Hawaii VOAD currently has the following Working Groups
Note: (8/20/23) Due to the Maui Wildfire, additional add hoc working groups have been added that are not in the list belows. Click here for the full list of working groups with the chair of each group listed as the point of contact. (POC)
The Working groups that follow are not tied to a particular disaster but instead focus on their subject matter throughout the year to create guidance documents, best practices, and other resources for the VOAD membership and the general public.
Working Groups
The Communications Work Group supports the capacity building of voluntary agencies to communicate during disasters and the development of disaster communication plans.
The Donations Management Work Group is focused on creating a comprehensive process that organizes the giving, receiving, and distribution of both solicited and unsolicited (or undesignated) donated cash and goods (in-kind) so that the maximum benefit is derived for the disaster survivors or people in crisis.
The Education & Outreach Work Group has a three-fold purpose: (1) to help facilitate better communication (both online and in printed materials) between the Members and Member organizations; (2) to help facilitate public awareness regarding disaster preparedness and post-disaster resources; (3) and to assist with outreach efforts to potential new members of Hawaii VOAD.
The Long-Term Recovery Work Group is charged with reviewing issues related to the formation and support of long-term recovery groups that help survivors rebound from their losses and sustain their physical, social, economic, and spiritual well-being. Issue topics include disaster case management, resource development and fundraising, construction, and volunteer management.
The Mass Care Work Group engages Member agencies interested in the provision of shelter, feeding, bulk distribution of relief supplies, and related services during disasters. Through joint planning the committee seeks to speed the provision of critical services to those affected by disaster, reduce the duplication of efforts so that the greatest use can be made of limited resources during crisis, and establish a unified voice for advocacy in working with public institutions.
The Spiritual Care Work Group has the mission of providing emotional and spiritual care to people affected by disaster. The ways in which this is accomplished include: (1) Embracing the unique contribution of various mental health disciplines and faith-based groups. (2) Identifying specific issues of emotional and spiritual needs as a significant component of disaster response. (3) Educate Hawaii VOAD Members and non-affiliated partners about the emotional and spiritual needs in disasters. (4) Promoting best practices, standards, and models to provide effective emotional and spiritual care.