Arizona Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership-based organization that builds resiliency in Arizona communities. Arizona VOAD's role is to bring organizations together and enable them to understand each other and work together smoothly. To accomplish these goals, Arizona VOAD meets four times each year and encourages member organizations to share
information and training opportunities at that time. Arizona VOAD general meetings are also times to conduct business, provide training, networking and planning. Updates on current disaster relief are given. Our Purpose:
The purpose of this organization shall be to bring together voluntary organizations active in disaster services to foster more effective service to the people of Arizona affected by disaster through: Communication, Coordination, Cooperation, Collaboration, Convening Mechanisms, Outreach, and Advocacy. Arizona VOAD promotes coordination among member organizations to facilitate access to available resources and services. Arizona VOAD is not intended to be a competing agency but an umbrella organization of existing agencies. Each member organization maintains its own identity and independence yet works closely with other agencies to improve services and eliminate unnecessary duplication. Arizona VOAD members share information to facilitate access to available resources and services. This cooperation has resulted in coordinated response and recovery efforts by member organizations in some of the most devestating disasters to occur in Arizona. Arizona VOAD members are involved from first response through final recovery. Individuals, families and communities affected by disaster may receive assistance from a variety of member organizations. If forced to leave their homes, disaster victims may receive temporary shelter, food and housing for their pets. If their homes, furnishings or other property are damaged or destroyed, they may be helped with clean up, repair or replacement. Arizona VOAD works closely with the Arizona Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to prevent duplication of effort and promote effective distribution of resources in times of emergency. Our Key Values:
Cooperation – We need each other. No member organization has all the answers for the challenges of disaster response. We are partners. Communication – We regularly share information about our member organizations including their capacities, accomplishments and commitments. We work to maintain good channels to share information, listen intently to one another and deal openly with concerns. Coordination – We are committed to work together, without competition, to toward the goal of effective service to disaster victims. We seek to match services to need. Through careful planning and preparation, we equip our organizations to work in coordination in times of disaster. Collaboration – We are dedicated to working together to achieve specific goals and to undertake specific projects at disaster sites. We form partnerships during the disaster response. Other Key Values:
Education – We wish to increase awareness of each organization and also of the population of Arizona. Convening Mechanism – We cooperate in arranging meetings, conferences and trainings. Legislation – We encourage effective disaster relief legislation and policy. Liaison – To serve as a liaison, advocate and voice to improve service, and support ordinance, bills and legislation.
