Considerations about engaging volunteers in crisis managements

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.