As we know all too well in the West, we are seeing an increase in the frequency and intensity of  climate change related events, like wildfires and floods, to hurricanes and tornadoes.  The UCC Disaster Ministries at the National Setting is one of the ways we as the church work together to support holistic community recovery worldwide, by engaging supporters, volunteers and partners to focus on preparedness, emergency relief and long-term recovery. 

A Conference Disaster Coordinator is an individual appointed by their conference to serve as a primary point of contact and team leader for a Conference Disaster Team (CDT). CDCs act as a liaison among the CDT, the conference and UCC Disaster Ministries. They are the backbone of UCC Disaster Ministries’ domestic preparedness and long-term recovery efforts. “Conference Disaster Coordinator” is a volunteer position.  Some CDCs are retired active volunteers and some have full-time jobs.

What is the CDC’s job description?

Their primary responsibility is to develop and lead a Conference Disaster Team to assist the conference and congregations to prepare for disasters and – when disasters occur – to educate local UCC leadership, donors and supporters of needs, disseminate information and recruit and deploy volunteers for long-term recovery work. By maintaining relationships with UCC Disaster Ministries and with state and local disaster response entities, both governmental and private sector, including state and local VOADs (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), They are able to appropriately focus the resources of the ministry (financial, volunteer, time and energy) on preparedness, response and long-term recovery efforts.

Does every UCC conference have a Conference Disaster Coordinator?

Most but not all conferences have a Conference Disaster Coordinator, we encourage all Conferences to identify a CDC and will provide support in the process.

Interested in volunteering in this role? 

If you are interested in serving in this volunteer role in the conference, please email a letter of interest addressed to the RMC Board to admin@rmcucc.org and include:  who you are, why you are interested in serving in this role, and your experience in working in disaster and emergency relief and preparedness.