How to Help Those Affected by Oklahoma Tornado

Last night members of the university community watched the news in disbelief as we saw horrific images of an entire community devastated by a powerful tornado. When hearts are breaking we are moved to do something. Many decide their response must be to go and help or to pack a few things to send to those who have lost everything. The Center for Community Engagement wants to encourage you to consider the following as you decide how to help those affected by the disaster.

First, please don't show up to volunteer: The "spontaneous" volunteer is the person who shows up with a good heart, a chain saw and they are prepared to get busy. The problem is that the community and response teams are not prepared to manage the good hearted spontaneous volunteer. Communities affected by a disaster need trained first responders.  There are a number of ways to become a first responder volunteer. You can sign up for the extensive training through our local American Red Cross. You can also contact your faith-based denomination which may have a disaster relief program. Also many state governments have training programs through NVOAD (National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters) to become a first responder volunteer. 

Second, please do not send "stuff": People often see families who've lost everything and naturally want to fill trailers with supplies – clothes, dishes, furniture. The affected communities do not have the infrastructure to manage massive donations; they need to focus their volunteer efforts on finding victims. When the communities put out a call for donations they will be specific about their need; respect that and send what is requested. Requested items will often be for toiletries, diapers and cash – the basics.

Third, the very best ways to respond immediately: Give blood and give cash donations to reputable organizations. You can text donations through groups like Red Cross and FEMA. 

Fourth, the need for volunteers who can help with the clean up will be issued within the next two weeks. After the recovery of victims is complete, clean up volunteers are invited to assist with cleaning up debris. During the Joplin clean-up AmeriCorps teams did a beautiful job of managing and disbursing volunteers. One thing to know, if you arrive and you've not had your tetanus vaccination updated, you will be vaccinated upon arrival. Please remember the recovery is a long-term process; the people of Joplin are still rebuilding. If you would like to do something today in honor of our friends in Oklahoma, volunteer to help Rebuild Joplin.

The communities of Shawnee, Moore and Oklahoma City will need volunteers for the coming months and years; consider spending your summer, fall or holiday breaks in Oklahoma cleaning up and rebuilding. The Center for Community Engagement will post service opportunities as we learn about them on our http://volunteer.uark.edu site and through our listserv email updates. If you would like to received those updates please email afoxford@uark.edu. 

Know that we appreciate your good hearts and desire to help.  Let's make sure our desire to help doesn't become a burden on those who are already dealing with so much loss.