Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering with BDM

1. How do I sign up?
2. What is the time commitment?
3. Are there any age requirements?
4. Do I need to be a member of the Church of the Brethren to volunteer?
5. Is there any cost to volunteering?
6. How can I help even if I can't go on project?
7. What type of work will I be doing?
8. What do I need to bring with me?
9. Do I have to bring my own tools?
10. What size group can I bring?
11. Do I need to have construction skills?
12. Is there any other kind of help needed besides construction?
13. Is there any special training?
14. What if I get hurt or sick on the job?
15. I have certain dietary restrictions. Can I still go?

1. How do I sign up?

• Contact either your District Disaster Coordinator (your Church of the Brethren District Office can refer you), or the Brethren Disaster Ministries office to select a project location and date.
• Fill out the required Volunteer Registration & Liability Release form.
• Read the Volunteer Handbook before you go.
• Report to the disaster project as instructed, ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference!

2. What is the time commitment?

Generally, volunteers serve one week for most projects, arriving on Sunday, working Monday-Friday, and traveling home on Saturday.

3. Are there any age requirements?

Yes. The minimum age is 15 years (14 if accompanied by a parent). Youth groups must include an appropriate ratio of 1 adult advisor for every 4 youth of each gender. A signed Authorization of Consent to Emergency Care of Minor form and an Assumption of Risk Agreement and Release form are required. There is no maximum age limit. See the Policy on Minors as Volunteers for more detailed information.

4. Do I need to be a member of the Church of the Brethren to volunteer?

No. People of all faith traditions are welcome to participate.

5. Is there any cost to volunteering?

Many Church of the Brethren districts and congregations often cover the expense of travel to the project for church members. If not, volunteers need to cover their own travel. Brethren Disaster Ministries provides housing and meals free of charge.

6. How can I help even if I can't go on project?

Offer to assist with chores, gardening, pet care, or other responsibilities for someone else who can go. Hold a fund raiser to support BDM or the volunteers going to the project.

7. What type of work will I be doing?

There is normally a variety of home repair activities that are dependent upon the type of disaster, stage of recovery, and current needs.

8. What do I need to bring with me?

Click on the link for a complete list of What to Pack for Your Volunteer Week.

9. Do I have to bring my own tools?

No. Usually, a fully stocked equipment trailer has all of the tools that are needed. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own hardhat, eye protection and work gloves; however safety equipment will be provided for those who do not have any. Volunteers are notified if they need to bring any particular tools.

10. What size group can I bring?

Our average capacity is about 15 volunteers. This varies from project to project, so please check with the BDM office to see if your group can be accommodated.

11. Do I need to have construction skills?

No. Unskilled volunteers, male or female, with a willingness to learn are invited to work alongside those who are skilled.

12. Is there any other kind of help needed besides construction?

Yes. Cooks or assistant cooks, assistant household managers, "go-fer" people to run errands, etc. are sometimes needed to help keep the project running smoothly.

13. Is there any special training?

Most disaster response volunteers are not required to receive special training. Brethren Disaster Ministries trains certain volunteers to serve as disaster project leaders, who manage the day-to-day project operations, including construction management, household management and cooking.

14. What if I get hurt or sick on the job?

Brethren Disaster Ministries makes sure that our project leaders know where to get medical help. BDM works very hard at teaching and practicing standard safety procedures. BDM does not carry medical insurance for volunteers. Volunteers are expected to have their own medical insurance coverage.

15. I have certain dietary restrictions. Can I still go?

Our cooks are carefully trained and instructed to accommodate volunteers who have certain dietary needs.