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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| Welcome Lawrence Graham and David Wallace to the National VOAD Team! |
National VOAD is excited to announce the addition of two new members to their team! Lawrence Graham and David Wallace officially began at National VOAD on April 15th. We are excited to have them on board, and know that their experience will contribute immensely to the VOAD movement. Lawrence Graham – Long Term Recovery Program AssociateLawrence is a Tulane University graduate and a former student athlete. Lawrence has experience working in a variety of settings, both federal and private sector, as well as internationally. Lawrence has worked directly with survivors during his time with FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance, where he was deployed to seven presidentially declared disasters. To better round out his professional skills, Lawrence has also worked in the car sales business and for Amazon. He hopes to contribute to National VOAD’s mission of serving communities throughout the disaster cycle. Lawrence is a Florida native and a self-proclaimed chef who enjoys staying active and exploring different cities.  David Wallace – Information Technology Systems Program ManagerDavid’s journey into the realm of Information Technology began with a passion for public service. He started by managing Information Systems for a non-profit organization dedicated to serving children in foster care. It was there that he discovered the importance of loving the work you do and the impact it can have on those in need. From there, he transitioned into roles within municipal government, first as a system administrator and later as a network administrator. In his most recent role, he had the privilege of serving as a system administrator for a public hospital. Working in such a critical environment underscored the direct impact that IT systems have on the well-being of individuals and communities. Outside of his professional pursuits, he is an avid gamer and an enthusiastic explorer of new places. On Friday nights you may find him hosting or singing karaoke. His beautiful wife and son are the driving force behind everything he does, infusing meaning and purpose into each day. |
NATIONAL VOAD CONFERENCE AND BOARD UPDATE
Click here to watch National VOAD Members and Partners discuss what the 2024 National VOAD Conference theme “United in Service” means to them, and the future of the VOAD Movement.
| Conference by the Numbers |
| Nearly 850 Attendees-Record Breaking! More than 350 First Time Attendees Walmart supported the Empowering Inclusion Funding Award, which allowed for many first time attendees to join us for the week. 50+ exhibitors and sponsors in our sold out exhibit hall! 1,500 heat relief kits were assembled during the #NVC2024 service project! Thanks to everyone that contributed their time! |
This National VOAD Conference was a great example of the resiliency of the VOAD movement. The 2024 Conference attracted nearly 850 attendees, including over 350 first time attendees. This led to incredible participation in our workshop sessions, committee meetings, and our awards dinner. Not to mention the plethora of networking opportunities that were presented throughout the week. We hope that you also took advantage of our wonderful plenary sessions and enjoyed both of our keynote speakers, Jennifer Gray Thompson of After the Fire USA, and Claire Babineaux-Fontenot of Feeding America.
A reminder that any of the workshop presentations or materials that were cleared to be shared by the presenters are still available for download through the National VOAD Conference 2024 GoEngage app! Download the GoEngage app and enter the code NVOAD if you have not already. If you have any questions on how to access the materials in the app, please contact [email protected].
Thank you again to everyone who was able to attend this year’s Conference. We look forward to seeing you all next year in vibrant Louisville, Kentucky, May 19-22, 2025! #VOADMovement
| NATIONAL VOAD AWARDS |
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| Congratulations to the winners of this year’s National VOAD Awards! National VOAD would also like to extend our gratitude to all of our members, partners, and volunteers who, together, make the VOAD Movement a reality. Thank you to everyone who made a nomination this year, we appreciate the insight that you provided into the nominees and all of their hard work. |
| National Member of the Year: New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) State VOAD of the Year: Hawaii VOAD Partner of the Year: Walmart Innovative Program of the Year: Maryland VOAD / Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Committee Spirit Award: Victor Leonardi, Hawaii VOAD Volunteer of the Year: Diane Reece, Hawaii VOAD Leadership Award: Jenny Gannaway, West Virginia VOAD |
| National VOAD Board of Directors Listed below are the 2024-2025 National VOAD Board of Directors! We look forward to working together with the Board, Members and Partners! Officers Chair: David Guadalupe – Puerto Rico VOAD Committees: Executive (Chair) Vice-Chair: Ian Anderson – Colorado VOAD Committees: Audit, Executive, Governance, Membership, Conference (Chair) Board Liaison: Advocacy, Migration, Displacement and Refugee Secretary: Katie Oldaker – Catholic Charities USA Committees: Executive, Finance, National Conference Board Liaison: International Treasurer: Kevin King – Mennonite Disaster Service Committees: Executive, Finance (Chair) Board Liaison: Housing Asst. Treasurer: Kevin Ellers – The Salvation Army Committees: Executive, Finance, Nominating Board Liaison: Emotional & Spiritual Care |
| Ex-Officio Colt Hagmaier – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Marcus Coleman – DHS Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships April Wood – President & CEO, National VOAD |