Stake Presidency
Guidelines for VOAD Representatives

“Guidelines for VOAD Representatives,” Emergency Response (2020)

“Guidelines for VOAD Representatives,” Emergency Response

Guidelines for VOAD Representatives

With Area Presidency approval, Area Seventies in the United States may appoint qualified Church members to act as state or local representatives to Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

VOAD is a humanitarian association of independent relief agencies, faith-based groups, and government organizations that come together to coordinate disaster response efforts. The mission of VOAD is to provide efficient services to all disaster victims and eliminate the duplication of services.

Church Participation in VOAD

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a member of the National VOAD organization and supports its platform and mission. By participating in VOAD, the Church is an official part of the emergency response community in the United States and is better able to coordinate efforts with other response organizations, such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Organization of VOAD

The National VOAD organization is divided into state chapters, with some larger states having more than one chapter. Most state chapters meet on a monthly basis to discuss preparation and coordination efforts.

Duties of Church VOAD Representatives

Church VOAD representatives work under the direction of their Area Seventy and in close coordination with the area welfare and self-reliance manager. They should be active members of their corresponding chapter, which entails:

  • Attending monthly meetings.

  • Arranging with the area welfare and self-reliance manager to pay any required dues.

  • Participating in conference calls before and after disasters.

  • Offering Church assistance as needed, according to the guidelines below.

Offers of Church Assistance

In order to meet needs that surface during the conference calls with other VOAD organizations, the Church VOAD representative may approach the area welfare and self-reliance manager to request resources, such as:

  • Food and water.

  • Blankets.

  • Basic medical supplies.

  • Cleaning kits.

  • Hygiene kits.

  • Volunteer labor.

  • Crisis counseling from Family Services.

  • Temporary shelter.

  • Financial assistance to support local relief organizations.