Volunteerism and Working with Volunteers
Volunteering in Disasters and Crises
Selman Salim Kesgin, Nurdal DurmuşThe diversity of events that impact the ordinary course of our lives, the increasing frequency of these events, and the growth of their effects have made disasters an important element of our lives. The fact that disasters with different characteristics are experienced in various parts of the world also shows us that this issue is not limited to a certain geography. In addition, we witness industrial accidents, climatic hazards, traffic accidents, and many similar emergency and crisis situations at every turn of our lives, even if they don’t turn into major disasters. Volunteers deserve further examination as the actors who work together with professionals on the issues of preventing these disasters and crises as well as preparing for and responding to them effectively when, despite everything, they do occur. This is because volunteers, just like the professionals with whom they work, are key actors in the efforts carried out before, during, and after disasters. This chapter discusses the role volunteers have in disaster settings, the types and components of disaster volunteerism, the work and mechanisms that enable volunteers’ involvement in the work, and the issues needing attention in terms of their contribution to the future of volunteer work. This chapter additionally discusses the projects carried out in the field of disaster volunteerism in Turkiye as well as current developments and prominent trends in disaster volunteer management and training.
