Disaster Aid Response Teams (DARTs)
Our DARTs are our “Jewels in the Crown”. These highly-trained volunteer teams make our deployments possible and bring the story back to our cities, truly making the work of this organization real. An important part of the role of a DART is to be available to make presentations on behalf of Disaster Aid UK & Ireland.
Lesson 1
The Path to Becoming a DART Volunteer
Step 1
First, you must assess your ability and willingness to become a DART member.
You must be:
- Physically and emotionally capable of living in a survival situation for a two week period with minimal outside support.
- Available for at least one deployment per year for three years.
Step 2
If you believe you meet these conditions, the next step is to submit an application package to be reviewed by the DART staff which includes:
- A completed DART application form;
- 4 passport sized photos;
- A photocopy of the personal details page of your passport;
- A current CV.
Step 3
If your application package passes muster, you will be invited to interview. This will usually be with the International Training and Deployment Manager and take place at one of our regional interview weekends, or by video conferencing via Skype.
Step 4
Candidates who successfully complete the interview process will be invited to attend a four-day training and assessment exercise (Phase 1 Training).
- The assessment is a field exercise to familiarize candidates with the DART program and what being a member of the team entails.
- It also is designed to familiarize each candidate with the equipment and offer them an opportunity to use the equipment in an exercise environment.
Step 5
Candidates who successfully complete the training and assessment will be invited to attend a more comprehensive course (Phase 2 Training).
Step 6
Those candidates who successfully complete the training program will be available for worldwide deployment after completing the following:
- Documentation needed for insurance and deployment purposes;
- Appropriate immunizations for worldwide deployment/travel.
NOTE: It is estimated it will take the average DART candidate 3 – 6 months to complete all the necessary requirements to become fully qualified for selection for deployment.
