Quarterly Member Meetings
Santa Barbara County VOAD holds quarterly meetings where member organizations network, share information about resources and needs, and learn from experts in disaster preparedness. These gatherings are central to building a coordinated, resilient community response network.
All-Member Meeting: Hurricane Sandy Lessons Learned
Featuring special guest speaker Paul Deis, this meeting examined key takeaways from the Hurricane Sandy response and how they apply to West Coast disaster planning. Members discussed resource coordination, volunteer management, and continuity strategies drawn from real-world experience.
Additional quarterly meeting dates are announced to members through the VOAD network. Topics rotate to address emerging threats, seasonal risks, and evolving best practices in emergency management.
Beyond the scheduled quarterly meetings, Santa Barbara County VOAD also organizes training workshops and special presentations designed to deepen preparedness across the local network. These sessions give member organizations practical guidance on continuity planning, volunteer coordination, and emergency operations, helping agencies translate broad disaster principles into concrete, actionable steps. By bringing together diverse groups—from faith-based organizations to community service providers—these gatherings foster the information exchange and relationship building that prove essential when a real emergency strikes. The emphasis remains on collaboration, ensuring that every organization understands its role within the larger countywide response framework and can act confidently alongside its partners.
The county's disaster readiness depends on more than individual agency efforts; it requires a coordinated community approach that spans planning, training, and ongoing communication. Santa Barbara County VOAD works to promote resiliency by helping member organizations manage risks, invest in preparedness, and support one another through shared resources and lessons learned. Whether through committee work, executive guidance, or public forums, the organization encourages a culture of proactive readiness that benefits the entire community. These ongoing efforts ensure that when disasters occur, the network can respond swiftly and effectively, providing services where they are needed most and helping residents recover with dignity and support.
Training Committee
The Training Committee meets regularly to develop capacity-building programs for member organizations. Its work focuses on business resiliency, risk management, and continuity of operations planning.
2016 Meeting Schedule
| Month | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| January | Business Continuity Planning fundamentals |
| March | Risk assessment and mitigation strategies |
| May | Emergency Volunteer Center coordination |
| July | Access and Functional Needs integration |
| September | Continuity of Operations tabletop exercise |
| November | Year-end review and next-year planning |
For complete details, visit the Training Committee Schedule page.
Past Workshops & Exercises
Santa Barbara County VOAD has supported and participated in several notable exercises and response efforts:
- 2011 Shake Rattle & Roll Exercise — Documents and after-action materials from this multi-agency earthquake preparedness drill were made available to member organizations.
- Napa/Solano County Earthquake Response — VOAD members contributed to coordinated relief efforts following this Northern California event.
- Japan Earthquake & Tsunami (March 2011) — The organization compiled and shared resources for locating U.S. citizens in Japan, including State Department contacts and Red Cross family-linking tools.
Get Involved
Member organizations and prospective partners are encouraged to attend quarterly meetings and participate in training opportunities. For more information about joining Santa Barbara County VOAD or attending an upcoming event, visit our Contact page.