FAITH EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
INITIATIVE
ADVISORY COUNCIL
PUBLIC
FAITH EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVE
SUMMARY
FAITH
FAITH
PRIVATE
FEPI ADVISORY COUNCIL
PARTNERS IN THE PLAN
STRENGTH FOR THE
SOLUTION
Submitted by Marg Pollon
Bridges of Love Ministry Society
Coordinator, FEPI Project
Administrator, FEPI
Advisory Council
Revised - July, 2010
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
In October, 2007 representatives from the Public, Private and Faith Sectors were invited to a
meeting to discuss a Regional Faith Community Summit on Pandemic Preparedness and
Response. This endeavor became a reality at Rocky Mountain College in Calgary on May
14/15, 2008.
Since this collaborative effort took place, members of the planning committee continued to
meet, forming the Regional Faith Community Emergency Preparedness Coalition. Recently this
group of 20 organizations/individuals representing the Public, Faith and Public Sectors has been
renamed the Faith Emergency Preparedness Initiative Advisory Council. These individuals
and groups have recognized the role the Faith Community could take and the positive impact
they could have at the grass roots level in an emergency.
The Advisory Council realizes the importance of having a coordinated effort to assist the
Emergency Management Agency. The purpose of the Faith Emergency Preparedness Initiative
Advisory Council, therefore, is to pave the way for members of the Faith Community to be
integrated, coordinated, and adequately trained with an appropriate response, PRIOR to a
crisis.
The decision was made in its inception to mobilize the Christian community first
developing a template which could be shared with other faith groups.
BRIDGES OF LOVE MINISTRY SOCIETY launched the “Faith Emergency Preparedness
Initiative” in 2008 mobilizing churches in Alberta to be ready to stand in the gap in the event of
an emergency. When our emergency management agencies are over-whelmed, the Christian
Community will be integrated into the Municipal Emergency Management structure, coordinated
and working with unity, ready to care for their communities.
A spirit of teamwork is essential with a sharing of expertise, resources, knowledge and practical
training as “Partners in the Plan gives Strength for the Solution.”
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FEPI Advisory Council
MISSION STATEMENT
FEPI ADVISORY COUNCIL’S MISSION STATEMENT &
DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES
To strengthen the emergency preparedness and response relationship between faith
community members and their local governments and, as a result, initiate the development of
an atmosphere of cooperation and trust between these constituencies.
Ultimately greater
understanding, shared responsibilities, increased collaborative accountability and activities, will
lead to an integrated action – orientated partnership.
The Alberta Faith Community has recognized a requirement for a coordinated approach to
emergencies and disasters that could occur causing a significant impact on communities in our
province.
An influenza pandemic specifically could have an overwhelming effect; adding
increased pressure on the existing emergency/health systems making it difficult to maintain a
sustained level of care.
The GOAL of the FEPI Advisory Council is to facilitate the development of an integrated
network of faith communities to complement and enhance performance with existing secular
emergency management organizations and to offer their support to the Faith Emergency
Preparedness Initiative Project. As Faith Communities collaborate with a sharing of resources
and expertise, the impact of disasters on individuals and communities, could be significantly
reduced.
PUBLIC
FAITH
FAITH
PRIVATE
FEPI ADVISORY COUNCIL
A COMMON MISSION ~ Once the relationship between faith
community members and their local governments are
strengthened, the sense of “us” vs. “them” will tend to fall
away developing an atmosphere of cooperation and trust
between the various sectors. Through greater understanding,
the sharing of responsibilities, increased accountability and
collaborative activities, “us” and “them” become integrated
into “WE” resulting in safer and cared for communities.
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FEPI
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
FEPI GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1. FEPI participants will adhere to existing Canadian Emergency Management
arrangements, meaning that the management of the emergency will be controlled at the
lowest level possible (i.e. individual, municipal, provincial, and federal).
2. The technical component of responding to an emergency is managed by the appropriate
level of government.
 It is recognized that Local Governments in Alberta are first responders to
an emergency or disaster and they manage the disaster response within
their jurisdiction, for its duration.

In the event, however, of a major catastrophe, where perhaps a large sector of
the ‘First Responders’ are unable to fulfill their duties due to illness, fatigue or
lack of capacity, the Faith Community will be prepared to fill in where requested
to do so.

Churches will be integrated into the Municipal Emergency Management Agencies
Structure with an “Operational Protocol” in place indicating the triggers for
response which the FEPI participants will follow.

