Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)/Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD)

​Illinois VOAD is the state chapter of the national VOAD. Illinois VOAD’s role is to bring voluntary organizations active in disaster response throughout the state together for response, relief and recovery efforts. The Illinois VOAD adheres to the “4Cs”: cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration. These principles serve as the foundation for the Illinois VOAD as it collaborates with local, regional and national partners in times of disaster. COADs use community disaster education, hazard analysis, training exercises, classes for community leadership, local emergency management plans, and the expertise of its members to increase disaster awareness for the whole community.

Serve Illinois Commission staff serve in the capacity as the state's Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL) whereby they are working as a partner with Illinois VOAD in all phases of disaster.

ILLINOIS VOAD MISSION

The Illinois VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) is the forum where organizations share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle - preparation, response and recovery - to help disaster survivors and their communities.

Members of the Illinois VOAD form a coalition of nonprofit organizations that respond to disasters as part of their overall mission.

LOCAL COAD/VOADs

While the Illinois VOAD is a statewide organization, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster or Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) can and should also exist locally to respond as part of local response function. Updated maps with those that exist and contact information are under development.