This is the link to the United Nations volunteer website. People can register to go on their list of volunteers which may be contacted if needed. There is a minimum age of 25 years and minimum of two years working experience to apply. Check out the FAQs for more information.
This is a link to a PDF information document regarding UN volunteers responding to disasters. It a some information on past responses they have carried out.
Hi Olivia,
ReplyDeleteI like that you have linked the UN website - makes it easy for us to know how to volunteer in disaster situations! :)
Just wondereing, does the Civil Defense have a similar facility for volunteering in disaster situations locally?
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment.
As far as I am aware there is no formal arrangement between occupational therapists and Civil Defence. Should a disaster happen here in NZ the Ministry of Health uses its occupational therapists to help. But anyone can contact their local Civil Defence if they are interested in volunteering, however it may not be in an occupational therapy role.
I believe there is a gap here and that occupational therapy skills could be better used.
If you are interested in working in disaster zones, the World Federation of Occupational Therapists has in the past advertised for occuaptional therapists to work/volunteer on their website. They had a advert up earlier this year for occupational therapists required to go to Haiti. Check out opportunites on their website. http://www.wfot.org/opportunities.asp