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2023-2024 NET Program Realignment: Difference between revisions

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2023-2024 NET Program Realignment (view source)

Revision as of 22:14, 13 November 2023

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==== 1.) Centralized deployments and self deployments ====
==== 1.) Centralized deployments and self deployments ====
In its history, NETs have never self deployed. To review: a NET self deployment is OK'd by PBEM when two key conditions are met: 1.) a citywide disaster is taking place; and 2.) regular communication systems are not functional. When those conditions are met, the expectation is that NETs check themselves/family/immediate neighbors to make sure they're OK. If so, they deploy to their staging areas and commence their Team Operations Plans.
In its history, NETs have never self deployed. To review: a NET self deployment happens when two key conditions are met: 1.) a citywide disaster is taking place; and 2.) regular communication systems are not functional. With those conditions met, NETs check themselves/family/immediate neighbors to make sure they're not injured. If so, they deploy to their staging areas and put their Team Operations Plans into action.


'''Only an earthquake, therefore, would ever prompt NETs to self deploy.'''<ref>...or an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). But in this stage of the conversation, I don't think it's particularly helpful to explore the horrifying implications of that. https://www.economist.com/the-world-if/2017/07/13/the-disaster-that-could-follow-from-a-flash-in-the-sky</ref> All other NET deployments have always been, and envisioned ever as, centralized through PBEM. In other words, when there is an emergency, PBEM decides:
'''But only an earthquake, therefore, would ever prompt NETs to self deploy.'''<ref>...or an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). But in this stage of the conversation, I don't think it's particularly helpful to explore the horrifying implications of that. https://www.economist.com/the-world-if/2017/07/13/the-disaster-that-could-follow-from-a-flash-in-the-sky</ref> All other NET deployments have always been, and ever envisioned as, centralized through PBEM. In other words, when there is an emergency, PBEM decides:


* ''Whether'' to deploy volunteers
* ''Whether'' to deploy volunteers;
* ''Where'' they will deploy from or to
* ''Where'' they will deploy from or to;
* ''What'' responsibilities volunteers will take on
* ''What'' responsibilities volunteers will take on;
* ''When'' the response period(s) will be
* ''When'' the response period(s) will be;
* ''How'' volunteers will be kept reasonably safe
* ''How'' volunteers will be kept reasonably safe.


In a self deployment, NETs propose answers to all of the above in their Operations Plans. But if NETs only self deploy for an earthquake, Operations Plans are, in fact, earthquake response plans.
In a '''''self deployment''''', NETs propose answers to all of the above in their Operations Plans. But if NETs only self deploy for an earthquake, Operations Plans are, in fact, earthquake response plans.


So: one reason NETs meet as a team is to plan their earthquake response and forward their <s>Operations Plans</s> earthquake response plans to PBEM.  
So: one reason NETs meet as a team is to plan their earthquake response and forward their <s>Operations Plans</s> earthquake response plans to PBEM.  
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==== 2.) Training and socializing ====
==== 2.) Training and socializing ====
[[File:Disasterville.jpg|thumb|''NETs playing the [https://nationalcert.org/resources/cert-activity-kits/disasterville Disasterville] board game earlier in 2023.'']]
[[File:Disasterville.jpg|thumb|''NETs playing the [https://nationalcert.org/resources/cert-activity-kits/disasterville Disasterville] board game earlier in 2023.'']]
But earthquake response planning is not the only reason we've heard from teams that they organize and meet with each other. They also meet to:
But earthquake response planning is not the only reason teams organize and meet with each other. They also meet to:


* '''Train together.''' This is done on different scales...everywhere from tabletop exercises to full blown comprehensive search and rescue at [[Scenario Village]]. Training together as a team is important because team members should build relationships and working routines ''before'' they need to work together in an intense response situation.
* '''Train together.''' This is done on different scales...everywhere from tabletop exercises to full blown comprehensive search and rescue at [[Scenario Village]]. Training together as a team is important because team members should build relationships and working routines ''before'' they need to work together in an intense response situation.
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=== A few of the NET program's known issues ===
=== A few of the NET program's known issues ===
I believe that some of the NET program's "known issues" are caused by a misalignment in what we're doing, and/or I believe a realignment can resolve those issues. Those include:
I believe that some of the NET program's "known issues" are caused by a MIS-alignment in what we're doing, and I believe a RE-alignment can resolve those issues. Those include:


