Big Changes at Chandler CERT

For some time the Chandler CERT Council has acknowledged that the structure the Council was operating under was not working as well as we wanted and not serving our members as well as it could.  We have been exploring alternatives for several months and at the Council meeting on Wednesday, August 17 we adopted a new structure, for at least the next year.  We expect that there will be some changes as we figure out what works and what doesn't work.  But we believe that the new structure is flexible enough for us to mold to our needs.

Effective Wednesday August 17, 2011 we have dissolved the CERT Council.  In its place we have established 3 committees, Administration,Operations, and Training. 

Administration Committee - This group manages the CERT records, including member documentation of training and community events. This group also oversees the issuing of badges on an annual basis, and maintains the membership and training records. Some areas that members can assist in are:

Communications - To manage communication between/among the various committees of Chandler CERT.  This group also oversees the Chandler CERT website. Keep members apprised of needs, welfare and accomplishments of the CERT members

Marketing/Outreach - Actively promoting Chandler CERT within the larger Chandler community, including items such as: community outreach presentations, advertising, HOA/organization presentations.

Membership/Records - Help to manage, mentor and assist new CERT members with their involvement within the Chandler CERT program.  Assists with record keeping for the CERT Members

Operations Committee - This group manages the deployment of CERT members and equipment for specific assignments.  Examples include but not limited to:

Events (non-emergency) - Support and coordinate all community events where Chandler CERT actively participates and requires logistics.

Logistics - Manage the Chandler CERT equipment, including the CERT trailer and Storm Response boxes.  If these items need to be moved, committee members would oversee that relocation for use by the Operations group.

Specialty - Manage the organization, setup and deployment of the Chandler CERT specialty focus teams, i.e.; Storm Response, or REHAB Teams.

             Training Committee - This group manages all Chandler CERT training classes.

Basic Training Classes - Schedule, coordinate and oversee the completion of the G317 Basic Training Class.

Ongoing Advanced Training - Manage the scheduling, coordination, setup and completion of advanced training classes for continuing members.

Each committee will have 2 co-chairs and within each committee there are sub-committees with specific areas of responsibility.  The committee co-chairs will report to Battalion Chief Rob McLeod, the Chandler CERT Coordinator.  This is a system similar to one used by the Chandler Fire Department that encourages input and participation throughout the Department. 

Temporary co-chairs have been appointed by Chief McLeod.  The temporary co-chairs are Shauna Hainz and Jay London in Administration, Joe Zigon and Bernie Korczyk in Operations and Matt Kramer and Aaron Schmidt in Training.  The plan is to have permanent co-chairs in place well before the end of the year.  Any active Chandler CERT member is eligible to be a committee co-chair.  Permanent co-chairs will be selected by Chief McLeod.  If you are interested in becoming a co-chair please submit your name and contact information to certadmin@chandleraz.gov.

So what does this actually mean?  It means that:

·      There is no more CERT Council and no more monthly CERT Council meetings.

·      There will be fewer meetings, of all kinds, but more communication between committee co-chairs, members and Chief McLeod.

·      Any member who has considered being active in CERT but was daunted by the commitment required, has an opportunity to participate at whatever level they can.

·      Chandler CERT's affiliation with the Chandler Fire Department is stronger than ever.

·      The areas of responsibility under the Council structure are accounted for within sub-committees, but this provides everyone with more flexibility.

·      Your participation is encouraged and welcomed at whatever level you can offer.

All Chandler CERT members are strongly encouraged to comment, choose at least one committee of interest, and to participate.  We invite you to contact certadmin@chandleraz.gov to select the committee(s) that you would like to assist with.  We strongly believe that this new structure will welcome new ideas, more participants and will require less of a commitment from members than the old Council structure required.