Leadership Strategies for Building High-Functioning EM Volunteer Programs

In many emergency management agencies, staffing levels are limited, budgets are constrained, and operational demands continue to grow-making preparedness and resilience dependent on how effectively we extend organizational capacity. Volunteers have supported emergency management since the Civil Defense era, yet many programs struggle to move beyond informal or underutilized models. When intentionally designed and led, a volunteer program can serve as a sustainable force multiplier that strengthens preparedness, response, recovery, and long-term resilience.

This 45-minute presentation will share practical lessons learned from building and sustaining a high-functioning emergency management volunteer program, anchored in leadership, accountability, and collaboration, followed by questions/answers. Drawing from the Kane County Office of Emergency Management's experience coordinating a volunteer corps that contributed nearly 14,000 operational hours in 2025, participants will explore proven strategies adaptable to agencies of all sizes.

Topics include volunteer motivation, recruitment and screening, onboarding and training, documenting volunteer value, effective communication and supervision, and addressing misconduct. Attendees will leave with actionable leadership practices to chart a more resilient future by leveraging volunteers to enhance preparedness, strengthen partnerships, and meet increasing demands with limited resources.