Contact MNVOAD
P.O. Box 130261,
Roseville, MN
55113-0003
office@mnvoad.org
Seth Gardner
612-910-7152
sgardner@nechama.org
Information about MNVOAD for
Emergency Managers
MNVOAD is in the process of developing and posting resources and tools
that will help Emergency Managers better understand what voluntary
resources are available and how to tap into them.
Voluntary Quick Reference Guide
DEVELOPING A COAD OR VOAD
Benefits of developing a COAD or VOAD
- Develop and improve working relationship with Emergency
Management
- Build trusting collaborations with
Voluntary Organizations
- Improve opportunities for cross training
- Maximize resources and reduce duplication of services
Should we start a
local COAD or regional VOAD?
Starting and maintaining a COAD or VOAD takes a fair amount of
work but is well worth the effort.
A COAD is a local-based group
(e.g., local or county level), while a regional VOAD is
broader in geographic scope (e.g., multiple counties).
Based on the number of organizations
in an area, it may be more beneficial to develop a regional
VOAD rather than a local COAD.
Who can start a
COAD or VOAD?
A COAD or VOAD can be started either by emergency management
personnel in partnership with voluntary agencies, or by
voluntary agencies themselves. The important piece in starting
a COAD or VOAD is to ensure that all traditional and
non-traditional disaster response agencies and organizations
are invited to the table.
What type of
structure does a COAD or VOAD need to follow?
A COAD or VOAD can start out relatively small and grow with
the organization. Once the group decides if the organization
is going to be a COAD or VOAD, the group should consult with
MNVOAD and any local or county emergency managers in its area.
Next, by-laws should be adopted governing the day-to-day
operations of the organization. The final organizational step
would be to elect leadership and sign a memorandum of
understanding (“MOU”) with MNVOAD.
After developing the basic structure of a COAD or VOAD, the organization will need to decide whether to become incorporated and/or apply for non-profit tax status.
What are the benefits of developing an MOU with MNVOAD?
By agreeing to become a dues-paying member of MNVOAD, your COAD or VOAD can expect to receive the following benefits:
- Improved
collaboration between your organization and MNVOAD
- Access to MNVOAD and member organizations’ training
opportunities
- Access to disaster conference calls to coordinate response
- Access to information from National VOAD and the FEMA VAL
- Advocacy to Emergency Management regarding voluntary issues
- Mentorship and sample documents regarding COAD development,
by-laws, incorporation and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
application
- Inclusion in MNVOAD marketing materials, including
brochures, website, stationery and display boards
COAD Cooperative Agreement with
MNVOAD