Churches will not initiate conversations concerning their spiritual beliefs with
those they are assisting unless they are invited to do so.
MISSION ~Taking guidance from the Faith Emergency
Preparedness Initiative Advisory Council, mobilized
churches will be prepared to offer assistance with a
coordinated response to any disaster; integrated with
the established Emergency Management Agency’s
framework.
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RESPONSE FRAMEWORK
RESPONSE FRAMEWORK
The FEPI response framework can be scaled up or down depending on the severity of the
emergency; and:

The FEPI Advisory Council will provide a forum for the open and free flow of non
confidential information and includes, but is not limited to, available resources to aid
disaster victims, planned or developing programs in disaster response and recovery and
general information on the mandate and purpose of a Faith disaster response role.

The framework provides a structure for the sharing of information and cooperation in
meeting the needs of specific victims and evacuees. Communities who subscribe to
these guidelines agree that information on specific individuals, families or other persons
is not for public knowledge.

Communities will not use disaster events to solicit members or donor recognition.

In instances of prolonged victim distress arising from a disaster Communities agree to
cooperate fully in the assessment of, provision of resources for, and meeting of victim
needs. However, no community is required to share resources that they do not normally
provide or do not normally have on hand.

Once the FEPI template is operational it will be shared and duplicated with other faiths
and localities encouraging collaboration between the various sectors.
A COORDINATED APPROACH

A Faith Coordination Centre working in concert with Calgary Emergency Management
Agency. ~ ONE CALL

Plans & guidelines that are supported by all regional participants.

Plans that link churches with their communities and with each other.

Communication plans and links with all stakeholders.

Expectations clearly articulated and documented. (Operational Protocol)
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ADMINISTRATION
& PARTNERS
ADMINISTRATION & PARTNERS
The Faith Emergency Preparedness Initiative is a project of Bridges of Love Ministry and is
coordinated by Marg Pollon, ED. Administration of the FEPI Advisory Council will, in the initial
phase, be provided by Marg Pollon. Duties for the Administrator will include the scheduling of
meetings, forums and related events as well as interim chairpersonship of the FEPI Advisory
Council’s committee meetings.
STAKEHOLDERS
Initially the Primary stakeholders are the Christian Denominations located in the Alberta region.
While the initial focus will be within the Christian communities the FEPI Project is not intended to
be exclusionary of any faith or denomination.
PUBLIC SECTOR PARTNERS
Primary preparedness and response partners are identified as:
1. Relative Municipal Emergency Management / Preparedness organizations (MEMOs)
2. Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA)
3. Public Safety Canada – Alberta (PS ABRO)
4. The relative provincial Health Authorities (HAs)
5. Alberta Health and Wellness (AHW)
6. Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
RESOURCES
Potential resource organizations include; but are not limited to:
1. Alberta NGO Council (NGO Council of Alberta)
2. Samaritan’s Purse
3. Alberta Funeral Association Services
4. NeighbourLink Calgary
5. Other Private Sector and Non – Profit organizations
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PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS
& CONSIDERATIONS
PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS & CONSIDERATIONS
Major emergencies pose problems for resource management that are different from those in
routine crisis events. Significant emergency responses may require the use of resources
(personnel, facilities, supplies, and equipment) from multiple organizations and jurisdictions and
may also require the use of non-traditional resources. Much of the emphasis of emergency
planning in many communities has commonly been on the mobilization and reinforcement of
resources. And, indeed, procedures for this purpose are important. Uncontrolled mobilization
and over response are common problems in emergencies. When these situations occur,
coordination of response is a critical and crucial factor.
Communication difficulties are often hard to separate from coordination difficulties, and the
greatest coordination difficulties are inter-organizational. Many of the communications problems
are those related to inter-agency information sharing. Frequently, the means for communication
exists, but for a number of reasons, persons are hesitant to communicate with others outside
their own organization. Inter-organizational communication is fostered by those factors which
promote trust in other organizations and familiarity with how they function. These include:
informal contacts, joint planning and training, preplanned agreements for the division of disaster
responsibilities, and the use of similar terminology, procedures, and performance criteria. Interorganizational networks, common systems, and computer networks also contribute to effective
communications.
The FEPI Advisory Council’s desire is to reduce the possibility of duplication of effort and any
resulting waste of resources that come from uncoordinated faith community responses to the
needs of disaster victims as identified within the activated emergency management structures.
OBJECTIVES

Raise awareness for the need to be prepared with a Christian response offering love,
service and mitigation efforts as a visible and influential pillar of the local community.

Establish a planning network to facilitate the bringing together of the Christian, Public
and Private Sectors working with “Unity of Purpose.”

Ensure the faith community is effectively integrated into a local emergency response
structure.

