Join the coalition before the next storm, not after.
Florida VOAD membership is for organizations that show up after disasters: nonprofits, congregations and denominations, county coalitions, and the agencies that work alongside them. Members plan together, share situation reports, train together, and coordinate on calls when something happens.
Four ways to belong
Membership type follows what your organization is and where it works. A local chapter, corps or affiliate of a national organization joins at its own reach: a county or regional unit as an Associate member, a Florida-wide division as a State member. State and Associate dues are annual, for the calendar year; event-based membership lasts 90 days.
State member
For statewide and national organizations serving all of Florida.
For example, a national disaster nonprofit with a Florida program, the disaster ministry of a statewide denomination, or a statewide association.
Bylaw definition
a corporation, institution, or other entity that has a statewide scope, has volunteer memberships of constituencies, have a not-for-profit structure, and have a tax exempt status under section 501(c)3. Must have a disaster response or recovery program and policy for commitment of resources (personnel, funds, and/or equipment) to meet the needs of people affected by disasters without discrimination to race, sex, national origin, disability, religion, age and status.
- One voting representative
- Statewide coordination calls during events
- Full situation reports
- Training and exercises
- Public listing with your capabilities and footprint
Associate member
For county-based coalitions, long-term recovery groups and local nonprofits.
For example, a county COAD or VOAD, a long-term recovery group, or a local food pantry, legal aid office or other community nonprofit.
Bylaw definition
a chartered county, district, or municipal VOAD, COAD, Long-Term Recovery Group, or local community non-profit organization. The organization shall have a disaster response or recovery program and policy for commitment of resources (personnel, funds, and/or equipment).
- One voting representative
- Coordination calls during events
- Full situation reports
- Training and exercises
- Public listing with your capabilities and counties served
Partner agency
For government agencies and partners with disaster responsibilities.
For example, a county emergency management office, a state agency, or a business with disaster capabilities.
Bylaw definition
organization with disaster planning and operations responsibilities or capabilities that does not meet the requirement of State or Associate Level.
- Takes part in meetings and coordination calls
- Situation reports
- Listed as a partner on the public site
- Direct line to member capabilities by county
- Dues optional, as a contribution
- Approved each year by the board
- No vote
Event-based member
Temporary membership tied to one active disaster response.
For example, a nonprofit from outside Florida that comes in to respond to one disaster.
Bylaw definition
Event Based membership may be granted to any corporation, institution or other entity that is not a current member; consists of voluntary memberships or constituencies, has a not-for-profit structure and tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3); has a disaster response program and policy for commitment of resources (personnel, funds, and equipment) to meet the needs of people affected by disaster without discrimination to race, sex, national origin, disability, religion, age and status; and is currently active and engaged in a disaster-impacted area. Membership is valid for 90 days following the request and may be renewed individually. Organizations active longer than 180 days must apply for full membership if the expiration date occurs before the next calendar year. Event-based organizations do not vote.
- For one active disaster response
- Coordination calls and situation reports during the event
- Valid for 90 days; can be renewed
- Active longer than 180 days? Apply for full membership
- No vote
What membership gets you
What every member commits to
Florida VOAD is a coalition, not a directory. Membership asks for four things in return.
- A disaster roleYour organization has a defined role in preparedness, response, or recovery, and the capacity to carry it out.
- Nonprofit or governmental statusA nonprofit, a recognized faith body, or a government agency, as the membership level requires.
- ParticipationA named primary and alternate contact, attendance at meetings and coordination calls, and a current listing in the portal.
- The four C'sCooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration with other members, including not duplicating a service another member is already providing in a county.
Dues and the renewal year
Membership runs on the calendar year. Renewal opens in the fall; dues are due by March 31.
Paying
Pay in the portal once your membership is approved, or by check. Receipts are kept in the portal for your bookkeeper.
Questions about dues?
Write to info@flvoad.org and tell us what is going on.
How to apply
- Fill in the applicationOrganization details, your disaster role, primary and alternate contacts, counties served, and the documents your level asks for. About 10 minutes.
- Board reviewNew applications go to the Florida VOAD board, which votes on them. You will hear either way, and you can check progress from the link in your confirmation email.
- Pay your duesOnce approved, pay in the portal or by check. Renewals do not need a new vote.
- Set up your listingLog in to the portal, add your capabilities and counties, and add your other staff.
Questions members ask
We only work in one county. Is that enough?
Yes. Associate membership exists for exactly that, and county coalitions are some of the most important members during a response.
We are a national organization already in National VOAD. Do we join Florida too?
Yes. National VOAD membership does not include state VOADs. Most national members join as state members through their Florida office or chapter.
Does Florida VOAD deploy our volunteers or take our donations?
No. Florida VOAD coordinates; members deploy their own people and keep their own funds. Your public listing links to your own donate and volunteer pages.
Who from our organization should be the contact?
Whoever will actually be on the call at 7 a.m. during a storm, plus an alternate. You can add as many portal users as you like afterward.
Can a congregation join, or does it have to be a denomination?
Either. Individual congregations with a disaster ministry typically join as associates in their county; denominational disaster programs join as state members.