Bulloch County VOAD has partnered with Pittman Park Church and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to provide training for churches, civic organizations, and individuals who want to assist our community, and possibly other communities, in times of disaster.
Bulloch County VOAD has been activated 13 times since 2017. In 2024 alone, they activated four times. The increased frequency and intensity of storms has led them to expand their credentialed and trained volunteer base.
Their goal is to establish emergency shelters or collection points along with points of distribution (POD) throughout the county to help distribute resources in times of need. Churches in Statesboro, Nevils, Register, Stilson, Brooklet, Leefield have helped meet community needs in the past disasters. In order to continue this and expand these services, they need more trained volunteers.
Any church, no matter the denomination, or community members in these areas are encouraged to attend this training. This training is open to neighboring communities as well.
Dr. Glenn Martin, a trainer for UMCOR, will offer Early Response Team (ERT) Training on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 8:30am to 4:30pm at Pittman Park UMC.
Early Response Team (ERT) volunteers will receive an UMCOR badge that will identify them as individuals who have received appropriate training and approvals to assist communities in the early days after a major disaster.
ERT is part of a national effort to certify early response volunteers across multiple agencies. This was born out of “lessons learned” from 9/11 and the need for volunteers to hold specific credentials to enter the disaster site.
This process will enable all Early Response Team volunteers who attend the 8 hour training (and pass) the appropriate UMCOR training courses as well as submit a background check to receive national certification to assist following a US disaster.
The cost for the training is $30 per participant.
Participants will receive an ERT Training Manual, an UMCOR ID Badge and a South Georgia Conference ERT T-shirt. Lunch is included.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be 18 years or older to get the UMCOR badge.
- Must complete a free Safe Sanctuary Training
- Must complete a free UMCOR background check via www.tinyurl.com/umcorvv.
Pre-registration is required. Register HERE.
