Membership Information

Member Organizations

The following types of organizations are invited to apply for membership of the Southwest Indiana COAD: voluntary, community, private or public entities, faith-based groups, and local businesses. There is no cost (other than your time) to participate in the Southwest Indiana COAD. Member Organizations enjoy:

• A voice in COAD decision-making processes

• Access to shared resources and best practices

• Representation on COAD committees and working groups

• Opportunities to collaborate with other organizations during disasters

• Enhanced visibility for your organization's disaster-related efforts

To become a Member Organization:

1. Review the information on this page,

2. Complete the membership application form,

3. Attend a Southwest Indiana COAD meeting to present your organization, and

4. Upon approval by majority vote, your organization will be welcomed as a member.

Note: Each Member Organization maintains its own identity and independence while collaborating with others during emergencies.

Voting Delegate

As a Voting Delegate of a COAD Member Organization, you play a crucial role in our collaborative network. This page outlines your responsibilities and expectations to ensure effective participation in our disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. There is no cost (other than your time) to participate in the Southwest Indiana COAD.

1. Representation: You are the primary liaison between the COAD and your organization. As such, you represent your organization's interests and capabilities within our network.

2. Voting: Your organization has one vote in Southwest Indiana COAD decisions. As the point-of-contact, you have the authority to cast this vote on behalf of your organization.

3. Decision-Making: You are empowered to make decisions for your organization within the context of COAD activities.

4. Communication: You are responsible for relaying information between the COAD and your organization, ensuring effective two-way communication.

Expectations

• Meeting Attendance:

  • Attend a minimum of two regular COAD meetings per calendar year.

  • Participate in the Annual Meeting held in October for elections and important decisions.

• Collaborative Participation:

  • Engage in communication, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration with other member organizations, especially during emergencies and disasters.

  • Maintain your organization's identity and independence while working collaboratively within the network.

• Resource Sharing:

  • Be prepared to share your organization's resources and capabilities during disaster response and recovery efforts, as appropriate.

  • Utilize shared resources responsibly and in accordance with COAD guidelines.

• Compliance:

  • Adhere to Southwest Indiana COAD membership requirements and bylaws.

  • Ensure proper use of disaster resources and avoid any acts of malfeasance.

• Continuous Improvement:

  • Participate in educational events and outreach programs organized by the COAD.

  • Contribute to the improvement of COAD processes and strategies.

Important Information

1. Membership Renewal: Your organization's membership is subject to annual review and renews automatically, unless the COAD is notified otherwise in writing (email swicoad@gmail.com with updates). Ensure continued compliance with the Southwest Indiana COAD criteria to maintain membership.

2. Voting Rights: Each member organization has one vote. As the point-of-contact, you are responsible for casting this vote or delegating it to another representative from your organization.

3. Board Participation: You may be nominated to serve on the Southwest Indiana COAD Board of Directors. Board members serve as individuals, not as representatives of their organizations.

4. Amendments: You have the right to propose amendments to the Southwest Indiana COAD Bylaws. Submit proposals to the Executive Committee for review.

5. Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information shared within COAD meetings and communications.

6. Contact Information: Keep your organization's contact information current with the COAD to ensure timely communication.

By fulfilling these expectations, you contribute significantly to COAD's mission of fostering effective disaster response and recovery in Southwest Indiana. Your active participation strengthens our network and enhances our collective ability to serve our communities in times of need.