Volunteering

Volunteer

Volunteer Emergency Support Team
The Volunteer Emergency Support Team (VEST) is a group of volunteer leaders who assist Jackson County in making effective use of unaffiliated, spontaneous volunteers after a community disaster. VEST members may be asked to provide assistance with managing spontaneous volunteers and in standing up volunteer reception centers. 

Program Description
VEST members are citizens both young and old who will assist Jackson County in making effective use of unaffiliated, spontaneous volunteers in the event of an emergency. VEST will help ensure that volunteers provide valuable services to Jackson County after community disasters and that their presence does not impede rescue and response activities. 


Specific ways that VEST volunteers may be asked to help after a disaster include:
  • Helping Jackson County receive and respond to offers of volunteer help and/or donations 
  • Assisting in operating volunteer reception centers if they are activated
  • Assisting local nonprofit organizations in volunteer management or other administrative tasks so that they can maintain their services after a disaster has struck
VEST will be utilizing social media for future opportunities of engagement and to help create a positive volunteer opportunity for those involved. There will be time before a disaster for volunteers to take on leadership positions and to support overall program management.

Apply to Join
For additional information or to receive an application, please email us.

EMA Director

Duane Davis (812) 358-6110 email