DEC. 2, 2024
Survey: ERT and VIM Training Opportunities
Dear Community Members,
Disaster preparedness, response, and recovery are vital parts of our mission that clearly fall within the parameters of our biblical calling to love one another.
In response to the recent series of disasters throughout the United States, there has been a significant increase in interest in the Conference offering Early Response Team (ERT) and Volunteer in Mission (VIM) training.
These trainings represent an excellent opportunity for individuals to develop essential skills that contribute positively to disaster response and relief efforts within our communities.
ERT training – Are you ready to help your community or others in the event of a disaster? Early Response Teams (ERTs) are the core groups of United Methodists helping disaster survivors. These responders are the ones on the frontline helping to put a tarp on the roof or comforting a survivor.
VIM Training – This training includes why and how we serve – whether it’s in our local communities, elsewhere in the U.S. or internationally. When you answer the call to lead a team in the short-term mission field, you are assuming responsibility that is much more than handling logistics and making decisions. Safety is an important aspect of our team leader training along with the nuts and bolts on how to lead a mission team and train the members.
The office of the Conference Disaster Response Coordination (CDRC) recognizes the critical importance of equipping more individuals with these essential skills and is actively engaged in coordinating training sessions in multiple locations.
Training sessions will be organized based on the level of interest and the number of registrants in each location.
We invite you, and please share this information with anyone within your network who may be interested, to express your interest in taking this training by completing our online survey. Your participation will assist us in identifying the locations and resources necessary for the effective coordination of these training sessions.
We ask that you complete the survey by Jan. 12, 2025.
Thank you for your interest and willingness to contribute to the safety and well-being of our communities. Your proactive engagement is vital in enhancing our collective capacity for disaster response.
For questions or further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at CDRC-NE@neumc.org or 978-682-8055 ext. 140.
Sincerely,
Rev. David A. Arruda
Conference Disaster Response Coordinator
New England Conference Center
411 Merrimack Street, Suite 200
Methuen, MA 01844
