NECHAMA Trained Disaster Responder
Learn the ins-and-outs of disaster response, and become one of our key volunteers
Know More, Help More
Volunteering with NECHAMA—Jewish Response to Disaster introduces people to a whole new way to help those in need. One of our great advantages is that we can accept volunteers with no training and no previous experience. In order to do that, we need trained volunteers to help manage them. We are proud to introduce our new training program, geared toward those who want to be more involved with NECHAMA and more knowledgeable about disaster response and the important role we play. This curriculum is designed to provide volunteers with the information and practical skills they need to make a real difference in disaster response. Whether you take one class of particular interest or take them all to become a NECHAMA Trained Disaster Responder, we encourage your participation. In a disaster, a little extra knowledge can go a long way!
NECHAMA’s training consists of eight courses, taught by our staff, volunteers, and other qualified trainers. All classes will be held at our Eden Prairie Office: 7260 Washington Ave S, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 unless noted.
The Curriculum
• Basics of NECHAMA Disaster Response: the who, what, where, why, and how of NECHAMA’s response to disaster
DATES:(choose 1) Sunday, February 14th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm or Thursday, February 18th 6:30 – 9:30 pm
• Anatomy of a Disaster: how NECHAMA fits into the overall picture of disaster response
DATES:(choose 1) Sunday, March, 14th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm or Thursday, March 18th 6:30 – 9:30 pm
• Flooded Structure Clean-up: learn how to safely & effectively respond to floods, and our process for helping restore people’s homes
Dates:Sunday, April 11th 9:00am-12:00p.m or Thursday April 15th 6:30p.m.-9:30p.m
• Chain-saw Safety & Basic Operation: learn the basics of how to safely use our most dangerous and powerful tool
DATES: Sunday, May 2nd 9:00am-12:00p.m. or Thursday May 6th 6:30p.m.-9:30p.m
• Chain-saw Field Practicum (prereq: Chain-saw Safety): for those who have taken the chain-saw safety course, we will practice what we have learned
DATES:POSTPONED
• Equipment Operation, Safety & Field Maintenance: learn how to safely operate and do basic maintenance on our most frequently used equipment
DATES: Sunday, July 11th 9:00am-12:00p.m or Thursday July 15th 6:30p.m.-9:30pm
• First Aid & CPR: basic certification offered by a partner to be announced
DATES: October 24, 2010 – location to be announced
•Psychological First Aid: learn how to appropriately interact with those who have been through a disaster, as well as how to exercise self-care during a disaster
DATES: to be announced
Due to the unpredictable nature of disaster response, we will announce dates as we get closer to those classes. At this point, both Basics of NECHAMA Disaster Response and Anatomy of a Disaster are open for registration.
In order to cover the cost of materials and refreshments, we will be charging $10 for each participant. Scholarships are available. All classes will be held at NECHAMA’s office unless otherwise noted.
Our training is open to experienced and first-time volunteers, as well as to any of our partners. Please see our website (www.nechama.org) for updates to the schedule, and contact our office at 763-732-0610 or info@nechama.org with any questions or to register. We look forward to seeing you in the classroom!
NECHAMA has pitched in to assist with Haitian Earthquake relief. We have partnered with the American Refugee Committee (ARC) that already has personnel on the ground in Haiti. At the ARC’s request, NECHAMA has donated 17 cases of MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) that will be shipped to Haiti by the ARC to feed the starving population. We have also provided the ARC with the use of our truck and trailer to transport badly needed medical supplies received by the ARC for shipment to Haiti.