Volunteer Resources

The Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (FLVOAD) recently released guidelines for voluntary organizations and their volunteers available here.

SERVING DURING DISASTERS

When disaster strikes, Floridians immediately search for ways to serve affected communities. You can support disaster relief efforts by connecting to available volunteer opportunities through Volunteer Connect. 

STEP 1: REGISTER FOR VOLUNTEER CONNECT HERE.
You can then sign up for any opportunities you wish.

STEP 2: ADD YOUR INFORMATION TO OUR VOLUNTEER REGISTRY HERE.
If our partner organizations need potential volunteers, we will provide this resource to them.

STEP 3: BROWSE VOLUNTEER CONNECT FOR OPPORTUNITIES HERE.
Complete the Location and Distance fields for possible opportunities in your area.

STEP 4: PLEASE DO NOT SELF-DEPLOY
For your safety and to support trained emergency response teams, please confirm with a disaster relief organization the need for volunteers and approval for your participation.

STEP 5: REMEMBER TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK*.
Be sure to have a clear understanding of volunteer assignments, safety measures and points of contact.

VOLUNTEERING IN A COVID-19 ENVIRONMENT
Before volunteering onsite, click here to view the Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) suggested guidance.

WHAT YOU ALSO NEED TO KNOW:

• Immediate assistance for affected areas is provided by first responders, government groups, disaster relief organizations and affiliated volunteers who have already trained to serve.
• Each organization that mobilizes volunteers during disasters has its own process for accepting and managing unaffiliated volunteers.
• As our partner organizations assess needs and evaluate resources, they will begin to organize volunteer opportunities for unaffiliated (individuals who are not already connected to an organization) volunteers.
• Remember that recovery work continues for weeks, months and even years after disaster events occur. Organizations may have a significant need for volunteers in the weeks and months ahead.

*Volunteer Florida does not vet volunteer opportunities, but serves as a connector between organizations with volunteer needs and individuals who wish to serve. Please see Volunteer Connect Terms and Conditions here.