1. How to make the “County
Captains” Initiative work for
you!
And your volunteers!
8/13/2012
Medical Reserve Corps
Mackenzie Jarvis

2. 2
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................................
Letter of Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Step-by-step .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Communication is key! .........................................................................................................................................................
Emails ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Post cards ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Feel it out survey.................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Name That Leadership Role Survey .......................................................................................................................... 10
Organization ...............................................................................................................................................................................
Flow Chart............................................................................................................................................................................ 12
“Captain” Job Description .............................................................................................................................................. 13
“Captain Leader” Protocols ........................................................................................................................................... 14
“Captain Correspondent” Protocols .......................................................................................................................... 14
Power Point for Orientation ......................................................................................................................................... 15
Recruitment ................................................................................................................................................................................
Application .......................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Letter to Recruit outside of current MRC volunteers (Example) .................................................................. 18
Notes about recruitment................................................................................................................................................ 19
Forms of Communication ....................................................................................................................................................
Communication ................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Google Site ........................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Orientation Packet ..................................................................................................................................................................
Notes for speaker .............................................................................................................................................................. 24
Packet for new Captains......................................................................................................................................................
Captain Checklist.................................................................................................................................................... 26
Captain Job Description....................................................................................................................................... 27
How To s .........................................................................................................................................................................
Gmail and Picasa..................................................................................................................................... 28
Google Sites ............................................................................................................................................. 29
Facebook.................................................................................................................................................... 30
YouTube ..................................................................................................................................................... 33
TRAIN User Instructions ..................................................................................................................................... 34

3. 3
VVHS First Time User Instructions................................................................................................................. 35
Confidentiality Agreement ................................................................................................................................. 37
Affirmation of Service .......................................................................................................................................... 38
Close of Orientation Survey ............................................................................................................................... 39
Event Request Form ............................................................................................................................................. 40
Captain’s Flyer......................................................................................................................................................... 41
Administrator Notes...............................................................................................................................................................
Notes about orientation packet .................................................................................................................................. 43
How To s ....................................................................................................................................................................................
Google Sites .............................................................................................................................................................. 44
Facebook ................................................................................................................................................................... 48
General notes about the project.................................................................................................................................. 51
Example briefing for Volunteer Handbook ............................................................................................................ 52

4. 4
Hello!
My name is Mackenzie Jarvis and I am a student at Virginia Tech. This summer
(2012) I was honored to have opportunity to work as an intern for the Medical Reserve
Corps Unit Coordinators for the Southwest Virginia, New River Valley, Roanoke/Alleghany
and Blue Ridge Units. My chief responsibility during my time as an intern was to create a
position for volunteers to act as leaders and points of contact between the Coordinators
and other volunteers. The need for such a position arose with the growing size of each of
the Units and the desire of the Coordinator to become more deeply involved in their
respective communities. While increased numbers of volunteers is undoubtedly a benefit,
larger numbers are also more difficult to manage in response to an emergency. This
became evident in during the Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps’ response to
devastating tornadoes in 2011. The volume of messages (via a myriad of technological
avenues such as telephone, text messaging, email and Facebook) received during the
response was astounding. People truly wanted to help their neighbors! The Unit
Coordinator realized that in order to help these volunteers help their communities, she
needed to be able to answer all of their questions and answer them promptly but she was
desperately needed in her role as incident commander. This realization created the brain
child called the “County Captains” initiative which would enlist volunteers to relay
information and reduce the Coordinator’s span of control.
I have found that the “Captains” should serve 3 key purposes: to act as a point of
contact between the Unit Coordinator and the Volunteers, to assist in coordinating MRC
involvement in community events and to build relationships amongst the volunteers and
foster those between the volunteers and their Coordinator. Captains were given access to
phone numbers, email accounts and Facebook pages. Additionally it was deemed
appropriate that a website specifically for the use of the “Captains” be created. This website
includes resources, protocols and blogs for “Captains” to communicate amongst
themselves. The site is password protected. “Captains” are also given the ability to suggest
and, if approved, orchestrate participation in community events such as DEA Drug take
backs, Relay for life, health fairs etc.

5. 5
This packet includes all of the resources I created to establish the “County Captains”
initiative and fill the roles it created. You will find examples of emails, post cards, surveys,
letters, flyers, applications, websites, instructions, best practices included and an
orientation packet in this manual! Best of luck!
-Mackenzie Jarvis
Step by step, how to create these roles!
1) Survey your volunteers to understand their perception of the proposed position.
(See “Feel it Out Survey” as an example) Allow for suggestions for a name for the
position, this will give the volunteers a sense of ownership and involvement.
2) Create a competition to name the position. Compile a list of all of the suggested
names and open the list to the volunteers for voting! The charter Unit opened voting
methods using the poll function on Facebook and a survey made with
SurveyMonkey (see “Name that Leadership Role” as an example)
3) Determine what type of training and other requirements you will ask of your
Captains. The charter Unit requires all Captains complete ICS 100b A TRAIN Course
#1024627) and ICS 700a(VA TRAIN # 1016070). Captains are also required to sign
both a confidentiality agreement and an affirmation of service. Captains must
undergo background investigations. In addition to training and checks, the charter
Unit also requires that Captains have access to various forms of communication
including telephone and email, it is also important for Captains to make use of
Facebook. See the “Orientation” section of this packet as an example.
4) Create or mimic the orientation packet and plan (See “Orientation Packet” as an
example).
5) Open an application for the position! The charter Unit first opened the application to
those indicated interest in the “Feel it Out” Survey. After these applications were
returned and reviewed, the decision was made to make the application available to
all of the Unit’s volunteers. Once these applications were returned and reviewed, a
small group was selected from the DHP list to fill in physical locations that were
under represented in interest in the initiative.
6) Review application and select Captains!
7) Determine how volunteers will be assigned to Captains and how many volunteers
each Captain will be responsible for. This is determined on an individual basis and
the charter Unit has no guidelines or suggestions on how to do this.
8) Orient Captains and ensure that each Captain completes their requirements and is
fully briefed on how to perform their duties.

6. 6
9) Notify all of you Unit’s volunteers of the selection of Captains via both email and
direct mail.
10)Provide each locality with information about their Captain including contact
information and why to contact them via both email and direct mail.
Communication
is key!

