Grounded Boots Relief is a volunteer-led organization built on structure, coordination, and trust. At the top of that structure is the community we serve, followed by our Board of Directors, the executive branch, and then our team leaders who manage operations in the field. It might sound complex, but the system works because we generally follow the Incident Command System (ICS) model which has a proven framework used nationwide to ensure clear communication and efficient leadership during emergencies.

 

ICS helps prevent confusion by defining responsibilities and reporting lines before a crisis begins. Volunteers know who to report to, leaders know who they are responsible for, and no one is left trying to manage information outside their scope. This system ensures smooth coordination between teams and keeps operations safe, organized, and effective.

 

Our Volunteer Coordinator plays a central role in this structure. Before any deployment, they review volunteer check-ins, confirm emergency contacts, and assess qualifications and interests. Based on that information, they assign appropriate roles within the organization and provide the necessary equipment. Volunteers are given color-coded wristbands, vests, or shirts to help identify their positions in the field. Training materials are distributed as needed, ensuring that each person has the tools and knowledge to succeed.

During deployments, the Volunteer Coordinator tracks who is checked in, who is in the field, and who has completed their shifts. This accountability supports safety and keeps operations running smoothly. Between deployments, the coordinator reviews new applications, contacts applicants by phone and email, and keeps volunteers informed about upcoming opportunities.

 

We are actively seeking additional Volunteer Coordinators. These individuals will be trained to match volunteers with roles that fit their skills and interests while supporting overall readiness. It is a key position that keeps the organization organized and effective, and it ensures every person knows their role and purpose. Remote volunteerism is possible in this position, especially when it comes to intake and the organization of new recruits.

You may have visited our website before, but if you have not seen it in the past week, you have not really seen it. Groundedbootsrelief.org just received a major overhaul, and it looks far better than the original version. The new layout reflects our updated purpose and our growth as an organization. While our original site was adequate, we still have the mentality that "a good plan violently executed today is better than a perfect plan next week". It is next week. Our site reflects it.

As Giving Tuesday approaches, we want to remind our supporters that Grounded Boots Relief is actively fundraising for essential winter-response equipment. If you plan to donate to a local nonprofit this season, we ask that you consider supporting our mission.

 

We are currently working to raise funds for two critical additions to our Kawasaki Teryx: a snow plow blade and a utility trailer. These tools will expand our ability to reach homes and communities during snow events. Much of our local infrastructure is not designed to clear secondary roads quickly, which leaves many areas isolated during winter storms. With the right equipment, we can assist emergency services by clearing access routes and reaching residents who may otherwise be cut off.

 

Our operational range extends up to 500 miles from Henderson County. Winter storms outside our region may also require a response, and these upgrades will allow us to deploy safely and effectively when that happens.

 

Every contribution goes directly toward mission-focused equipment and response capability. Your support helps us stay ready when the roads get rough and the work gets cold.

If you would like to contribute today, you can donate through our GiveButter campaign using this link.  

Up to 60 percent of volunteer hours go 
untracked in small and mid-sized nonprofits
  Many organizations cannot account for the majority of the work their volunteers perform, which leads to lost funding opportunities and unclear operational pictures.  
Source: Goldenvolunteer.com

This past week made it clear how much we need dedicated volunteer coordinators. I know the newsletter already touches on this, but the weight of it has not left my mind. We have many volunteers who are not seeing our emails, likely because of the unforgiving spam filters that bury them. Calling people directly has become essential if we want to make real first contact and keep everyone in the loop.

 

A volunteer coordinator keeps us aligned and ensures that when the call comes, our volunteers are ready to mobilize. During an approaching disaster, that responsibility currently falls on me while I juggle far too many other tasks. If someone asked us today to deliver off-road groceries to families who need help, I could not say with certainty who would be able to show up. That is on me, and it tells me exactly where the gap is. So with sincerity, if you have the time and ability to take on the role of volunteer coordinator, we would be grateful- I would be grateful.

 

As Thanksgiving approaches, I keep returning to the idea of gratitude. Next week, I will share a few specifics about the people and moments that shaped this year, though the full list is far longer than I could ever fit here. For now, here is the teaser: I am grateful for you. Every person who believes in this mission, reads our updates, donates, shares our work, or encourages us forward plays a part in shaping what Grounded Boots Relief is becoming. You help make the world better. You help keep this organization moving. So, from the bottom of my heart... Thank you.