What is it like to serve as a disaster relief volunteer? What should volunteers expect? What is expected of them? The following is intended to give you an idea of what serving as a disaster relief volunteer is like.
Volunteer Qualifications
In addition to being officially registered as a volunteer through our disaster relief website (welsdisasterrelief.org), which includes submitting to a background check, signing the liability waiver, and watching a brief basic safety video, volunteers should have the following qualifications.
Volunteers should be . . .
- Physically fit and able to work long days. Not every volunteer will be running a chainsaw or moving heavy debris. Some will work in an office. Some will run errands. Some will cook and clean. All should be prepared for hard work and should be fit enough to do the work assigned to them.
- Capable of following orders. It’s important for disaster relief volunteers to respect their leaders and carefully follow their instructions. This allows our relief efforts to be carried out safely and efficiently.
- Flexible. Disaster relief is messy. Sometimes plans don’t work out. Volunteers need to be ready for changing plans and circumstances.
- Servant-hearted. Jesus is both our motivation and example in this regard. He “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Let volunteers serve with a Christ-like heart, always looking to the needs of others before their own.
- Good listeners. Disaster survivors have lived through a traumatic experience. As they process that experience, they may want to talk. Volunteers should be ready to stop working and listen to the stories of those whom they are serving. Silence is golden. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19).
- Patient. Progress in disaster relief work is often slow. Sometimes projects are delayed due to lack of access, supplies, equipment, and other factors. This can be frustrating to those who are used to getting things done. Be prepared to wait.
- Respectful of people, property, and privacy. Disaster survivors are going through a difficult time. Be patient and understanding. Give them some space if needed. Often, precious, valuable, and sentimental property has been scattered or destroyed. Even if something seems like a loss, it may hold precious memories for someone. Ask before throwing anything away. Also ask permission before taking any photos of people or damaged property.
- Careful communicators. The aftermath of a disaster can be overwhelming. Often survivors of disasters ask volunteers for information about what to do or how to get assistance. Before giving any advice, make sure that the information about available resources and aid is true and accurate. Don’t share rumors.
- Prepared to share their faith. Disaster survivors are hurting. They are often confused, overwhelmed, and hopeless. Christian relief volunteers are uniquely positioned to share the hope of Christ. The apostle Peter instructs: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
- Humble and compassionate. Disaster relief volunteers don’t expect favors or preferential treatment. They don’t look for others to accommodate them. Instead, they put the needs of others first. A volunteer should strive to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Ready to work with a partner or team. Disaster relief work is hard. It can be dangerous too. Volunteers should be ready to use the “buddy system” to care for and encourage one another. No one works alone.
- Prepared for challenging circumstances. Disasters are ugly. The mess they leave behind can be devastating, not only to those who may have lost property, home, and loved ones, but to those who are serving them. Seeing so much pain, destruction, sorrow, and loss takes a toll psychologically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Volunteers should expect to see and experience anger, sorrow, grief, disappointment, inconsistency, helplessness, and bewilderment. Those who have survived disasters are often numb and just don’t know what to do. Volunteers should focus on God’s promises. He is present in suffering, always working for the eternal good of his people (Romans 8:28). He promises to sustain them through the trials and suffering of this broken world.
- Committed to rest and self-care. It has been said that you can’t get any water from an empty pitcher. Volunteers need to take care that they don’t pour out so much of themselves that there is nothing left. Volunteers should take regular breaks, drink plenty of water, and eat nutritious food. They should prioritize time for sleep and activities that bring joy. Prayer and time in the Word bring renewed strength and vigor like nothing else can. Overuse of alcohol should be avoided.