7. 7
Email sent to the 2 way listserv
Good afternoon,
My name is Mackenzie Jarvis and I am an intern for the Southwest Virginia Medical
Reserve Corps. One of my primary responsibilities will be to help create a program
that will allow volunteers to assume more leadership responsibilities, especially
during times of emergency, so that you all, the wonderful volunteers, are as
informed and connected as possible.
This group of volunteers will act as captains of a given area. Acting as a point of
contact, these volunteers will able to answer many of the questions that may arise
about an emergency event and the volunteer response. Additionally this team may
have the ability to organize small, non-emergency related, events that will increase
the sense of community among MRC volunteers and increase the public presence of
the MRC. As this plan progresses, we will keep volunteers informed and encourage
your comments and suggestions. Please contact me if you have any questions,
suggestions or concerns about this upcoming project and watch for future
information as this volunteer opportunity is developed. My email address and
phone numbers are included below.
Thank you for your time,
Mackenzie Jarvis
mackenzie.jarvis@vdh.virginia.gov
276-676-5604
E-mail sent to the volunteers
Good afternoon,
My name is Mackenzie Jarvis and I am an intern for the Unit Coordinators of the
southwestern Virginia Medical Reserve Corps. The coordinators have a need to
develop a program that will create a subset of MRC volunteers which will act as a
point of contact or liaison between the coordinator and the volunteers, especially
during emergency responses. Does anyone have experience, advice, flow chart, plan
or work on a program that created a subset of volunteers who took on leadership
roles or have created a liaison-type position? As we develop this we are calling it
“County Captains”. Any feedback would be appreciated! Thank you!
Mackenzie Jarvis
MRC Summer Intern/Virginia Tech
mackenzie.jarvis@vdh.virginia.gov

8. 8
(276) 676-5604
PLEASE
Washington County Health Department
15068 Lee Highway, Suite 1000 PLACE
Bristol, Va 24202 STAMP
Your Address Line 4
HERE
Type address here or use Mail
Merge (under Tools) to
automatically address this
publication to multiple
recipients.
New Leadership
Opportunity!
Good afternoon,
Please contact the MRC if:
My name is Mackenzie Jarvis and I am an intern for the Southwest
Virginia Medical Reserve Corps. One of my primary responsibilities You are interested in the program
will be to help create a program that will allow volunteers to assume
more leadership responsibilities, especially during times of
You have recently changed or acquired an email
emergency, so that you all, the wonderful volunteers, are as
address and wish to be sent updates and
informed and connected as possible. This group of volunteers will
alerts by the MRC
act as “captains” of a given area. Acting as a point of contact, these
volunteers will able to answer many of the questions that may arise
about an emergency event and the volunteer response. Additionally You have a suggestion for the name of this
this team may have the ability to organize small, non-emergency, exciting program!
events that will increase the sense of community among MRC
volunteers and increase the public presence of the MRC. As this plan Contact information
progresses, we will keep volunteers informed and encourage your
comments and suggestions. Please contact me if you have any Phone: (276) 676-5604
questions, suggestions or concerns about this upcoming change and
watch for future information as this volunteer opportunity is Fax: (276) 645-1994
developed!
Email: Mackenzie.jarvis@vdh.virginia.gov

9. 9
The image above is a link to the survey that was created to understand the charter Unit’s
volunteers’ perception of the position before it was created. It asks questions such as; how do you
feel about creating a point of contact between the volunteers and the Unit Coordinator? If you were
to become such a point of contact, what would you want to get out of your participation? Do you
have any suggestions for a name for the position? Double clicking on the image will open the Survey
in Adobe Reader. This survey was created with SurveyMonkey.

10. 10
The image above is a link to the survey that was created for the naming contest, the options in
the survey were derived from responses to the “Feel it out” survey. Giving the volunteers the
power to choose the title of the position gives them a sense of ownership and involvement.
Double clicking on the image will open the Survey in Adobe Reader. This survey was created
with SurveyMonkey.

11. 11
Organization

12. 12
Unit
Coordinator
"Captain "Captain
Leader" Leader"
"Captain" "Captain" "Captain"
"Captain "Captain "Captain
Correspondent" Correspondent" Correspondent"
In the process of creating the County Captain position, it became pertinent to evaluate the position in terms of
incident command structure, in accordance with FEMA regulations and terminology. The Unit Coordinator fills the
role of Incident Commander. According to FEMA guidelines, the Incident Commander should have a span of control
that is as limited as possible, preferably including 5-7 subordinates. While the presence of the Captains would greatly
reduce the Coordinator’s span of control, an idea was formed that has the potential to reduce said span even farther;
“County Captain Leaders”. In the event that a Coordinator has the need for a large number of Captains in an area, the
Coordinator may wish to select, elect or otherwise create a Captain Leader, Captain Leaders would be responsible for
coordinating contact with the coordinator from all of the area’s Captains to avoid repeat messaging and would
oversee general Captain activities and report progress to the Coordinator, essentially acting as a captain of Captains.
Once the full scale of duties and responsibilities of Captains was realized and it became clear that each
Captain may assist in orchestrating Medical Reserve Corps involvement in community activities, the idea for a third
position was formed. A “Captain Correspondent” would be responsible for remaining informed of community
happenings and updating their respective Captain, essentially the eyes and ears of the hierarchy.
Job descriptions, protocols and job action sheets (JAS) were created for each of the three positions. Creating
such guidelines and descriptions highlighted the possibility that all three positions may not be wanted or necessary
in every situation or location and that the need for such roles could only be determined on an individual basis. The
decision was then made to completely establish the framework for all three positions in such a way that they may be
easily used if the need for the were to evolve. At this time, the charter Unit is only making use of the Captain position
and will fill the other two roles only if such a need presents itself in the future.

13. 13
“County Captain”
Reports to: MRC Volunteer Coordinator
Job Description: To act as a liaison between the MRC Unit Coordinator and APPROVED
Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps volunteers from the “Captains’”
home county/city, especially during critical times of emergency response. To
also become the lead volunteer of community events (such as Drug Take
Backs, community health fairs, Diaper Drives, etc) and to build volunteer
relationships with the organization as a whole.
The “Captain” should be willing to
Participate in quarterly meetings with the Unit Coordinator
Use current methods of communication, including, but
not limited to, email, cell phone, Facebook
Complete FEMA Courses “Introduction to Incident
Command System” & “Introduction to National Incident
Management System”
Participate in exercises as necessary.
Do their best to commit 2 years to the position
All “Captains” will be responsible for
Complete “Captain” orientation
Complete a Virginia State Police background check
*This job description is open to change and improvement from within the
volunteers ranks, and suggestions are always welcome*
Emergency Response:
Obtain briefing from Unit Coordinator
Ready all forms of communication
Respond to contact from volunteers concerning the incident
Remain accessible for further contact
Recovery:
Assist Unit Coordinator, as possible, to maintain those daily functions
of the Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps which must continue
regardless of emergency status
Remain informed of ongoing, emergency-related situations
Remain accessible to further contact from both the Unit Coordinator
and assigned volunteers
Day-to-day:
Increase interactions and relationships among Southwest Virginia
Medical Reserve Corps volunteers in a manner that will foster
improved cooperation in emergency situations
Increase visibility of the Medical Reserve Corps to the public
Assist the Unit Coordinator in various matters when called upon
Remain informed of community events and health initiatives and
potentially involve one’s assigned volunteers in such events

