D6840 Disaster Response

When disaster strikes, Rotarians and their clubs invariably want to get involved and help with either financial support or direct service.  The District in its role to support club activities has developed the following policies and procedures to help clubs succeed in their disaster response efforts.  The District’s actions will vary depending on two variables: 

 

 1) the interest of the clubs in making financial contributions and/or providing direct services to those in need

 

 2) the location of the disaster whether it be local, national, or international.

 

The District Governor in consultation with the Chair of the District 6840 Foundation will determine when to initiate these policies and procedures.
 

 The Rotary District 6840 Foundation can receive tax deductible donations and disburse funds raised.   Links to Information on donations via credit card and check can be found in the panel to the left.  

           

The Rotary District 6840 Foundation Board has a process whereby clubs submit proposals for grants from the Foundation to assist in relief activities.  See the Grant Application link to the left.

 

The Board has created a process to review the proposals quickly so that funds can be disbursed in a timely fashion.  Funds are distributed on a first come, first served basis.

 

For disasters outside our region, the Foundation will receive donations from individuals and clubs in the same fashion as local disasters. Links to Information on donations via credit card and check can be found in the panel to the left.  The Chair of the District 6840 Foundation will work closely with the District Governor and The Rotary Foundation to contact the districts involved to donate funds collected.

 

 

In the aftermath of local and national disasters District Rotarians often want to provide direct services to those in need.  The District is partnering with Stability.org (associated with Ground Force Humanitarian Aid, formerly known as the Cajun Navy) to mobilize our members quickly when disasters strike.  They will alert us to volunteer opportunities available.  District Rotarians and their friends and families can sign-up now to receive notices of these opportunities.  Signing up does not mean there is an obligation to volunteer.  It just means you will be notified on volunteer opportunities available and how to take part if you desire.  And there are many possibilities in disaster response that don't require physical labor. 

 

To be prepared if you may be interested in helping out, you should sign up now to receive notices.  To do that, just go to stability.org and click "join." 

 

If you have questions, the president of your club has the information, and the District contact is the Chair of our Disaster Response Committee.  See the 6840.org District Organizational Chart on the website home page  for the contact information of the current chair. 

 

If the District Governor receives requests from District Rotarians who want to volunteer in response to international disasters, he/she  will contact Rotary International and others to seek information on service opportunities available.

 

 

Amended August 2025

PDG Randy Feldman