Create a meaningful dialogue to ensure the Christian Community is addressing
emergency preparedness proactively, responsibly and with meaningful action.
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STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
FEPI STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
The Strategic directions of the Faith Emergency Preparedness Initiative:
1. PROJECT CHARTER
Provide opportunities for the local churches to
become involved in the Faith Emergency
Preparedness Initiative.
2. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Generate awareness and offer education through
resources related to Emergency Preparedness.
3. CAPACITY BUILDING
Identify and document the diverse capabilities and
resources available from the Christian Community.
Provide training opportunities, exchange of ideas,
resources and expertise offering strength and
sustainability for the project.
4. ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT
Strengthen the institutional capacity of the Advisory
Council to effectively meet the requirements of
those faith groups who wish to participate in the
Faith Emergency Preparedness Initiative.
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FEPI PROJECT CHARTER
FEPI PROJECT CHARTER
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Raise awareness of the FEPI Project Charter and
provide opportunities for the local churches to
become involved in the Faith Emergency
Preparedness Initiative.
KEY STRATEGIES
1.
Raise awareness of the FEPI Advisory Council’s Project Charter to give credibility to
the initiative and engage the Christian Community in the Faith Emergency
Preparedness Initiative.
1.
Act as the representative for the Christian Community attending meetings with the
Public/Private Sector, in order to gather and then share current information with those
who are engaged in the process.
2.
Disseminate policy education to promote relevancy and understanding to those who
are participating in the initiative.
3.
Encourage ‘Unity’ within the various sectors to develop strategic partnerships to
promote cohesiveness and a spirit of teamwork.
ACTIONS
1. Identify education and serving opportunities relevant to the participants
 Include dialogue with presentations and meetings
 Utilize existing communication tools (Newsletters, website, e-bulletins, DVD’s) to
provide continued dialogue and updates.
2. Proactively identify opportunities for leadership in provincial forums/meetings/boards
3. Provide participants to respond effectively to emerging opportunities such as sites for
vaccination clinics, Reception Centers etc.
4. Act as a liaison between the various sectors to build trust and ownership for the
initiative.
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FEPI PROJECT CHARTER
FEPI PROJECT CHARTER CON’T.
ANTICIPATED RESULTS
 Individuals in the local church see the vision and catch the call to care for their
communities through the Faith Emergency Preparedness Initiative.
 The FEPI Project becomes an integral piece of their out-reach endeavors.
 Participants are aware of and utilize tools and resources to enable them to effectively
build on this initiative and create out-reach endeavors reflecting their individuality and
creativity in their own community.
INDICATORS
 Churches excited to learn how they can assist during an emergency and looking for
opportunities to build relationships of trust with other churches in their community and
with their neighbours.
 Increased membership in the Faith Emergency Preparedness Initiative with confidence
in the structure and involvement with others in the community.
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PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Generate awareness and offer education
through resources related to Emergency
Preparedness.
KEY STRATEGIES
1. Inform Albertans that each individual/church has a responsibility to be prepared in the
event of an emergency in their community/city.
2. Focus on leveraging the efforts of the Faith Community to multiply efforts through
collaboration and sharing of information and resources resulting in greater trust.
3. Use activities as a catalyst for congregation involvement/training in order to stimulate
preparedness activities.
ACTIONS
4.
Working closely with Emergency Management, the Faith Emergency Preparedness
Initiative will endeavor to stimulate involvement of the various denominations by
projects/events such as:
 Conferences/Seminars/Workshops
 Tool-kits and other resource material
 Develop mentorship programs to offer training.
 Stimulate “Small Groups”, Community Outreach Groups (COGs) to look at ways they
could serve their communities through any means thus building trust and building
relationships to be ready to care for others during a crisis.
 Encourage faith groups to develop strategic relationships with their municipal
health/government and community leaders.
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PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT CONTINUED
2.
Plan, develop and implement creative programs to involve congregations in activities
which will heighten their awareness of not only their spiritual commitment to caring for
their neighbour, but also ethical considerations for engaging in such activities.
3.
Provide opportunities for participation, networking and the sharing of experience and
expertise within communities ~ churches working with unity of purpose in their
community.
4.
Encourage the sharing of resources, crossing barriers within the Public, Private and
Faith Sectors.
ANTICIPATED RESULTS
Congregations aware of opportunities to serve in their communities and barriers broken down
and relationships of trust formed.
INDICATORS
1. Increased number of Albertans from the Faith Community engaged in Emergency
Preparedness and Response
2. Increased number of congregations actively participating in emergency activities and
seeing how their facility and people can be engaged to help during a disaster.
3. Increased knowledge of emergency preparedness and cooperation amongst the
Public/Private and Faith Sectors.
4. Faith Groups engaged with their local municipalities and fitting into the Emergency
Management Structure.
5. Faith Groups working together in ‘Unity of Purpose’ putting aside their differences for the
common good of their community.
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FAITH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVE STRUCTURE
FAITH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVE
Municipal Emergency Management Agency
Community Out-reach Officer
Faith Emergency
Preparedness Initiative
Advisory Council
FAITH COORDINATION CENTRE (Bridges of Love Ministry)
Church Emergency Preparedness Initiative Coordinator
NW QUADRANT
NE QUADRANT
NEIGHBOURLINK
SW QUADRANT
SE QUADRANT
Sub-division Lead Churches
Local Churches with Community Outreach Groups (COG’S)
COG’S
Food
Distributio
n
Counseling
/
Pastoral
Care
Child
ChildCare
Care
Mutual Assistance Groups
(MAGs)
Nursing
A Cared for
Community
Training
Drivers
Financial
Aid
Neighbours Helping Neighbours
PLANNING PROCESS

Coordination Centre integrated with the Emergency Management Agency with an
“Operational Protocol.” (Service Agreement)

NeighbourLink with their church volunteers caring for the marginalized.