14. 14
County Captain Leader” Protocol
Day to day functions
“Leaders” should have regular contact with the “Captains to ensure
effective functioning of the “Captains” program in general. The “Leader” may be
asked to orchestrate and attend quarterly “Captain’s Conferences” with local
“Captains” and the Unit Coordinator.
Emergency Situations
It is the responsibility of the “Captain Leader” to remain open for
communication from the Unit coordinator in as many avenues as possible
(phone, email, text messaging, Facebook) as often as possible. “Captains” will be
responsible for accepting incoming messages from volunteers. However, when
questions or other matters arise that the “Captain” cannot answer, “Captains”
will then contact their “Captain Leader”. “Captain Leaders” will take the matter
to the Unit Coordinator. After the emergency situation has stabilized the unit
coordinator may call on “Leaders” to assist in various ways in the field.
“County Captain Correspondent” Protocol
Day to day functions
It is the responsibility of the “Correspondent” to remain informed of
local community happenings and to actively seek out events that may lend
themselves to MRC participation. Once a “Correspondent” has identified an
event, it will be their responsibility to gather information about the event and
present it to their “Captain”. The “Captain” will then seek appropriate approval.
If an event is approved for MRC participation, it will be the responsibility of the
“Correspondent” to assist the “Captain” in registering for and in general
preparation for the event. The “correspondent” may also be responsible for
ensuring a proper clean up after the event.
Emergency Situations
It is the responsibility of the “Captain Correspondent” to remain open
for communication from the Unit coordinator in as many avenues as possible
(phone, email, text messaging, Facebook) as often as possible. The Unit
Coordinator will deploy the “Correspondent” following the same procedures as
other volunteers.

15. 15
The image above is a link to the Power Point that was created to be used in the
Captains’ orientation. It describes the position, the role the leaders will play within the
MRC, protocols and what to expect. Double clicking on the image will open the Power Point
in slideshow mode.

16. 16
Recruitment

17. 17
The image above is a link to the Application the charter Unit created for the position.
Double clicking on the image will open the Survey in Adobe Reader. This survey was
created with SurveyMonkey.

18. 18
At your last professional license renewal you indicated a willingness to volunteer
during a public health emergency. Because of this willingness to volunteer and serve the
community, the Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps would like to share information
on a unique opportunity being offered to local members in the hope you will decide to join
the local unit.
The Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps is a cadre of volunteer health care
professionals and community members trained to respond and assist with public health
crises and public health activities the 13 counties and 3 cities that comprise southwestern
Virginia. The Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps recruits for practicing, retired
or otherwise employed medical professionals.
The SWVA MRC has been very active in the community since it was founded,
assisting with Influenza and H1N1 vaccines, responding to intense snow storms and, its
largest response yet; the tornadoes of 2011. The unit received the “2012 Medical Reserve
Corps Mentor Award” for its amazing response to said tornadoes and one of its members
was selected, out of 250,000 MRC volunteers nation-wide, to receive the “2012 MRC
Responder Award”. In addition to emergency events, the Unit participates in many
community events such as DEA Drug Take Backs, over 1200 pounds of prescription and
OTC drugs were turned in for disposal in April of 2012 from Southwest Virginia residents!
As the SWVA MRC continues to grow, the opportunity for a new volunteer
leadership role has arisen! The role will create a point of contact between the Unit
Coordinator and the volunteers so that the volunteers can remain as informed and
connected as possible, especially during emergency response. This team of leaders may
also oversee non-emergency events such as drug take back drives, health fairs etc!
To become a volunteer, apply here:
https://vms.vdh.virginia.gov/vms/default.jsp?main=reg.
The Unit would also like to invite you to apply for the leadership role! Apply for the
role at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LeadershipApplication
Contact Unit Coordinator, Kristina Morris, if you have any questions about the MRC. Have a
great day!
Kristina Morris
(276) 274 0555
kristina.morris@vdh.virginia.gov
swva.mrc@vdh.virginia.gov

19. 19
Notes about recruitment
The charter Unit first made the application available to those who submitted their
names on the “Feel it out” survey as a test group.
The application was then opened to all of the charter Unit’s volunteers
Finally, a recruitment letter (above) was sent to a group of people in areas
underrepresented in interest in the “Captains” initiative. The pilot Unit selected said
recipients from the DHP list, filtering by location and occupation

20. 20
Forms of Communication

21. 21
Communication
It is absolutely critical to the success of your County Captains program that effective
avenues of communication are established and easily accessible. It is also critical that each
Captain be appropriately briefed on how to best use each avenue (A set of “How Tos” is
included in this manual in the “Captain Orientation” section). I recommend that the
Captains of each Unit have access to:
a telephone
an email account
a Facebook account
These are the most common methods of communication and each has undoubtedly
proved its merit. It is crucial to provide both leaders and volunteers with as many forms of
communication as possible for convenience and because it affords the Coordinator and the
Captains the ability to remain in contact with volunteers and each other, even if one system
goes down.
The charter unit asks that each Captain has a cell phone that they would be willing to
use to receive and place phone calls in the event of an emergency.
A central Google Gmail email account has been created by the charter Unit with one
password and one address that were given to all of the Unit’s Captains and the Coordinator.
This facilitates transitions from Coordinator to Captains and visa versa while
simultaneously reducing confusion in volunteers that would be created by multiple email
addresses and in the Captains that would be created by multiple password protected
accounts. The use of Gmail also allows the Captains and Coordinator to share a single
Google Calendar, facilitating scheduling and a single Picasa account (an online image
sharing database powered by Google) which facilitates image sharing.
The charter Unit makes use of a closed Facebook page. This allows for members to
communicate easily and privately amongst themselves and with the Coordinator. A private
group also means that Captains would only have to have the most generic of profiles and
one friend (the Coordinator) to access the group, as explained in the “Feel it Out Survey”.
The charter Unit also makes use of another form of communication: a Captains’
website. I created a password protected Google Site for the Unit that provides job
descriptions and protocols, a blog for communication among Captains, lists of resources
and a document drop center similar to the “Document Center” in HAN. An image of the site
is below and step-by-step instructions on how to create and operate such a site included in
the “Administrative Notes” section.

