You have recently been employed as a project officer in a government department and have been tasked by your supervisor to develop two sections of a discussion paper, which will go to an oversight committee. The discussion paper informs the oversight committee about trends in voluntary participation during disaster events and strategies for enhancing voluntary activity. The oversight committee includes emergency and disaster management experts, community members, academics and researchers. To support the discussion paper, the oversight committee has asked that the discussion be framed around a local event, that is, the discussion must use a recent emergency or disaster event (of your choosing) and give examples from that event. The two sections that you have been tasked to write are to populate the trends section of the bigger discussion paper and include:
Part 2.1): a discussion, including a contemporary definition of the concept of community, and
Part 2.2): an analysis of the types of voluntary activity performed by members of the community during a recent emergency or disaster event (of your choice), and its alignment or otherwise to a formal organisation or agency. Part 2.2 will consist of the following:
a) name and a brief description of the event,
b) examples of the activity that community members contributed to that particular event,
c) identification of which contributions were part of formal volunteer role and which were not,
d) using the scholarly literature, align the formal and non-formal contributions from part c) with the models identified in the volunteerism literature.
Trends in Voluntary Participation during Disaster Events: Enhancing Voluntary Activity
Part 2.1: The Concept of Community
In the context of disaster management, the concept of community plays a crucial role in enhancing voluntary activity. Community refers to a group of individuals sharing common characteristics, interests, and goals within a specific geographical area. However, the definition of community has evolved over time to encompass not only geographic proximity but also social connections and shared identities.
Contemporary definitions of community emphasize the importance of social networks, mutual support, and collective action. Communities are seen as dynamic entities that foster a sense of belonging, cooperation, and resilience. They are characterized by shared values, trust, and reciprocity among their members.
During disaster events, communities become even more significant as they provide a foundation for collective response and recovery efforts. The bonds within a community enable residents to come together, support each other, and contribute to the overall resilience of the affected area. Community engagement is essential for effective disaster management, as it allows for better coordination, communication, and resource mobilization.
Part 2.2: Types of Voluntary Activity during a Recent Emergency or Disaster Event
- a) Event: Hurricane Katrina (2005)
Hurricane Katrina was one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of the United States. It struck the Gulf Coast region, particularly New Orleans, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
- b) Examples of Community Contributions:
- Search and Rescue: Local residents with boats played a vital role in rescuing stranded individuals from flooded areas.
- Shelter Management: Community members opened their homes and provided temporary shelter to those displaced by the hurricane.
- Food Distribution: Non-profit organizations and volunteers set up food distribution centers to provide meals to affected individuals.
- Cleanup and Rebuilding: Community members actively participated in debris removal, house repairs, and community rebuilding efforts.
- c) Formal vs. Non-Formal Contributions:
- Formal Volunteer Role: Non-profit organizations, government agencies, and emergency response teams recruited volunteers to assist in various roles such as search and rescue, shelter management, and distribution of relief supplies.
- Non-Formal Contributions: Many community members contributed their time and resources without being part of any formal organization or agency. They acted out of a sense of duty and commitment to their community.
- d) Alignment with Volunteerism Models:
- The Participatory Model: Both formal and non-formal contributions align with the participatory model of volunteerism. In this model, volunteers actively engage in decision-making processes, contribute their skills and resources, and play a significant role in shaping the response and recovery efforts.
- The Service Model: Formal volunteer roles, such as search and rescue teams and shelter managers, align with the service model. These volunteers provide essential services directly to the affected population.
- The Community-Based Model: Non-formal contributions from community members align with the community-based model of volunteerism. These individuals contribute based on their local knowledge, social connections, and commitment to their community’s well-being.
In conclusion,
the concept of community plays a vital role in enhancing voluntary activity during disaster events. The dynamic nature of communities, characterized by social connections, shared values, and collective action, enables effective response and recovery efforts. Examples from Hurricane Katrina illustrate the diverse types of voluntary activity performed by community members, both in formal roles and as non-formal contributors. These contributions align with various models of volunteerism, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in disaster management.