Four Quadrant Lead Churches with committees committed to FEPI.

Each Quadrant Lead will determine one key sub-division church in each community.

Lead Sub-division Church will mobilize the local churches in each sub-division.

Train and equip the Community Outreach Groups (COG’s) in each sub-division key
church.

Churches connecting with their communities to build relationships of trust through
“Operation Crosswalk”.
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CAPACITY BUILDING
CAPACITY BUILDING
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Identify and document the diverse capabilities and
resources available from the Christian Community.
Provide training opportunities, exchange of ideas,
resources and expertise offering strength and
sustainability for the project.
KEY STRATEGIES
1. Identify opportunities to provide training and mentorship in Emergency Preparedness.
2. Promote and facilitate connections/partnerships amongst participants and stake-holders.
3. Increase the ability of FEPI Advisory Council Members to increase their effectiveness by
collaborating on events such as a Table Top Exercise.
ACTIONS
1. Provide training opportunities through various resource agencies which have been
identified. (Example – NGO Council Members)
2. Promote and facilitate connections/partnerships among participants and other
stakeholders.
3. Offer resources and training on the web site. (Streaming video)
4. Host in-person net-working sessions for participants to build trust and compatibility within
the various sectors.
5. Create opportunities via the web site to share experiences and expertise.
6. Provide a Directory of relevant contact information of experts in the field.
7. Provide on-line information to aid in training and to raise awareness of the issues.
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CAPACITY BUILDING
CAPACITY BUILDING CON’T.
ANTICIPATED RESULTS
 Training needs assessment designed and distributed to those participating in the
initiative.
 Annual training plan created and implemented based on needs assessment of the
various denominations.
 Resources evaluated and documented for quick access.
 COGS (Community Outreach Groups training) growing and expanding.
INDICATORS
 Increase in the number of members taking advantage of the various training programs.
 Congregation Members getting to know their community and municipal leaders.
 Members taking an active role in emergency preparedness initiatives.
 Government/Health Regions seeing the Faith Community as a viable resource for the
Emergency Management Structure.
 COGS growing and developing servant hearts.
 Neighbours seeing the church as the ‘shining light’ in their community and not afraid to
seek help during an emergency.
 Well-educated, informed, coordinated, community workforce serving together.
 Coordinated structure with CEMA/Alberta Health Services
 Spirit of teamwork and cooperation between sectors.
 Churches connecting with their municipal leaders, other churches, knowing their
neighbours, and demonstrating care/love for their community.
 Congregation members passionate about serving others with God’s love.
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ORGANIZATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Strengthen the institutional capacity of the FEPI
Advisory Council to effectively meet the requirements of
those Faith Groups who wish to participate in the Faith
Emergency Preparedness Initiative.
CONCLUSION
Developing a coordinated regional faith community preparedness and response capacity has
been identified by the FEPI Advisory Council as potentially beneficial to stakeholders, partners
and resource organizations alike. They recognize a requirement for a coordinated approach to
emergencies and disasters.
Disasters and emergencies such as an influenza pandemic; a foreign animal disease; a
catastrophic earthquake in British Columbia or even a major terrorist event similar to September
11, 2001 could have an overwhelming effect regionally and it is intended that the activities of the
faith community; during such major events, be coordinated and linked to the existing and
appropriate emergency management structures.
The availability of faith community resources in support of the secular emergency response will
provide an enhanced capacity to the relative emergency management organizations to respond
to the needs of disaster victims.
While the major sources of emergency planning can provide volumes of background information
on the nature of the threat and make recommendations for a global or national response, it is
the local response that will have the greatest impact on minimizing the effects of a disaster. A
global crisis such as a pandemic will require a response from people in a multitude of
occupations and disciplines. Consequently, there will be a need to conduct the advance
planning efforts in collaboration with other stakeholders while demonstrating a spirit of
teamwork.
"If this initiative can succeed in Alberta it may serve as a functional template that can be
replicated in other regions of the country. Ultimately this initiative speaks to, what is for me, one
of the more profound axioms in the Emergency Management field … "
Jan Donais Senior Emergency Management Officer Alberta (EMNS) Public Safety Canada
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