22. 22

23. 23
Orientation Packet

24. 24
Notes for speaker at:
“Captains” orientation
Hand out packets and maps
Do ice breaker with “Captains”
Go over power point
Go over technology platforms and how to use them
o G-mail
o Google sites
o Picasa
o Phone calls/text messaging
o Facebook
 Address any concerns
o TRAIN
 Point out courses: ICS 100 & 700
o VVHS if applicable
o Survey Monkey
o Explain QR codes
Go over Confidentiality Agreement
Go over request for background checks
Go over affirmation of service
Assign groups of volunteers!
Conclude, new “Captains” Yey!!!

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Left Pocket

26. 26
Captain Checklist
Ensure all personal information is up to date in the Virginia Volunteer
Health System, https://vms.vdh.virginia.gov/vms
Complete IS-100b, VA TRAIN Course # 1024627
Complete IS-700a, VA TRAIN Course # 1016070
Confidentiality agreement
Affirmation of Service
Completed background investigation
Open Facebook account to be used with Southwest Virginia MRC
CLOSED group (if applicable)

27. 27
County Captain
Reports to: MRC Volunteer Coordinator
Job Description: To act as a liaison between the MRC Unit Coordinator and APPROVED
Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps volunteers from the Captains’ home
county/city, especially during critical times of emergency response. To also
become the lead volunteer of community events (such as Drug Take Backs,
community health fairs, Diaper Drives, etc) and to build volunteer relationships
with the organization as a whole.
The Captain should be willing to
Participate in quarterly meetings with the Unit Coordinator
Use current methods of communication, including, but
not limited to email, cell phone, Facebook
Complete FEMA Courses “Introduction to Incident
Command System” & “Introduction to National Incident
Management System”
Participate in exercises as necessary
Do their best to commit 2 years to the position
All Captains will be responsible to
Complete Captain orientation
Complete a Virginia State Police background check
*This job description is open to change and improvement from within the
volunteers ranks, and suggestions are always welcome*
Emergency Response:
Obtain briefing from Unit Coordinator
Ready all forms of communication
Respond to contact from volunteers concerning the incident
Remain accessible for further contact
Recovery:
Assist Unit Coordinator, as possible, to maintain those daily functions
of the Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps which must continue
regardless of emergency status
Remain informed of ongoing, emergency-related situations
Remain accessible to further contact from both the Unit Coordinator
and assigned volunteers
Day-to-day:
Increase interactions and relationships among Southwest Virginia
Medical Reserve Corps volunteers in a manner that will foster
improved cooperation in emergency situations
Increase visibility of the Medical Reserve Corps to the public
Assist the Unit Coordinator in various matters when called upon
Remain informed of community events and health initiatives and
potentially involve one’s assigned volunteers in such events

28. 28
How to: Gmail and Picasa!
How to use Gmail:
1. Type this URL into the search bar of your browser: www.gmail.com
2. Log into the system with the following user name and password. Do not share
these.
Username: SWVA.MRC@gmail.com Password: Virginia#1
3. You will be directed to a page that displays all received messages. Those messages
that are bolded are unread. Simply click on messages to read them.
4. You can reply to a received email after you have opened it by scrolling to the bottom
of the email, typing your response in the field labeled “Click here to reply or
forward” and clicking the “Send” button on the upper left hand side of the tool bar
directly above your reply.
5. You may draft a new email from any page in Gmail by clicking the red “Compose”
button on the navigation bar on the left had side of your screen.
a. Your cursor will appear in the text field beside the word “To”. Type the email
address of the recipient here
b. Next, click in the text field beside the word “subject” and type the title of your
email. This should be short and to the point.
c. Finally, click in the large blank field below text editing tool bar. You may
compose your message here. This message should also be brief and concise.
d. Send your message by clicking the “Send” button in the upper left hand
corner of the page!
How to use Picasa:
1. Picasa is an online photo storage and sharing site. Please upload MRC related
photographs to Picasa to share them with the community and facilitate sharing of
photographs between yourself and the Unit Coordinator.
2. To upload pictures, log into the SWVA MRC Gmail account.
3. There is a black tool bar at the very top of the screen with several options, click the
drop down menu beside the “More” option by clicking on the small arrow to the
right of it. Select “Photos” from this menu. A new window will open automatically.

29. 29
How to: Google Sites!
https://sites.google.com/site/mrcleadershiproles/
Accessing the Captains’ website
1. Type the following URL into the search bar of your internet browser:
www.sites.google.com
2. You will be directed to a log in page. Use the log in information associated with the
MRC Gmail account to log in.
a. Username: SWVA.MRC@gmail.com Password: Virginia#1
3. After you have logged in, you will be directed to a screen that lists the Google sites
associated with the log in information. Select “MRC Leadership”.
4. A new window will open the Captains’ site.
Using the “Captains’” closed site
1. The closed site has many useful resources and is also an avenue for communications
between you and your fellow Captains. Resources on the Site include
a. Job Descriptions and protocols
b. A forms section where any forms you may need will be posted by the
Coordinator
c. A link to “The Color Test”
d. A blog called “Projects we’re proud of” that you and your fellow Captains may
post pictures and text to in order to communicate with and inspire each
other!
2. To access any of the resources listed above, locate their respective link on the
navigation bar on the left hand side of the page and click on it. (Some of the links
have small arrows to their right that indicate drop down menus).
3. The “Forms” link will direct you to a document center where several forms, usually
created in Microsoft Word or Adobe, have been uploaded. Clicking on any of these
files will allow you to download and save them for future use.
4. To post in the blog (“Projects we’re proud of”) follow the link to the page. At the top
of the page there will be a button called “New Post”. Click this button. You will be
directed to a page that allows for text entry. You may also change the name of your
post and upload files along with it using the “Add Files” link located under the text
entry box. You will be able to insert photographs and other media directly into the
post by clicking the “Insert” button in the white, editing toolbar that can be found at
the top of the page on the left hand side. Simply select what type of media you wish
to insert and follow the steps on screen. After you have completed your post, click
the “Save” button on the right hand side of the white, editing tool bar. You may also
click “Save Draft” to return to the post and complete it at a later time.