* '''NET meeting attendance is low.''' Ever since the COVID pandemic, NET leaders report low meeting attendance at regular meetings. At the same time, a few exceptions aside, NET volunteers fill the deployment requests that PBEM makes. This leads me to conclude that low meeting attendance is not due to volunteers not feeling engaged. I admit that I'm not entirely sure the reason for the drop off in meetings. Anecdotes and my own educated guesswork<ref>One of the survey questions I will be asking, though, is "If you haven't been to a NET meeting lately, why?"</ref> suggests it is because teams lack a mission and arc...a clear path that goes from "a group of loosely associated people who live in the same large geographic area" to "a prepared and knowledgeable team of confident volunteer disaster responders".
* '''NET meeting attendance is low.''' Ever since the COVID pandemic, NET leaders report low meeting attendance at regular meetings. At the same time, a few exceptions aside, NET volunteers fill the deployment requests that PBEM makes. This leads me to conclude that low meeting attendance is not due to volunteers not feeling engaged. I admit that I'm not entirely sure the reason for the drop off in meetings. Anecdotes and my own educated guesswork<ref>One of the survey questions I will be asking, though, is "If you haven't been to a NET meeting lately, why?"</ref> suggests it is because teams lack a mission and arc...a clear path that goes from "a group of loosely associated people who live in the same large geographic area" to "a prepared and knowledgeable team of confident volunteer disaster responders".
* '''Operations Plans are good but need to develop.''' PBEM began asking teams for Ops Plans in 2013. Since then, we've received some really good ones. But they need to move to the next stage. First, '''there is no template for Operations Plans''' and one is needed: both to bring clarity to NET volunteers, and to better apprise PBEM of team capabilities and to help PBEM staff know what NETs will be doing when self-deployed. Second, I believe all Ops Plans received by PBEM have only included trained NET volunteers. They should be inclusive of neighbors and ATVs as well; it is a glaring and troublesome omission.
* '''Operations Plans are good but need to develop.''' PBEM began asking teams for Ops Plans in 2013. Since then, we've received some really good ones. But they need to move to the next stage. First, '''there is no template for Operations Plans.''' A template ''is'' needed; both to bring clarity to NET volunteers, and to better inform PBEM of team capabilities and to help PBEM staff know what NETs will be doing when self-deployed. Second, I believe all Ops Plans received by PBEM have only included trained NET volunteers. They should be inclusive of neighbors and ATVs as well; it is a glaring and troubling omission.
* '''Team Service Area boundaries are not logical.''' For over 20 years, teams have organized by neighborhood association boundaries. But if we decide that a team's response area is for earthquake response, we cannot expect even a well organized and highly trained group of NETs to take on the area encompassed by even a small neighborhood association. The average Portland neighborhood is 2.5 square miles and has 16,000 people living in it.
* '''Team Service Area boundaries are not logical.''' For over 20 years, teams have organized by neighborhood association boundaries. But if we decide that a team's response area is for earthquake response, we cannot expect even a well organized and highly trained group of NETs to take on the area encompassed by even a small neighborhood association. The average Portland neighborhood is 2.5 square miles and has 16,000 people living in it. A robust NET of 30 highly trained volunteers would immediately spread themselves too thin.
* '''NETs want to engage with the neighbors who live around them.''' Related to the Service Area issue, Glenn and I hear consistently from NETs that they ''really'' want to help get their immediate neighborhoods prepared. That is, the level of the block, the street, or (in the case of apartment/condo buildings) the floor. But PBEM has not provided clear and engaging paths to doing that.
* '''NETs want to engage with the neighbors who live around them.''' Related to the Service Area issue, Glenn and I hear consistently from NETs that they want to help get their immediate neighborhoods prepared. That is, the level of the block, the street, or (in the case of apartment/condo buildings) the floor. But PBEM has not provided clear and engaging paths to doing that.


== Program Realignment Proposals ==
== Program Realignment Proposals ==
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# Are generally led by fully trained NET volunteers, but are made up mostly of prepared neighbors and ATVs;
# Are generally led by fully trained NET volunteers, but are made up mostly of prepared neighbors and ATVs;
# Have regular, well attended meetings that all members find engaging for purposes of training, socializing, or both;
# Have regular, well attended meetings that all members find engaging for purposes of training, socializing, or both;
# Maintain earthquake response plans that guide teams from goal to goal.
# Maintain earthquake response frameworks that guide teams from goal to goal.


