Considerations about engaging volunteers in crisis managements

Abstract

Deep crises seem to multiply and diversify, with recent examples such as the war refugee crisis and the COVID 19 pandemic. At the same time, in these crises, people tend to get involved through various forms of volunteering. However, these can prove useless when unorganised, without adequately trained people. This article, having a theoretical background, examines key aspects of crisis management through a specialised literature review, highlighting ways of involving volunteers effectively so that they can make a real contribution to solving the crisis. The results indicate ways volunteering can respond to the various needs of crisis management, emphasising the need for careful planning, appropriate role assignment, training, and coaching, without neglecting aspects of time management, working under pressure, task satisfaction and well-being.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What are the best strategies for emergency preparedness and emergency information dissemination among resettled refugees?

The evidence in this area is suggestive. Within these suggestive studies, there is broad consensus on four key points related to emergency preparedness and emergency information dissemination among resettled refugees: Pre-existing partnerships among refugee communities, community-based organizations (CBOs), and local emergency planners are vital. People who serve as social bridges between refugee communities and governmental…

About this study

AGE: Adults

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: No evidence about impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Free

HOST COUNTRY: Multiple countries

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

INTERVENTION: None Tested

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: No evidence about impact

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

More STUDIES

Prevalence, determinants, and effects of food insecurity among Middle Eastern and North African migrants and refugees in high-income countries: A systematic review

Issues related to poverty and income inequality in high-income countries have led to food insecurity among some population groups, such as migrants and refugees. While there are some studies on the experience of some migrant groups (and other subpopulations), little is known about food security among Middle Eastern and African migrants and refugees. This systematic…

Links of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program with food insecurity, poverty, and health: Evidence and potential

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a highly effective program, vital to our nation’s health and well-being. SNAP’s entitlement funding structure allows it to provide benefits to anyone who meets the program’s eligibility requirements, and this structure also enables SNAP to respond quickly when need increases. Research shows that SNAP reduces poverty for millions,…

Exploring neighborhood transformations and community gardens to meet the cultural food needs of immigrants and refugees: A scoping review

International migration is contributing to changes in the sociocultural and the economic landscapes of many cities in the world. As part of the changes in cities, we are witnessing an increased use of community gardens as spaces for wellbeing restoration, for social connection, and for addressing the challenge of food insecurity, particularly cultural food insecurity.…