30. 30
How to: Facebook!
To create an account:
1. Type the URL below in the search bar of your web browser: www.facebook.com
2. Fill in the demographics requested and click “Sign Up”
3. You will be directed through a series of steps to establish your profile. You may
complete or skip any of these steps. This is up to your discretion. The “Skip” button
is on the lower right hand side of the page.
4. After you have completed or skipped these steps, your new profile home will
appear.
5. Scroll to step number 3 and type in “Kristina Morris”. You will then be directed to a
page that lists all results for that search criteria. Locate Ms. Morris; the Unit
Coordinator for the SWVA MRC, beside her name will be a button that says “Add
Friend”. Click this button.
6. After Ms. Morris approves your friend request, she will send you an invitation to the
closed SWVA MRC Facebook group. (This may take time, log back into your
Facebook account to check for your invitation.) You will be notified of this invitation
on the top bar (left hand side) of your Facebook profile home page. A small red
notification will appear, follow the link in the notification and accept the invitation
to the group.
7. To log out of your Facebook account, click the drop down menu (indicated by a
small, black arrow) beside your name. Select “Log Out”.
8. To Return to your Facebook profile homepage; return to www.facebook.com and
enter your email and password to “Log In”.
To post in/interact with posts in the closed Facebook group:
1. Once you have accepted the invitation to the Closed Facebook group, a link to the
group will appear on a navigational bar on the left hand side of your Facebook
profile home page. Click on this link to be directed to the Closed group page.
2. Near the top of the Closed Group page there is a text box that says “Write
Something”. Clicking in this space will provide you with an area to type. Write what
you wish to share (with every member of the group) in this area and then click
“Post”. This entry will be added to the Closed Group’s feed (wall) and will be visible
to every member of the group. Each member will also receive a notification that you
have posted in the group.
3. Directly above field for entering text posts are three other options: “Add
photo/video”, “Ask Question” and “Upload File”
a. To use the “Add photo/video” function, simply click on the button and select
which method you wish to use to upload an image. You may type a caption

31. 31
about the photograph in the area that says “Say something about this…” this
caption will appear with the image when viewed by others. After you have
uploaded your file and typed your caption (optional), click “Post”. Images will
be viewable on the Closed group’s wall and under the “Photo” tab at the top
of the page.
b. To use the “Ask a Question” function, click the button and type your question.
A button titled “Add Poll Options” will appear at the bottom left of the text
field. Click this button and type each of your answer choices in a new,
provided text line that says “Add an option”. Once you have finished, click the
button “Post”. Return to the Closed group page later to check for responses to
your question which will be shown in bar graph form on the Closed group’s
wall.
c. To use the “Upload File” function, simply click on the button and use the
browser to select your file. You may type a caption about the file in the area
that says “Say something about this…” this caption will appear with the file
when viewed by others. After you have uploaded your file and typed your
caption (optional), click “Post”. Files will be viewable on the Closed group’s
wall and under the “Files” tab at the top of the page.
4. Others may post in this group just as you have done. You may scroll down the page
to see older posts (posts are displayed in chronological order by time and date
created). You may interact with any of said posts (text posts, pictures or polls) by
clicking the small buttons below each post designated as “like” (clicking like simply
notifies the creator of the post and others who have also liked it, that you agree with
what was said or done), “Comment” or, in the case of a poll, fill in the bubble
answers.
**Posting on the Closed group wall is the optimal way to alert volunteers during an
emergency or** communicate answers to frequently asked questions etc.
Send, receive and respond to messages:
1. Facebook makes it possible to send private, individual messages to others. You may
send a message to anyone on Facebook.
2. There are multiple ways to find your desired recipient on Facebook. You may type
their name into the “Search for people, places and things” text box found at the top
of any page on Facebook, hit “Enter” on your keyboard, and then selecting that
person from the list of results. You may also visit the SWVA MRC Closed Facebook
group and click the link at the upper right hand corner of the page that says “###
members” and select the recipient from these results.
3. Once you have selected the recipient and have been directed to their Facebook
profile page, there will be a button in the upper right hand corner of their page that
says “Message”. Click this button.
4. A text entry field will pop up. Click inside the area beside the word “Message”. After
you have typed your message, hit “Send”.
a. You may also send messages to multiple recipients at once by clicking in the
area beside the word “To” and typing another person’s name.

32. 32
5. Others may respond to messages you have sent to them or may draft new messages
to you as you have just done. You will be notified of any message you receive at the
top of your Facebook profile page. A small, red notification will appear. You may
either click on this notification or by clicking on the “Messages” link on the
navigation bar on the left hand side of your page.
6. Click on any message you received and the conversation between you and the
sender will be displayed (similar to an email conversation) with a text entry field
below. Type your reply in this field and click the “Reply” button to reply.

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How to: YouTube!
How to find the YouTube page for the Virginia MRC:
1. Type this URL into the search bar of your web browser:
http://www.youtube.com/user/VAMRC
2. You will be directed to a page that displays all of the videos posted by the Virginia
Medical Reserve Corps.
3. Clicking on the title to the right of any of the videos will direct you to the video
which will play automatically!

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TRAIN VA User Instructions
TRAIN VA connects its users to potential training opportunities. The system also tracks class attendance, certificates, feedback,
and provides a quick reference for transcripts. Volunteers should access MRC required courses, such as Introduction to Incident
Command Systems (ICS 100) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS 700), through TRAIN VA to keep records on
file that are necessary for an emergency. Please see the following instructions on registering and using the system:
Register Online
Visit http://va.train.org and click “Create Account” on the left hand side.
Complete the required fields.
o Your Groups are “Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps” and “Virginia”
o Your Department/Division is “Volunteers”
o Leave box checked to receive emails from TRAIN – this is the only way to receive many certificates of
completion and emails related to courses you sign up for!
Complete the following pages with your respective information.
Access Courses
The best way to access courses is by ID number, which is given to volunteers when courses are offered. After logging in, there is
a search box on the right hand side of the homepage that allows users to search by ID number. You can also select “Course
Search” to browse using key words, subjects, titles and more.
View Your Certificates and History
After logging in, locate the “My Learning Record” box at the right hand side of the homepage.
My Learning displays upcoming courses
My Training Plan displays courses you have saved to take at a later time
My Surveys holds surveys for feedback of completed courses
Transcript will provide a complete printable transcript of completed courses
Certificates allows users to reprint certificates from courses that offer this
My Account is where to edit and view your account information
HELP using TRAIN VA can be found on the site, by viewing New User Training on the homepage, or by contacting your MRC
Coordinator at swva.mrc@vdh.virginia.gov or 276-274-0555.

