PowerPoint Presentation

Creating Virtual Teams to Monitor CrisisCheryl BledsoeExecutive Directorwww.VirtualEMA.org @VirtualEMA | @CherylBle

23 years in Government 9-1-1 Technology ManagerVirtual EMA DirectorEmergency Manager#SMEM #VOST

@VirtualEMA CMy Experience

Course ObjectivesCase StudyWhy Virtual TeamsTypes of Virtual TeamsHow to Create Virtual TeamsFuture Impact

@VirtualEMA

3

VOST in the News

@VirtualEMA

4

Social Media Changes Emergency ResponseProvides the ability for information to be shared rapidly

Increases the amount of visual data that is available from people on the scene

Offers Emergency Response Organizations access to a Haystack of information

@VirtualEMA

5

Defining Virtual TeamsHumanitarian OrganizationsRed Cross | Humanity RoadTechnical GroupsCrisis Mappers | GWOBVirtual Operation Support Teams Team of Trusted agents, organized and directed by EM Response Organizations Incident Management TeamsIncident PIOs Emergency Operations Centers

VOST teams are given social media and web-based missions to manage@VirtualEMA

6

Benefits of a Virtual TeamAbility to Focus on WebVariety of Skills & Abilities Available, based on networks of participantsAbility to See Trends & IssuesProvides a Filter for EM Response Agencies

@VirtualEMA

7

Types of Virtual Team Missions

Wildfire: Slower Evolving MissionsDevelop Incident PresenceDisseminate & AmplifyOften in Rural Communities

Dynamic Incidents: (Tornadoes / Severe Weather)Find unaddressed concernsGather Damage Assessment

Law Enforcement:Intelligence / Monitoring

Training / Exercise:Practice, Practice, Practice

@VirtualEMA

8

Step 1: EM Organization activates VOST team leader,(or VOST decides to self-deploy if pre-arranged with criteria)

Response Organisation

EM Decision MakerStep 2: VOST Team Leadactivates local and nonlocal team members

TL

VOST Activation

@VirtualEMA

9

VOST Instance Cycle@VirtualEMA

VOST expands/contracts according to IC principles:- Be prepared to call for assistance from more #SMEM volunteers or other VOSTs as needed. This highlights the importance of establishing trusted relationships with #SMEM community early.

Deactivation, discussion, documentation, AARAfter instance is completed, continue backchannel discussion, discuss what worked & what didnt, document and report, share with the #SMEM and #VOST involved in incident. (collaborative text)

VOST exercises between activations to stay current on tools and social media platforms.

#SMEMWater#SMEMchat#VOSTchat#30Days30Ways

10

EM Decision MakerTaskedInformation findingSpot Trends Information disseminationAutonomousMonitoring public voiceAmplifying official messageResponse OrganisationQuestions/TasksVOST Trusted AgentsMonitorCurateAmplifyAnswers/Response

@VirtualEMA How can VOST assist EM Agencies?

11

Emergency Managers (from other areas), Public Information Officers, Intel Analysts, High-Tech Staff, Social Media Savvy Supporters, Students and Volunteers from diverse backgrounds!

@VirtualEMA Who Makes Up a VOST Team?

12

United States

New Zealand

Canada

Europe@VirtualEMA Where Are Virtual Teams Currently?

Referencing sources. 13

Preparing a Virtual TeamEmergency Management EntityUnderstand the NeedBecome Familiar with Social MediaIdentify Types of MissionsAchieve Agency Buy-InRecruit Team MembersEstablish ProtocolsTrain/Exercise

@VirtualEMA

14

End of PresentationContact Information:

Cheryl Bledsoe (@cherylble) Email: cbledsoe@virtualema.org

Website: www.VirtualEMA.org Phone: 503-250-4882 (cell/text)Contact Information

@VirtualEMA

Author (s)15

QUESTIONS?Please provide session feedback via the conference mobile app.