From Scott McLaughlin, Chester County
This was my first National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) Conference, and it was a highly valuable and energizing experience. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with colleagues from PA VOAD, PEMA, PADHS, and my SEPA EMA County counterparts. These are relationships we rarely get the chance to nurture in a less formal setting and being able to step away from day-to-day operational pressures to simply connect, share experiences, and strengthen working relationships was both refreshing and important.
Equally meaningful was the opportunity to engage with new partners from across the country who are doing similar work in disaster response and recovery. The shared mission and common challenges created an immediate sense of trust and understanding, and I left with new perspectives and practical ideas that can be brought back to our local work. Specifically, I really enjoyed the DCM Essentials: Blended Delivery with Applied Learning Experiences. Melissa Hruska with Catholic Charities did a nice job presenting a very condensed version of what typically is a 3 full day course.
Most importantly, I left the conference feeling that we (CCDES) can do more to strengthen meaningful collaboration, coordination, and long-term planning. Ben and I are also more committed than ever to advancing the development of a Long-Term Recovery Group, pursuing private funding opportunities, and focusing on building more structured and impactful individual assistance programming within the county.
From Julia Frank, LDR, President PAVOAD
First off, in response to Julia Borek, I second what she noted about VOADs and EM state partners not all enjoying the same kinds of relationships we have here in Pennsylvania. PEMA and PADHS are consistently fantastic partners. Also, Julia…Christine and I convened a conversation with Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association and we had some good developments come out of that. There was already momentum in Somerset County and then also trying to figure things out in Berks and Lehigh Counties to name two.
Otherwise I am still processing my experience at NVOAD. Two themes that continue to resonate are
- FEMA reorg and Climate change will demand more from us as VOADs
- The collective thinking seems to continue to be in the direction of meaningful engagement of blue sky partners asap, and being more survivor focused, and changing the focus of our metrics, otherwise, OR be okay with the consequence being the most vulnerable will languish and the poorest communities will suffer
I was especially interested in the session that Noah Patton and Laura Olson as well as two others led on “fantasy plans” whereby FEMA has written in VOADs to their recovery documents, with no clear understanding of where VOADs will get money from to execute those plans. That presentation wasn’t available in the app, but I”ve requested it from Laura.
From Julia Borek, Delaware County
My big takeaway was cash voucher assistance is the way to go — I think we were already on board with that.
Also, not all VOADs have as close a relationship as we do with government partners. I got a lot of comments when they realized I was government.
Finally, there’s a lot of talk about partnerships with private companies and their foundations. I’d be curious as to what relationships people have locally.
 As we reflect on an unforgettable week together at Conference 2026, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for being part of it. We were thrilled to welcome 780 attendees and an exhibit hall filled with supporters of the incredible work you do every day in communities across the country. From nearly 300 participants joining Monday’s trainings, to Tuesday’s Service Project producing more than 300 hygiene kits, 300 disaster packets, and 100 comfort kits, this conference was a powerful reminder of what the VOAD Movement can accomplish together. Our Awards Dinner gave us the opportunity to celebrate all of you, while honoring eight outstanding groups and individuals whose work embodies the spirit of service and collaboration. Throughout the week, we reflected on our “it,” explored the secret sauce that makes this movement so impactful, and closed by learning about ADD — reminding us once again that the future of disaster response and recovery depends on innovation, partnership, and people willing to show up for one another. Below, you will find the PDF version of the powerpoint presented during the Annual Meeting on Monday, May 4th. Workshop presentations and other resources can be found within the Conference app. Annual Meeting Powerpoint      Conference Photos We Want Your Feedback Conference Evaluation ========================================================================================== National VOAD Youtube Channel  Groundwork: The VOAD Movement Podcast Want to get the word out about the work your organization is doing? Then sign-up to join in conversation on the first episodes of National VOAD’s new podcast, Groundwork. Sign Up to be a Podcast Guest  |