35. 35
Virginia Volunteer Health System (VVHS)
First Time User Instructions – Southwest VA MRC
Introduction: Once approved as a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteer, you are expected to maintain your
information in the Virginia Volunteer Health System (VVHS). Maintaining your account requires you to routinely
keep your profile information, such as contact information, credentialing information, and emergency contact
information. An accurate account will ensure that you receive important communication from your MRC unit.
Instructions Purpose: These instructions will demonstrate all the capabilities you have in VVHS. The
following information reviews the steps for accessing and maintaining your VVHS account.
Step 1: Go to the VA MRC website (www.vamrc.org)
Once at the VA MRC website, you will notice VA Volunteer Health System to the left.
Select this link and the Virginia Volunteer Health System website will open.
Step 2: Log onto the VVHS for the first time
a. Select the Login link.
b. A logon prompt box will appear on your screen.
c. Type your user name and password into the corresponding fields. Click OK.
 User names and passwords are case sensitive.
Step 3: Change Password
When logging into VVHS for the first time, you will be prompted to change your password. Password
requirements are as follows:
a. Passwords MUST be a minimum of FIVE characters in length;
b. Passwords must also contain at least ONE NUMERIC character;
c. Your last THREE previously used passwords are not permitted.
 The Change Password link allows you to CHANGE your password at anytime.
 If you have forgotten your password, you can retrieve your password by utilizing the Forgot
Password? link and answering your security question.
Step 4: Change My Profile
Change My Profile is used to enter and edit your basic information in VVHS. This includes:
a. Volunteer Details.
b. Credentials.
c. Emergency Contact Details.
d. Deployments.
d. Summary.
Step 5: Alert History
Alert History is used to determine which ALERTS you have received. The query is generated utilizing a
begin date and end date as parameters. The Begin and End Date, i.e., the initial starting/ending date for
which the generation of this historical record of volunteer alerts, should begin in MM/DD/YYYY format - OR -
click on the CALENDAR LINK to retrieve a POP-UP CALENDAR to select a specific date that will auto-fill this
field.

36. 36
Right Pocket

37. 37
Captain Confidentiality Agreement
I understand that as a volunteer with the Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps,
ALL volunteer and staff information is confidential. I agree not to access, review, disclose or use
confidential volunteer or staff information without specific authorization from the Unit
Coordinator. I also understand that even when I am no longer a volunteer with the Southwest
Virginia Medical Reserve Corps, any confidential information I have learned must continue to be
kept confidential. I understand that any breach of these confidentiality requirements will result in
my immediate termination as a volunteer and may result in legal action against me. I understand
that I must comply with all Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps policies as well as all
directions from the Unit Coordinator while serving as a volunteer. I further understand that my
authorization to serve as a volunteer may be terminated at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator
at any time if they determine it is in the best interests of the volunteer or unit.
I have read, understand, and agree to the information presented above:
Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ______________

38. 38
County Captain Affirmation of Service
o I fully support our Mission, purpose, goals and leadership
o I understand the County Captains position is designed for a 2 year commitment
of service during which I will be asked to assist in response to any emergency
events that occur in my home county/city and other community events as
deemed appropriate by the Unit Coordinator.
o I agree that I have completed FEMA Course ICS-100 and IS-700a in compliance
with National Medical Reserve Corps requirements or will have completed them
within 30 days of acceptance of the position.
o I affirm that I am willing and able to assist the Unit Coordinator in communicating
with volunteers during both an immediate response to an emergency incident
and during the ongoing recovery process. I am also willing to maintain open
channels of communication with Unit Coordinator and volunteers.
o I will actively promote the SWVA Medical Reserve Corps’ work and values to the
community, represent the organization and act as a spokesperson.
o I will work in good faith with staff and other County Captains and the Unit
Coordinator as partners toward achievement of Unit goals
o If anything should arise during the 2 years that would not allow me to keep these
intentions of being a positive contributor to the “Captain” initiative, I will initiate
conversations with the Unit Coordinator about a voluntary resignation to allow
another to serve who is able to be fully involved.
Signed:______________________________________ Date:_______________________

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Captain Orientation Feedback
1) Did completing the Captain Orientation answer all questions you had concerning the
position?
.
2) Do you feel more prepared to take on the position after having gone through the
orientation?
.
3) What was the most beneficial information provided during the orientation?
.
4) What was the least beneficial information provided during the orientation?
.
5) What could use improvement? As this is a work in progress, please be specific.
.
6) Was any part of the orientation overwhelming, too simplified or just off-putting?
Please be specific as this is a work in progress.
.
7) Any other comments?
.
Thank you for your time and effort, your feedback about and participation in
the orientation are greatly appreciated!
Have a great day!

40. 40
Event or Activity Information
Requesting Agency:
Requestor’s Name
Requestor’s Telephone
& email
Event Location &
Address:
Begin Date & Time: End Date & Time:
Description of # of
population being people
served: served:
Description of Event or Activity:
RESOURCE REQUEST
Size/Resource: Health Care Volunteer ___________ Non-Health Care Volunteer:_______________
Amount/Number Requested:
Location Needed:
Type (specify need- R.N., EMT, driver)
Time/Date Desired: ________________________________ How Long Needed:_______________________________
Point of Contact to
receive Volunteers:
POC Phone Number:
Clothing Suggestion:
Logistical Information:
Meals, supplies needed,
lodging, transportation,
parking, etc.
Request was submitted by: FAX_____ Phone______ E-mail______ VEOC____________

41. 41
Approved by:_________________________________________________Date:____________
Your name here!!!
Your new Washington
County Captain!
http://www.amarcareer.com/uploads/uni/blank-
profile.jpg
http://www.clipart-
Captain Facts
fr.com/en/data/clipart/frames/clipart_frames_borders_2
21.jpg
Serving Size: 1 Awesome Volunteer
I will be serving the Southwest Virginia
Captains in your area:
Medical Reserve Corps as a County
Captain for .
Area serving:
Fill in this area with a short description of
yourself so that the volunteers you will be
working with can get to know you! Profession: Time in field:
Include anything from your professional % Daily Value*
endeavors to hobbies to favorite colors! A
statement about why you took on the Total time with the MRC:
position would be great!
Please feel free to contact me! Experience:
Phone: (###) ### ####
Comments:
Email: thisismyemail@thatplace.com
Favorite Hobby:
Facebook name: My Name
Any other contact info you would like to share!
Favorite Color:

42. 42
Administrative Notes

43. 43
Notes about the Orientation Packet
Make sure to include:
o A current map of your state
o Descriptions of the training you will require of your Captains
o A copy of your most recent Volunteer Handbook
o A flyer that each Captain may personalize and give to their volunteers explain
who they are and what they will be doing

