Want to Volunteer?
RDN volunteers meet and train on a scheduled basis each year to stay up to date on the latest processes, codes and forms outlined by the BC Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) and to be equipped to assist in RDN emergency response activities.
Emergency Social Services (ESS) team volunteers - currently accepting applications
In smaller emergencies, ESS team volunteers participate in an on-call rotation to be deployed and provide short-term basic needs referrals to displaced residents. In emergencies requiring large-scale evacuations, ESS team volunteers provide short-term basic needs assistance to displaced residents in evacuee Reception Centres or Group Lodging and Recovery Centres.
Learn more about RDN Emergency Support Services.
Interested in submitting an application? Email us at %20emergencyservices [at] rdn.bc.ca (EmergencyServices[at]RDN[dot]bc[dot]ca).
Emergency Communications team (ECT) volunteers - Contact our partners CECA and OECA to learn more
Emergency Amateur Radio Communications teams test and maintain radio and satellite equipment to ensure they are operationally ready if required. ECT volunteers provide emergency communications (amateur radio) support for the Regional District of Nanaimo, District of Lantzville and Emergency Management Oceanside, an emergency program collaboration between the RDN, City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach. Volunteers also provide communications response support in some activations of the RDN Emergency Operations Centre should day-to-day communications systems fail.
Lean more about CECA and OECA.
RDN volunteer requirements
Volunteer placement is based RDN needs as well as your volunteer availability, skills, and interests. All volunteer placements require a probationary period of at least 6 months, and some require the completion of member-in-training criteria before full team member status is attained.
All volunteers must
- Be at least 16 years of age (parental/guardian consent required for applicants under 18)
Steps to volunteering
- Submit a volunteer application form
- Interview with RDN Emergency Services team members
- Submit references for checking
- Pass and maintain a valid Criminal Record Check (cost covered by RDN)
- Complete a Volunteer Disclosure/Code of Conduct Consent and Photo Release
- Pass a probationary period with RDN and commit to specified training and/or team activities and/or volunteer duration
- Attend an emergency preparedness workshop and demonstrate personal emergency preparedness
Volunteers with response support or potential response support roles must
- Complete mandatory training courses specified by EMCR and delivered by Justice Institute of BC
- Complete Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer registration forms
- Complete EMCR processes and forms
RDN reserves the right to decline volunteer opportunities to specific teams or in general; to extend probationary periods and to dismiss candidates and volunteers based on conditions defined in the volunteer code of conduct, which candidates sign on intake.
If you have questions about volunteer opportunities or the recruitment process, please email us at %20emergencyservices [at] rdn.bc.ca (EmergencyServices[at]RDN[dot]bc[dot]ca).