This vision also includes a program of training opportunities for NET volunteers on multitudes of topics, and on a regularly occurring schedule.
This vision also includes a program of training opportunities for NET volunteers on multitudes of topics, and on a regularly occurring schedule.
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This might confuse folks a bit because '''a Training Center is a role for a ''person'', not a place.''' Calling this role a "training center" puts the parlance in line with organizations such as [https://goto.hsi.com/safety-management-software?leadsourcelvl1=MKT+-+Google+Adwords&leadsourcelvl2=EHS+-+US+-+Search&leadsourcelvl3=safety-management-software&kw=safety%20training%20programs&cpn=19753733452&utm_term=safety%20training%20programs&utm_campaign=SMS+-+US+-+Search+-+EHS+Essentials&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5110386882&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_cam=19753733452&hsa_ad=652468232856&hsa_kw=safety%20training%20programs&hsa_grp=147979472832&hsa_mt=b&hsa_ver=3&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=aud-470099037279:kwd-14027133&gclid=Cj0KCQiAr8eqBhD3ARIsAIe-buNZGM0PqhVO2p1ufMbrJ-BCnt8VdGKCmwYwO1CO7nAVW7AJEIDD7hIaApwrEALw_wcB HSI]. Glenn, for example, is an HSI Training Center.<ref>If you're wondering, HSI is the organization through which PBEM certifies for Stop the Bleed, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, and a smattering of other stuff.</ref> In that role, he can schedule HSI classes, assign instructors, and certify trainees. It's the same idea here, but for Portland NET. The role would be available to any active NET volunteer in good standing.
This might confuse folks a bit because '''a Training Center is a role for a ''person'', not a place.''' Calling this role a "training center" puts the parlance in line with organizations such as [https://goto.hsi.com/safety-management-software?leadsourcelvl1=MKT+-+Google+Adwords&leadsourcelvl2=EHS+-+US+-+Search&leadsourcelvl3=safety-management-software&kw=safety%20training%20programs&cpn=19753733452&utm_term=safety%20training%20programs&utm_campaign=SMS+-+US+-+Search+-+EHS+Essentials&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5110386882&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_cam=19753733452&hsa_ad=652468232856&hsa_kw=safety%20training%20programs&hsa_grp=147979472832&hsa_mt=b&hsa_ver=3&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=aud-470099037279:kwd-14027133&gclid=Cj0KCQiAr8eqBhD3ARIsAIe-buNZGM0PqhVO2p1ufMbrJ-BCnt8VdGKCmwYwO1CO7nAVW7AJEIDD7hIaApwrEALw_wcB HSI]. Glenn, for example, is an HSI Training Center.<ref>If you're wondering, HSI is the organization through which PBEM certifies for Stop the Bleed, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, and a smattering of other stuff.</ref> In that role, he can schedule HSI classes, assign instructors, and certify trainees. It's the same idea here, but for Portland NET. The role would be available to any active NET volunteer in good standing.


A Training Center would be responsible for coordinating (not necessarily instructing) multiple training events every year for NET, BEECN, and ATV volunteers. Dates/times/locations/frequency/event size of training events would be entirely up to them. Whatever a Training Center decides, PBEM publishes their training events to a training calendar accessible through MIP for signup. Optimally, a Training Center would put on training events that any volunteer can attend (in other words, a Training Center is "at large" and not defined by a neighborhood). But we can explore assigning a Training Center to a specific area of the City.
A Training Center would be responsible for coordinating (not necessarily instructing) multiple training events every year for NET, BEECN, and ATV volunteers. Dates/times/locations/frequency/event size of training events would be entirely up to them. Whatever a Training Center decides, PBEM publishes their training events to a training calendar accessible through MIP for signup. Optimally, a Training Center would put on training events that any volunteer can attend. In other words, a Training Center is "at large" and not defined by a neighborhood. But we can explore assigning a Training Center to a specific area of the City if NETs want that.


My model for this (though he may not know it) is Woodstock TL Mark Ginsberg. Mark puts on training events for his team, but also invites volunteers from other neighborhoods to participate as well. Not only does Mark bring volunteers together for learning new things or refreshing training, but it’s a chance for NETs to network together.  
My model for this (though he may not know it) is Woodstock TL Mark Ginsberg. Mark puts on training events for his team, but also invites volunteers from other neighborhoods to participate as well. Not only does Mark bring volunteers together for learning new things or refreshing training, but it’s a chance for NETs to network together.  


==== What we would need to make NET Training Centers work: ====
'''What we would need to make NET Training Centers work:'''
 
# '''A training/exercise cookbook:''' We would use the Wiki as a reference platform to present "recipes" for trainings and exercises that Training Centers could coordinate. Like what I did for the [[Scenario Village]] page, but on a smaller scale. For example, a Training Center could get onto the Wiki and read over how-to instructions on putting NETs through a knots training, or a small-scale triage exercise, or a quick refresher on using FRS/GMRS radios, or a scenario for a tabletop exercise. Now that we're getting CERT Coordinators all over Oregon working together, they are also interested in contributing to a team-scale training/exercise "cookbook".
# '''A training/exercise cookbook:''' We would use the Wiki as a reference platform to present "recipes" for trainings and exercises that Training Centers could coordinate. Like what I did for the [[Scenario Village]] page, but on a smaller scale. For example, a Training Center could get onto the Wiki and read over how-to instructions on putting NETs through a knots training, or a small-scale triage exercise, or a quick refresher on using FRS/GMRS radios, or a scenario for a tabletop exercise. Now that we're getting CERT Coordinators all over Oregon working together, they are also interested in contributing to a team-scale training/exercise "cookbook".
# '''A database of instructors:''' Again, Training Centers ''can'' instruct, but their primary responsibility is setting up training events. Some training events might need specialized knowledge. For this reason, we would create a database of qualified instructors. Only Training Centers would have access to it. Through it, Training Centers could request an instructor for a training in a specific topic. For example, the database might have a list of qualified Stop the Bleed (StB) instructors. If a Training Center wanted to put on a StB training, they could access the database and request an instructor.  
# '''A database of instructors:''' Again, Training Centers ''can'' instruct, but their primary responsibility is setting up training events. Some training events might need specialized knowledge. For this reason, we would create a database of qualified instructors. Only Training Centers would have access to it. Through it, Training Centers could request an instructor for a training in a specific topic. For example, the database might have a list of qualified Stop the Bleed (StB) instructors. If a Training Center wanted to put on a StB training, they could access the database and request an instructor.  
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