JOB AID: Event VCC Lead: Difference between revisions

The purpose of this article is to prep staff to serve as the Lead at a Volunteer Coordination Center (VCC) during a parade event. The Lead is the on-site volunteer manager and leads/assists with communications coordination.

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== VCC Lead KSAs and Equipment ==

'''A VCC Lead should have training and experience in:'''

# Communications management, particularly experience with whatever radio(s) the volunteers and ECC use for the event;

# Volunteer management.

'''''Supplemental'' (non-critical) KSAs include:'''

* Incident Command System (ICS) experience;

* Mental health crisis de-escalation;

* First aid certification (or higher).

* '''Radios''' '''and extra batteries:''' If the ECC is activated, check out an 800 MHz and make sure it is fully charged. If volunteers will operate on FRS/GMRS, bring one FRS/GMRS radio for each channel they may simultaneously communicate on so you can monitor all frequencies (for example: if they will use two channels and have two backup channels, you need two radios).

* '''Weather appropriate clothing:''' Be sure to check that weather forecast before your shift!

* '''Camp chair or camp stool:''' You might regret it if you don't bring one. If you're bringing chairs for the VCC area, you probably won't need one.

* '''Weather relevant supplies:''' If it's gonna be hot and sunny, make sure you have some shade, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If it's going to rain, make sure you have watertight footwear and a rain poncho or umbrella (and preferably some cover).

== The Volunteer Coordination Center (VCC) ==

# Distribute resources to volunteers (e.g. water, PPE, etc.);

# Check in and check out volunteers.

=== VCC Setup ===

* String lights or other light source if the event will take place at night.

[[File:Lights.jpg|alt=VCC during the 2023 Starlight Parade.|thumb|400x400px|''VCC during the 2023 Starlight Parade. Note the use of the string light in the canopy supports to help create a welcoming and defensive area.'']]

=== VCC Security ===

Remember that safety is the number one priority. VCC staff should not risk physical confrontations to prevent a theft. Instead, radio the incident in to the ECC to request help from nearby police officers.

=== VCC Roles ===

*'''Check-in/Check-out:''' Specializes in checking in the Parade Guides when they arrive at the post and giving them their barricade assignment. When a Parade Guide checks out, the person(s) in this role can accept the check-out either in person or by radio.

*'''Tactical Radio Lead:''' Monitors the FRS frequency Parade Guides are speaking on and moves the frequency if necessary.

*'''Lookout:''' Detailed to keep a security eye out at the VCC so others at the VCC are not distracted by prospective bad actors. Well suited to a volunteer with de-escalation training or skills.

== VCC Timeline ==

# '''Volunteer check-out:''' If the event is a parade, try to schedule rolling check-outs (having volunteers close their posts as the tail of the parade goes by) to make check-outs less chaotic and confusing. We let volunteers check out remotely over radio or phone if they have nothing that needs to be returned to the VCC. It's important to make sure ALL volunteers confirm check out, for as many as possible.  

# '''VCC breakdown:''' Once all volunteers are checked out, break down and load VCC equipment and head back to the ECC.