HLSC 510 DB 7
Explain the role non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play in disaster response.
The role of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in disaster management cannot
be ignored. They play a pertinent role when it comes to disaster management and as a result have
saved a lot of lives in disaster response. An NGO is an organization separate from a
governmental influence which was not founded by states. NGOs are independent of governments
that include for-profit corporations, the term is generally restricted to social, cultural, legal, and
environmental advocacy groups having goals that are primarily noncommercial, including
providing disaster relief and assisting disaster victims. They are most of the time nonprofit
organizations that gain at least a portion of their funding from private sources. NGOs vary in
many ways and serving both within a country or an international association, NGOs follow an
objective of proving specialized and professional aid to needy people whenever required (Asha
Bhavan Centre, 2017). In disaster response, Mondal et (2015, p1485) examines that the purpose
of NGOs is not to supplant governmental relief agencies but to act as a coordinating mechanism
between the government apparatus and the affected populace. NGOs have a faster response to
situations done the governmental agencies because they don’t face most bureaucratic situations
that most governmental agencies face. They don’t have to clear any large paperwork and they
can take on roles like proving relief materials, organizing health camp, conduct rescue
operations, arranging temporary shelters for victims of emergencies etc. NGOs that operate at the
grassroots or local levels connects to the community more than the federal agencies and as a
result they can invoke community involvement (Mondal et al., 2019). In fact, these organizations
(NGOs) often work to address unmet needs created by gaps in conditions of governmental
disaster relief (Sylves, 2019, p.70) and provide advocacy for disaster management which they
often get accreditation for serving as partners of advocacy at different levels (Asha Bhavan
Center, 2017).
Evaluate the role faith-based organizations play, or should play, in the overall disaster
management process.
In 2004 when the National Incident Management (NIMS) was established, it paved the
way for the federal government’s approach to all hazard response management and coordination
among the state and local government, however NIMS is not a management plan and does not
allocate resource but it enables local jurisdictions to take control at the local level for response
activities and as a result has recognized the efforts of NGOs and how it helps in emergency
management (Josh, 2010). Faith-Based Organizations (FBO) are a very important subset of
nonprofit organizations. According to Goldberg (2015, p 40), churches and similar houses of
worship are not considered to be FBOs however they can and do act as FBOs in their mission
work and engagement with the community. They present a distinctive side that allows them to be
successful in disaster relief. A Red Cross poll after 9/11 projected that over 60 percent of
respondents would seek help from a spiritual caregiver in a disaster situation in comparison to 45
percent who would seek out a physician and 40 percent who would seek out a mental health
provider (Goldberg, 2015, pp. 44-45) These organizations range from nonprofit organizations to
local churches and religious groups and are guided by many factors that propel them to do what
they do but one major factor is living by the moral principle of helping the needy which is a
major faith-based tradition. According to Goldberg (2015, 5) faith-based organizations are there
to alleviate the disaster relief fatigue expected at the national level because they possess the
flexibility and the power to shift their focus to support the community in times of disaster and
have the financial strength to provide key resources for their local communities.
They are major players in disaster management and as a result, all levels of governments
have accepted them in emergency management plans. FBOs provide critical services and help
prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from incidents in the community and many
emergency mangers often reach out to faith-based community organizations to provide support
during and after incidents. However, the partnership between a faith-based organization and
emergency managers are not always defined in advanced of an incident rather they are formed as
a result of ad-hoc agreements based on emerging needs (DHS 2018, p.6). Many of FBOs take on
roles as part of the community response to an emergency. Some serve as community shelters,
providing meals and support to other responders. Faith based organizational efforts were
recognized in 2009 by President Barrack Obama who introduced the Office of Faith-Based and
Neighborhood Partnerships to support partnership among government at all levels and non-profit
organizations both secular and faith-based to better assist families and communities (Brown,
2015).
Describe 1 faith-based organization that plays a major role in disaster management.
A typical faith-based organization that plays a major role in disaster management is
Salvation Army. It first experienced its first emergency support assistance in 1900 after a
hurricane hit Galveston, Texas (Salvation Army, 2022). The organization was called into action
by its commander Frederick Booth-Tucker to help feed and shelter thousands of survivors and
provide emotional and spiritual support and since the organization has responded to many natural
disasters which includes transportation accidents, civil unrest, terrorist attacks etc. Through the
organization’s, Disaster Relief and Recovery programs, the organization helps communities,
families and individuals responds and recover from disasters and help in enforcing community-
led programs that increase their power to recover and be prepared for future emergencies or
events. The organization has provided over $89.8 million in support to victims of disaster locally
and internationally over the last ten years (The Salvation Army, 2022). The funds that the
organization uses to support disaster relieve actions are received from donors who support its
mission.
Conclusion and Christian Worldview
NGO’s role in emergency management is very crucial since they can connect more with
local communities and the other levels of government. Through these organizations, individuals
who are mostly affected by crisis or certain disasters do not have to solely depend on
governmental support to recover from disasters. Now individuals and certain communities can
get help from NGOs which aid them in their disaster recovery process. The Bible says in
Ephesians 4:32 that “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in
Christ God forgave you”. This message reflects on NGOs assistance in emergency response and
recovery through which they generously make provisions for those affected by disasters whether
man-made or natural.
References
Brown, J. (2015, April 24). Faith-based organizations are being recognized for their vital
position in emergency preparedness, response and recovery. GovTech.
https://www.govtech.com/em/disaster/churches-playing-growing-role-emergency-managemente
FEMA. (2018, June). Engaging Faith-based and Community Organizations Planning
Considerations for Emergency Managers. FEMA.gov.
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/engaging-faith-based-and-community-
organizations.pdf
Goldberg, Z. (2015). Faith-Based Organizations in Disaster Relief: Locally-Based Strategies for
a Higher Demand Future Strategies for a Higher Demand Future. Syracuse University Honors
Program Capstone Projects. 831, 1–78. https://surface.syr.edu/honors_capstone/831
Joshi, P. (2010, February). Faith-Based and Community Organizations’ Participation in
Emergency Preparedness and Response Activities. RTI International.
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_faith-communities_desk-study-final-
report_1.pdf
Salvation Army. (n.d.). Our Services - The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services.
Retrieved August 1, 2022, from https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/metroeds/our-services/
The Salvation Army. (2022). Disaster Relief and Recovery. World Service Office.
https://www.sawso.org/sawso/disaster-relief-and-recovery
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