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Spontaneous volunteer management resource kit: helping to manage spontaneous volunteers in emergencies

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This resource kit supports organisations to effectively manage spontaneous volunteers during emergencies and disasters. The kit provides guidance on planning for spontaneous volunteering prior to an emergency, managing volunteers during response and supporting transition and recovery after an emergency.

Benefits for volunteer managers

  • plan and prepare for spontaneous volunteers
  • recruit, induct and coordinate spontaneous volunteers during emergencies
  • support wellbeing, supervision and communication with volunteers during emergencies
  • review plan and action post-emergency.

How to apply this resource

Use this resource kit to inform emergency planning, volunteer management frameworks and response procedures.

Downloads and sources

More about the authors

The Department of Social Services is an Australian Government Department that aims to improve the economic and social wellbeing of individuals, families and vulnerable members of Australian communities.

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