44. 44
How to: Google Sites!
https://sites.google.com/site/mrcleadershiproles
Administrator notes:
How to create a Google Site:
1. Enter this URL into your browser search bar: www.sites.google.com
2. Either sign into Google Sites using your preexisting Google account or create
one by clicking the red “Sign Up” button in the upper right hand corner and
following the instructions on the screen.
3. Once you have logged into your account, there will be a red, “Create” button
in the upper left hand corner of the screen. Click this button to create a new
site.
4. Select any template you desire, as so prompted in the middle of the screen.
Or choose “Blank Template” to start off what the most basic website form.
The pilot unit used “Blank Template”.
5. In the text entry field below the template selection area, enter the name for
your site. The name will automatically be filled into the URL for your site but
this can be changed now by editing the text under the words “Site Location”
or later once you have created your site.
a. You may change your URL after you have created your site by clicking
on the drop down menu called “More” on the upper right hand corner
of any screen in your site. In this menu there will be an option called
“Sharing and Permissions”. Clicking on this link will direct you to a
page with a text entry box below the words “Link to share”. This is
where you may change your URL.
6. Scroll down the page. You will be prompted to enter a captcha code.
7. Click the red “Create” button in the upper left hand corner of the screen.
8. You may add new pages to your site by clicking the button in the upper right
hand corner of your screen that displays a picture of a piece of paper with a
plus sign on it. (If you hover over this button you will see a text box that says
“New Page ©”
a. See “How to create a new page on a Google Site” late in this guide for
more information.

45. 45
How to edit pre-existing pages:
1. Navigate to the desired page.
2. There will be a tool bar at the top of the page, in the right hand corner of this
tool bad, there is a button that has a symbol resembling a pencil (if you hover
over it, it says “Edit page (e)”). Click on this button.
3. You may now type in any text entry field and edit any preexisting text. You
may also insert new items.
4. To insert a new item, click on the “insert” button the left hand editor tool bar.
A drop down menu will appear with a myriad of options!
5. Select any of these options and follow the directions on screen.
a. To insert a hyper link: select “Link” in the “Insert” drop down menu.
Next select “Web Address” on the left hand side of the pop up window
that opens. Copy and paste the desired URL into the area labeled “Link
to this URL”. Enter a title for the web page or desired text into the field
labeled “Text to display”. This text will appear on the Google Site
instead of a messy URL. Finally click “Ok” at the bottom left hand
corner of the pop up window. Your link has now been inserted!
6. It if you wish to add things to a page was not created as a “web page” (the
basic and common format), such as the page labeled “forms” or “Projects
we’re proud of”, you may do so using the same methods as the other pages
but there are additional ways to edit these pages.
a. You may add files to the “Forms” page by: navigating to the page and
selecting the “Add files” button in the toolbar above the files already
posted to the page. You may then browse for files from your computer
and upload them.
7. You may add posts to the “Projects we’re proud of” by navigating to the page
and selecting the “New Post” button. You will be directed to a page that
allows for text entry. You may also change the name of your post and upload
files along with it using the “Add Files” link located under the text entry box.
You will be able to insert photographs and other media directly into the post
by clicking the “Insert” button in the white, editing toolbar that can be found
at the top of the page on the left hand side. Simply select what type of media
you wish to insert and follow the steps on screen. After you have completed
your post, click the “Save” button on the right hand side of the white, editing
tool bar. You may also click “Save Draft” to return to the post and complete it
at a later time.
8. **NO changes are saved to the page until you have clicked the blue “Save”
button in the right hand corner of the editor tool bar!!!**

46. 46
How to send invitations to the Google Site
1. There is a tool bar at top of every page of your Google Site, if viewed as an
administrator. In the right hand side of this tool bar, there is a button that
says “More” with a small arrow to its right. Click on this button and a drop
down menu will appear. Select “Sharing and Permissions” in this menu.
1. You will be directed to a page that lists the link to the Google Site and the
email addresses of those with permission to view the Site. Use the page’s
vertical scroll bar to scroll down. You will see a text entry field under the
words “Add people” that says “Enter names, email addresses, or groups…”
Type the email addresses of those you wish to invite to see the Google Site in
this area. You may enter multiple addresses at once.
2. To the right of the text entry field mentioned above, there is a box that most
likely says “Can Edit” with a small arrow to its right. By clicking this box you
will be provided with a drop down menu of restriction options you can apply
to all of those to whom you are sending invitations to the site. Be sure to
select the appropriate level of restriction because although this may be
changed later, it may only be changed on an individual basis.
3. After you have entered all those you wish to invite and selected the
appropriate form of restrictions, click “Share & Save” to send the invitations.
To edit individual restrictions:
1. There is a tool bar at top of every page of your Google Site, if viewed as an
administrator. In the right hand side of this tool bar, there is a button that
says “More” with a small arrow to its right. Click on this button and a drop
down menu will appear. Select “Sharing and Permissions” in this menu.
2. You will be directed to a page that lists the link to the Google Site and the
email addresses of those with permission to view the Site. Beside each name
there are small, blue words describing the restrictions each person is given.
This may be changed by clicking on these words. A drop down menu will
appear, providing a list of restriction options. Select the appropriate
restriction for the individual.
3. After you have made the desired changes, be sure to click the green “Save
changes” button at the bottom of the page.
To create a new page on the Google Site:
1. There is a tool bar at top of every page of your Google Site, if viewed as an
administrator. On the right hand side of this tool bar, there is a button that
has a picture of a piece of paper with a plus sign on it. Click this button.

47. 47
2. You will be directed to a page that asks for information about the new page.
Enter the title of the page in the area under the words “Name your page”.
Under the words “Select a template” there is a small box, clicking on this box
will provide you with a drop down menu of available templates including but
not limited to “Web Page” (basic page) and “File Cabinet” (similar to the
Document Center in HAN). Under the words “Select location” there are
several options:
a. “Put page at top level” creates the page as a new page on the left hand
navigation bar displayed on all pages of the Google Site. It is its own
entity.
b. “Put page under…” will create the page as a sub page of whichever
page is currently selected
c. “Select a different location” will allow you to select which preexisting
page you wish the page you are creating to be a sub page of.
3. Once you are satisfied with all of the page information, click the red “Create”
button in the upper left hand corner of the page. You may then edit the new
page in the same manner as other, preexisting pages.

