Volunteer Opportunity
Join DE BEST for a Sussex County deployment beginning Monday, October 13 with 24/7 coverage beginning at 10:00am in Magnolia in response to flooding/expected flooding.
Help connect residents and responders with mental wellness resources, emergency preparedness guidance, and the Delaware Hope Line. Your presence promotes safety, resilience, and community recovery.
You will be sent an email from cpeart@udel.edu with location. Please monitor your email for deployment instructions.
DE BEST Contact: Celeste Peart, 302-383-3139, cpeart@udel.edu
Your Role as a Volunteer
- Staff a DE BEST table at a resource center, shelter, assistance site, or POD or walk with VOAD/partner teams to engage impacted residents
- Distribute brochures, handouts, and Hope Line materials
- Observe survivors and responders and provide ssupportive, compassionate communication; provide basic Psychological First Aid (PFA) when appropriate
- Build connections with local partners and document unmet needs
Note: This deployment prioritizes outreach, support, and information-sharing. Volunteers to use PFA skills when engaging with community members or responders showing signs of distress.
Prepare for Your Shift
We recommend making sure you are familiar with the site: https://www.helpisherede.com/health-care-providers/dtrn360 before your shift. A PFA refersher could be viewed at:
A quick PFA refressher and familiarity with the the resources available for you to share will help you feel more confident and well-prepared.
Deployed Volunteers should:
- Dress for weather conditions, waterproof footwear, layers, hat/rain gear
- Bring your DE BEST vest, ID, charged phone, portable charger, and water/snacks
- Carry Hope Line cards and at least one additional support resource (these and Guidance cards will be provided for link/referalls)
Volunteer Requirements
- Complete required trainings through DETRAIN.org (PFA or CCP)
- Sign the Code of Conduct and Photo Release Waiver (digitally)
- Upload all certificates to your SERVDE.org profile
- Be confirmed as a fully qualified volunteer by DE BEST staff
If you’re unsure whether you're fully onboarded, visit our Volunteer Onboarding Page for a complete checklist. DE BEST staff will contact you if any documentation is missing. If you receive the confirmation email without follow-up, you’re all set to attend!
After You Sign Up
- We’ll review your profile to verify eligibility
- Approved volunteers will receive an email with exact meeting location, parking, and site safety notes
- A final reminder will be sent the morning of your shift
Clock in/out using: the Causer app or the web portal link in your final email. After your shift, you’ll be asked to report:
- Approximate number of people engaged
- Number of resources distributed and any notable unmet needs
Need Help?
Questions or special considerations? Email DEBESTvolunteers@gmail.com.
