Team Development Arcs: Difference between revisions
From Portland NET Wiki
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=== VSF Gap Analysis === | === VSF Gap Analysis === | ||
'''''Learning objective:''''' | '''''Learning objective:'''''Team members will understand the purpose of Volunteer Support Functions (VSFs), identify their own areas of specialization, and consider how their team’s mix of VSFs can strengthen neighborhood response. | ||
Facilitation: | |||
Begin by explaining that PBEM organizes all volunteers (NETs, BEECN, ATVs) into Volunteer Support Functions (VSFs). These are specialized areas of disaster skills or knowledge—such as Search & Rescue, Medical, Communications, Logistics, or Public Information. VSFs serve two main purposes: they allow volunteers to deepen skills in areas they’re interested in, and they give teams and PBEM a clear picture of what capabilities exist across the city. | |||
Provide a simple overview of how VSFs work: | |||
All NETs are automatically assigned to Search & Rescue unless they request a different VSF. | |||
NETs can request to change their Primary VSF or add a Secondary VSF at any time by emailing PBEM. | |||
ATVs must declare a VSF in order to be active, and this happens in consultation with the Team Leader. | |||
BEECN-only volunteers are automatically assigned to Public Information, but can also select a Secondary VSF. | |||
If possible, bring a copy of the VSF Directory or project it on screen so the team can see the full range of functions. Facilitate a group discussion: | |||
Ask members which VSFs they are currently assigned to. | |||
Have them share why they chose their VSF (or why they might want to change). | |||
Identify what mix of VSFs your team currently has—for example, lots of Search & Rescue, but few Medical or Comms. | |||
Guide the team to think about how this mix affects their capacity in an activation. Would they benefit from encouraging a few members to explore Medical, Logistics, or Comms? Make it clear that volunteers don’t have to be experts right away—the VSF structure is meant to help people learn and grow in areas they enjoy. | |||
Wrap up by encouraging interested members to contact PBEM if they want to update their VSF, and consider recording your team’s VSF mix on your NETwiki page for future reference. | |||
Debrief Questions: | |||
*Which VSFs are represented on our team right now? Where are the gaps? | |||
*How might our neighborhood benefit from having more balance across VSFs? | |||
*Who is interested in exploring a new VSF or declaring a Secondary VSF? | |||
*How can we support each other in building depth in these areas (peer training, shared resources, guest speakers)? | |||
=== Neighborhood Profile Discussion === | === Neighborhood Profile Discussion === | ||
