National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
Since the founding of National VOAD in 1970, many lessons have been learned, skills developed and best practices shared. This resulted in the establishment of a commitment to shared values, the 4Cs of communication, coordination, collaboration, and cooperation as guiding principles for how we operate and resolve conflict, as well as various Points of Consensus and other protocols for guiding the work of individual member organizations and the collective efforts of the collaborative.
Today, National VOAD is a coalition of 70+ of the nation’s most reputable national organizations (faith-based, community-based and other non-profit organizations) and 56 State/Territory VOADs.
Recognizing that all sectors of society must work together to foster more resilient, self-reliant communities nationwide, National VOAD facilitates partnerships with federal, state and local emergency management and other governmental agencies, as well as for-profit corporations, foundations, and educational and research institutions.
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| The recent 2025 National VOAD Conference in Louisville, Kentucky was a powerful testament to the strength and resiliency of the VOAD Movement. The conference welcomed nearly 750 attendees—over 250 of whom were first-time participants—bringing incredible energy to the workshop sessions, committee meetings, networking events, and the National VOAD Awards Dinner. Centered around the theme “Going the Distance,” this year’s conference highlighted the dedication and perseverance of our community in disaster response and recovery. Attendees reflected on what it means to go the distance, sharing stories from the field and detailing years of building trust in communities, underscoring the movement’s commitment to serving those in need. Watch National VOAD Members and Partners discuss what the 2025 National VOAD Conference theme “Going the Distance” means to them. We were inspired by dynamic plenary sessions featuring thought leaders Nikki Clifton of The UPS Foundation, Edwin González-Castillo of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and trauma chaplain Emma Churchman. Their insights and stories sparked meaningful dialogue and renewed commitment to our shared mission. See you next year May 4–7, 2026, at the Peppermill in Reno, Nevada! |
Congratulations to the winners of this year’s National VOAD Awards!
National Member of the Year: Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC)
State VOAD of the Year: Florida VOAD
Partner of the Year: Americorps
Innovative Program of the Year: Techos Pa’ Mi Gente
Spirit Award: Tracy Hadley, Mississippi VOAD
Volunteer of the Year: Ramona Rousseau-Reid, Pennsylvania VOAD
Leadership Award: Debra Boudreaux, Tzu Chi Foundation/Jim Kirk Presbyerian Disaster Assistance
| Listed below are the 2025-2026 National VOAD Board of Directors! Officers Chair: David Guadalupe – Puerto Rico VOAD Vice-Chair: Ian Anderson – Colorado VOAD Secretary: Katie Oldaker – Catholic Charities USA Treasurer: Dana Reed – Operation BBQ Relief Directors Vince Davis – Feeding America Christa Figgins – Oklahoma VOAD Meghan Foley – The Salvation Army Celia Jackson – Humane World for Animals Angela Overstreet – United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Cheryl Vennerstrom – Headwaters Relief Araif Yusuff – Islamic Relief USA |