We’re excited to announce two in-person Early Response Team Training dates this fall! This is the perfect opportunity to get engaged in disaster response work.

Fall 2023 Training Options

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 23 in Macon (recertification available)
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 11 in Wentzville

Registration closes for each training date nine days before the training date.

About This Training

This class will provide you with the basic information you need about Early Response Teams. ERTs fill a specific need in the days after a disaster to clean out flood-damaged homes, remove debris, place tarps on homes, and otherwise help to prevent further damage, while providing a caring Christian presence. It is ideal for each church to have ERT trained volunteers who are able to respond to needs across the Conference. Under the UMCOR system, early responders cannot help unless they are trained.

ERTs are not a first-response group of emergency workers, nor are they recovery, rebuild, or repair teams. Under very specific guidelines, ERTs assist survivors, without causing further harm or being a burden to the affected community. All ERT members are trained by authorized UMCOR trainers and are given identification badges as evidence of successful completion of the basic class.

To receive your UMCOR ERT Badge you must:

Attend the in-person training session all day.

Pass the test given at the end of the training session.
Complete and pass the background check. Instructions will be sent the morning of your training session to be completed in class that day.

To deploy to a disaster site, responders must have an active Safe Gatherings certification.