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ERIC Number: EJ1193714
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Nov
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0164-775X
EISSN: N/A
Volunteering in Natural Disasters' Aftermath
Marchant, Michelle; Heath, Melissa Allen
Communique, v42 n3 p1, 22-24 Nov 2013
Regardless of where disasters occur immediate access to images and stories are available. People are quickly drawn into the trauma and become acutely aware of the massive damage and overwhelming needs of survivors. Over the past decade, catastrophic earthquakes, hurricanes, terrorist attacks, war, and political upheaval have heightened the need for volunteer assistance, particularly in providing immediate life-saving food, water, emergency shelter, and medical treatment. In addition to meeting the immediate needs, ongoing support services also assist in stabilizing disrupted communities, helping them return to previous functioning and self-sufficiency. Individual faces and stories elicit deepest emotional responses, and a desire to help those impacted by disaster propels people into action. Overwhelming needs of communities leave people searching for answers to the following questions: (1) How to support family basic needs, reducing disruption and chaos; (2) How can support efforts be organized into focused practical applications; and (3) How to organize support efforts to prepare schools to educate children and help families resume daily activities? The purpose of this article is to provide potential volunteers with critical information on preparing to serve and support communities disrupted by disaster. Common challenges and suggested strategies are outlined. Additionally, information is offered to assist volunteers in their readjustment following their return home.
National Association of School Psychologists. 4340 East West Highway Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814. Tel: 301-657-0270; Fax: 301-657-0275; e-mail: publications@naspweb.org; Web site: http://www.nasponline.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Haiti
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A