5.2. SR 01-27-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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education and training opportunities, stimulating wide-spread participation, and organizing volunteer programs to increase the safety of your community. Having duplicative efforts or competing entities is not productive. Depending on the size of your community, you may need to have a steering committee within the Citizen Corps Council and subcommittees to focus on partic- ular efforts. Subcommittees could be assigned a par- ticular function, such as marketing and communica- tions, or a particular focus, such as K-12 education on emergency preparedness. THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADEIhSHIP Leadership within thc council is critical for success. This leader could be an elected community official, an execu- tive with one of your community's major employers, the head of your community's economic development group, or a leader t~om the volunteer commtmity. Because of the first rcsponder's role in the event of an !'emergency, it is suggested that first responder represcnta- take thc lead role for the council. most important qualifications for the leader of the the ability to motivate team members to collective goal of making your community a to live, work, and play and of providing · ' for all citizens to participate; and a eom- to broad community representation. If the official is not the operational leader of the it will be critical that he or she provide clear and support ro the council through public endorse- be kept informed of council activities. ILITIES OF THE CoRPs COUNCIL this initiative provides tremendous flexibility to implement Citizen Corps in a way that your community, some general ~onsibilities of the local organizing group include: Creating an action plan to involve the community preparedness, and response activities [ to mobilize the community in a large-scale event; ways in which the community's volunteer can help meet the needs of its first responders; ~ Working with existing neighborhood leaders, or creating a neighborhood leadership structure, to design a systematic approach to educate the public and encourage Citizen Corps participation through- out the community; * Spearheading efforts to offer citizens new and existing volunteer opportunities, educational informa- tion, and training courses to address crime, terrorism, public health issues, and natural disaster risks; ~: Recognizing all activities that promote preven- tion, preparedness and response training as a part of Citizen Corps and encouraging new endeavors; ~ Organizing special projects and community events to promote Citizen Corps activities and recruiting volunteers to participate; ~ Fostering a spirit of mutual support by working with Citizen Corps Councils in neighboring commu- nities and jurisdictions to be able to share resources in times of need; ~ Capturing innovative practices and reporting accomplishments to the state coordinator for Citizen Corps; and ~ Surveying your community to assess increased awareness and Citizen Corps participation. LIABILITY ISSUES Councils should consult with a local attorney regarding any risks or liabilities that might arise from its activities· Most local bar associations encourage members to provide pro bono (free of charge) services to worthwhile causes. A council's potential exposure to liability for acts or omissions of its staff or volunteers will vary from state to state· Individuals who participate in council activities should be advised of their potential risks of liability under state law as well. Some volunteer activities may be covered by so-called Good Samaritan laws in the various states, these laws protect volunteers who render assistance in limited circumstances. Councils may consider obtaining release from liability and similar instruments if the local counsel deems it necessary. A compendium of state liability laws is available at www. citizencorps.gov/ccorps.·