48. 48
How to: Facebook!
Administrator Notes:
How to change the cover photo:
1. Navigate to the page. Hover over the current cover photo. A small box should
appear at the bottom right hand corner of the photo that says “Change
cover”. Hover over this button. A drop down menu will appear with options
for how to select a new photo.
2. Select either “Upload photo” (to upload an image from your computer) or
“Choose from photos” to select an image form preexisting Facebook photo
albums and select your desired photo.
3. You may reposition a cover photo after it has been selected as the cover
photo by hovering over “Change cover” which appears when you hover over
the cover photo. A drop down menu will appear, select “reposition” from this
menu and edit the photo as desired. After you have made the desired
changes, click “Save changes”.
How to change the profile picture:
1. Navigate to the page. Hover over the current profile photo. A small box
should appear that says “Edit profile picture”. Hover over this button. A drop
down menu will appear with options for how to select a new photo.
2. Select either “Upload photo” (to upload an image from your computer) or
“Choose from photos” to select an image form preexisting Facebook photo
albums and select your desired photo.
3. You may reposition a cover photo after it has been selected as the profile
picture by hovering over “Edit profile picture” which appears when you
hover over the cover photo. A drop down menu will appear, select “Edit
thumbnail” from the drop down menu. This option allows you to reposition
the image and/or select “Scale to fit” which is intended to make the image as
easily viewable as possible. After you have made the desired changes, click
“Save changes”.
How to invited new members to the Page (Fan Page):

49. 49
1. Navigate to the page. At the top of the “Admin” panel there is a button that
says “Build audience”. Click this button.
2. A drop down menu will appear with several options for how to invite others
to join the group. Select your desired option and follow the directions on the
screen.
How to invite new members to the Group (Closed Group page):
1. Navigate to the page. On the right hand side of the page, there is a text entry
field that says “Add friends to the group”. Type the name of those you wish to
add to the group here. After you have typed the individual’s name, hit enter.
How to add a post: test, photos, polls and mile stones (Fan Page):
1. Navigate to the page. At the top of the page there will be a text entry field.
Directly above this field are three options: “Status”, “Photo/video” and
“Event, Milestone +”.
a. “Status” is preselected as a default. Under this option you may add a
text update in the entry field.
b. Selecting the “Photo/video” option will provide you with three
options for uploading visual media, select your desired method and
follow the directions on the screen.
c. The “Event, Milestone +” option allows you to do several different
things!
i. “Event” will allow you to display upcoming events on the wall
in the form of an invitation!
ii. “Milestone” allows you to update the timeline of the
organization which the page represents. Milestones can
include founding dates, awards and any other important
events. You may add milestones for any date at any time.
a. “Question” allows you to poll your fans! Type your question in the text entry
field. A button titled “Add Poll Options” will appear at the bottom left of the
text field. Click this button and type each of your answer choices in a new,
provided text line that says “Add an option”. Once you have finished, click the
button “Post”. Return to the Closed group page later to check for responses to
your question which will be shown in bar graph form on the Closed group’s
wall.
How to add a post: test, photos and polls (Closed Group):
1. Near the top of the Closed Group page there is a text box that says “Write
Something”. Clicking in this space will provide you with an area to type.
Write what you wish to share (with every member of the group) in this area

50. 50
and then click “Post”. This entry will be added to the Closed Group’s feed
(wall) and will be visible to every member of the group. Each member will
also receive a notification that you have posted in the group.
2. Directly above field for entering text posts are three other options: “Add
photo/video”, “Ask Question” and “Upload File”
a. To use the “Add photo/video” function, simply click on the button and
select which method you wish to use to upload an image. You may
type a caption about the photograph in the area that says “Say
something about this…” this caption will appear with the image when
viewed by others. After you have uploaded your file and typed your
caption (optional), click “Post”. Images will be viewable on the Closed
group’s wall and under the “Photo” tab at the top of the page.
b. To use the “Ask a Question” function, click the button and type your
question. A button titled “Add Poll Options” will appear at the bottom
left of the text field. Click this button and type each of your answer
choices in a new, provided text line that says “Add an option”. Once
you have finished, click the button “Post”. Return to the Closed group
page later to check for responses to your question which will be
shown in bar graph form on the Closed group’s wall.
c. To use the “Upload File” function, simply click on the button and use
the browser to select your file. You may type a caption about the file in
the area that says “Say something about this…” this caption will
appear with the file when viewed by others. After you have uploaded
your file and typed your caption (optional), click “Post”. Files will be
viewable on the Closed group’s wall and under the “Files” tab at the
top of the page.

51. 51
General Notes about the project:
All forms, PDF templates of surveys, Power Points and flyers can found in the HAN
document center in the “MRC” folder which contains the “County Captain Project”
folder
All original items included were produced using Microsoft Office products, Google
products and/or Survey Monkey
Flyer that Captains can personalize to give to their volunteers
Create a flyer that explains the role Captains play within you unit and how to apply
for the position to include in new member orientation packets
Add a brief description of the project to your volunteer hand book detailing the role
Captains will play in the Unit

52. 52
The Medical Reserve Corps understands your time is precious, so to make the best
use of the skills and time you have graciously donated, a leadership position has been
created that will facilitate communications between volunteers and the Unit Coordinator.
The leaders, called County Captains (who are also Medical Reserve Corps
volunteers), will serve as a point of contact between you, the volunteer, and the Unit
Coordinator during times of an emergency. The use of carefully selected and trained
volunteers to relay information will allow the Unit Coordinator to dedicate themselves fully
to the response efforts and assured that volunteers will remain well informed.
The volunteer leadership position is intended to facilitate communications with the
Unit Coordinator. The Coordinator will remain available for contact and will always
communicate with you directly to inform you of an emergency event. The responsibility of
the Captains is to assist the Coordinator in providing you with responses to your concerns
as quickly as possible. The Captains are trained, have the resources to do this and exist to
help you help others. You and your Captain have the ability to communicate in many forms
including telephone calls, email and Facebook. Each Captain has been thoroughly trained
regarding how to appropriately use and respect any private information they have access
to, have signed confidentially agreements and have successfully passed a criminal and sex
offender background investigation.
County Captains will also have the ability to assist in organizing community
involvement events. The addition of these leadership roles across the Unit will facilitate
increased involvement of the Medical Reserve Corps in each locality. Captains will seek out
community events that lend themselves to Medical Reserve Corps participation and
suggest said events to the Coordinator. Once approved, Captains may recruit volunteers,
register for and assure the event runs smoothly. Please contact your Captain if you have
any suggestions about upcoming events, have request for Medical Reserve Corps activity in
your community or any other suggestion such as a local training exercise or polycom
presentation!
The final responsibility of Captains is to foster relationships between volunteers
and between the Coordinator and the volunteers. Every volunteer selected for a Captain
position cares deeply about their community and the Medical Reserve Corps and is thus
driven to make your experience as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible! Each locality within
the Unit has multiple Captains; each assigned a limited number of volunteers within a
certain geographical distance so that Captains may fulfill this purpose and remain as
accessible to you as possible. The packet you received at orientation will provide you with
information about your Captain and the Coordinator can answer any other questions you
may have!