About Santa Barbara County VOAD
Santa Barbara County VOAD is a collaborative network of organizations committed to disaster preparedness and response. Members meet quarterly to share information about resources and needs, learn from experts, and strengthen the county's collective resilience.
The organization supports Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP), helping member agencies maintain essential functions during disruptions. An Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC) framework provides guidance and survey tools for coordinating spontaneous volunteers, while dedicated Access and Functional Needs (AFN) programming ensures preparedness efforts reach every member of the community.
In 2016, the Executive Committee was chaired by Kathleen Riel, Program Manager at Independent Living Resource Center. Past events include an All-Member Meeting on Hurricane Sandy Lessons Learned in June 2013, featuring guest speaker Paul Deis, and involvement in the Napa/Solano County Earthquake response.
What We Do
Our work spans three core operational areas, each designed to strengthen the disaster readiness of organizations and residents across Santa Barbara County.
Business Continuity & COOP
We provide video resources and planning guides on the case for business resilience, why continuity planning matters, and how to manage risk. These tools support member organizations in developing robust Continuity of Operations Plans.
Emergency Volunteer Center
The EVC framework includes operational guidance documents and volunteer survey instruments, enabling coordinated deployment of spontaneous volunteers during disasters. Agencies and volunteer groups can align their efforts through shared procedures.
Access & Functional Needs
Through the AFN Community Forum, priority surveys, and Preparing Together Workshop follow-ups, we work to ensure disaster planning and response are accessible to all — including people with disabilities, older adults, and others with functional needs.
Santa Barbara County VOAD brings together a diverse network of voluntary organizations, faith-based groups, nonprofit agencies, and community partners united by a shared commitment to disaster preparedness and response. By fostering collaboration across sectors, the coalition ensures that resources, expertise, and personnel are coordinated effectively when emergencies arise. Member organizations work together to identify gaps in services, reduce duplication of effort, and build a stronger, more resilient support system for all county residents before, during, and after a disaster.
Quarterly meetings and committee gatherings provide a regular forum where member organizations exchange information about available resources, emerging needs, and evolving best practices in disaster management. These sessions feature expert-led presentations, training workshops, and open discussions that help participants stay current with the latest guidance and operational procedures. The consistent rhythm of communication strengthens relationships among agencies and ensures that when a disaster strikes, coordination is swift, informed, and grounded in established trust.
Business continuity planning is a cornerstone of the coalition's mission, recognizing that the ability of local organizations to maintain operations during disruption directly affects community recovery. Through workshops, guidance documents, and peer exchange, members learn how to assess risks, protect essential functions, and develop practical continuity strategies. Investing in organizational resiliency before disaster strikes means that critical services can continue when they are needed most, supporting both immediate response efforts and long-term recovery.
Training and education are central to the VOAD approach, with a rotating calendar of workshops, tabletop exercises, and informational sessions designed to build capacity across the county. Topics range from functional needs support and access considerations to volunteer management and emergency operations coordination. By equipping member organizations with practical skills and shared frameworks, the coalition helps ensure that the whole community is better prepared to respond with competence and compassion.
Preparedness extends beyond organizational walls and into the broader community through public awareness initiatives, resource sharing, and collaborative planning efforts. The coalition supports events and information exchanges that help residents understand local risks and take meaningful steps toward personal and neighborhood readiness. When individuals, businesses, and community groups all invest in preparedness, the entire county becomes more resilient and better able to weather the challenges that disasters bring.
Membership in the VOAD offers organizations the opportunity to participate in a structured yet flexible network where shared knowledge and mutual support amplify the impact of every contributor. Members gain access to training opportunities, planning resources, reimbursement guidance for extraordinary disaster-related expenses, and a seat at the table when response priorities are shaped. The collaborative model recognizes that no single organization can meet every need, but together the network can provide a comprehensive and compassionate response.
Who We Are
Santa Barbara County VOAD is governed by an Executive Committee and draws its strength from a diverse membership of disaster response organizations, emergency management professionals, and community volunteers. Member benefits include access to shared resources, training opportunities, and a voice in organizational priorities through member surveys.
Quarterly meetings provide a forum for networking, resource-sharing, and learning from subject-matter experts. The Training Committee maintains a regular schedule of capacity-building sessions focused on business resiliency and risk management.
Events & Training
Quarterly all-member meetings bring the network together for updates, resource exchange, and expert presentations. The Training Committee meets regularly to advance business resiliency and preparedness skills across member organizations.
Past Highlights
- June 12, 2013 — All-Member Meeting: "Hurricane Sandy Lessons Learned," with special guest speaker Paul Deis.
- 2016 — Training Committee meeting schedule published for the full year.
- Napa/Solano County Earthquake — VOAD involvement in response coordination.
- 2011 Shake Rattle & Roll — Exercise documents available to members.
Disaster Updates
On March 11, 2011, the site provided resources for locating US citizens in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami, including State Department contact information and Red Cross family-linking tools.
Get Involved
Whether your organization is looking to strengthen its continuity planning, coordinate volunteers, or ensure accessibility in disaster response, Santa Barbara County VOAD offers the connections and resources to help. Reach out to learn about membership, attend a quarterly meeting, or explore our planning tools.