit
q A & D ointment
q Antifungal medication
q Foot powder
Food:
q Diet food
q Snacks
q Drinking water
Supplies and equipment:
q Flash light or lantern
q Watch or clock
q Canteen or
water bottle
qBedding (air mattress, cot, covers)
qTent (inquire first)
Clothing (4-7 days supply):
q Disaster relief caps & jackets
q Disaster Relief ID card clip-on/lanyard
q Jeans or work pants
q Shirts (for both warm and cool weather)
q Underwear
q Socks - 2/day (white, wool or wool blend)
q Bandanna, handkerchief
q Work gloves
q Coat and/or jacket (warm and cool weather, waterproof)
q Sleepwear (Because of group living, both modest and comfortable)
q Hat or cap (waterproof and sunshade)
q Work shoes
q Sneakers
q Waterproof footwear
q Rain suit or poncho
q Suitcase or duffle bag
q Laundry bag

OVER
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Other:
q Money ($40-$200) or credit card
q Notebook and pencils or pens
q Camera
q Disaster relief manuals and forms
q Any personal items you need for health, safety or comfort
Phone numbers:
Emergency notification ____________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Doctor __________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Employer ________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Church __________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Insurance Information - List company, policy #, coverage, agent and phone:
Health __________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Auto __________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Life __________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
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Logo
The official Southern Baptist Convention logo described in the section on philosophy is copyright property of the North American Mission Board and has been approved for use by state Disaster Relief office for their disaster relief efforts.
Uniforms
Volunteers who complete the required training have earned the right to carry or wear an official SBC disaster relief identification card, and to purchase, own and wear apparel and other items bearing the Southern Baptist Convention disaster relief logo. Basic colors for apparel and equipment are blue and yellow/gold.
Volunteers are urged to wear disaster relief apparel proudly but only during disaster relief response or official disaster relief functions, such as training, promotion, and conferences that relate to disaster relief.
All persons in possession of any apparel described in this manual are reminded not to wear them to other functions such as conventions, grocery store, picnics, ball games, etc., nor to men’s meetings and church services unless specifically to promote disaster relief.
Furthermore, all workers, including walk-ons, must wear clothing that does not reflect negatively on the Christian witness: such as T-shirts with liquor or tobacco ads or immoral slogans. Shirts or blouses should cover shoulders and upper arms; no bare midriffs; shorts at least mid-thigh.
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NOTES
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Review Quiz
T F 1. Baptist Disaster Relief is Christian love in action.
T F 2. The disaster relief logo shows 2 kinds of ministry exemplified by Christ.
T F 3. If employed, the volunteer does not need the employer's approval to work a disaster.
T F 4. The first step in volunteering is to attend training.
T F 5. A volunteer must be versatile and flexible.
T F 6. Positive attitudes are a must for volunteers.
T F 7. A volunteer must be able to deal with stress.
T F 8. Volunteers may accept donations from anyone who receives help.
T F 9. A volunteer's words and actions reflect on all other workers.
T F 10. Sharing experiences with others must be in general terms to protect the privacy and feelings of victims.
T F 11. An effective volunteer observes good health and safety practices at all times.
T F 12. The "What to Take" checklist is all inclusive.
T F 13. The disaster relief uniform and logo can be worn at functions (other than a disaster) only when promoting disaster relief.
T F 14. Any clothing worn by a volunteer must not reflect negatively on the Christian witness.
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Volunteer Missions Office
3800 N. May Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405/942-3000 ext. 4336 or 4337
FAX—405/516-4941
Disaster Relief Ministry is supported by
the Cooperative Program and
the Edna McMillan State Missions Offering.
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