The District’s Disaster Relief Committee is continuing its formation. Our purpose is clear: to help Rotarians be better prepared for disasters, to work alongside local and state agencies when needed, and to provide the necessary funds, supplies, and support to alleviate human suffering after disasters.
Currently, four members have stepped forward and are willing to serve on this committee, but we still need more. A Facebook post went out on August 8, followed by a flyer sent to club presidents on August 11 for use at club meetings to promote the committee. The district is looking for members with backgrounds in emergency management, nonprofit coordination, fundraising and grant writing, communications, logistics, or disaster volunteer work. At this point, all skill areas are open.
The good news is that a draft disaster relief plan has already been completed. It lays out steps for preparedness, immediate response, recovery, and long-term recovery. Every club will eventually be asked to designate a Club Disaster Coordinator to connect local efforts with the district plan.
The District is also working with the Disaster Rotary Action Group. In addition, once firmly established, the committee will connect with Texas Voluntary Organization Active in Disasters (VOAD), Oklahoma VOAD as well as Long-Term Recovery Committees. The immediate goals are to recruit members, hold the first meeting by October 18, review and finalize the plan, and then begin outreach to all clubs.
Clubs can help by identifying members with the right skill sets and promoting recruitment. The committee needs representation from all clubs in the district, particularly those in Oklahoma and the surrounding aresa of Canton, Jacksonville, Marshall, Mt. Pleasant, Texarkana, and Sulphur Springs.
If you have questions, suggestions, or would like to volunteer to serve on this committee, please get in touch with Ben Patterson, 5830 Disaster Committee Chair, at rickandben77@gmail.com or (512) 217-0756.
