Date post: | 11-Apr-2017 |
Category: |
Government & Nonprofit |
Upload: | christopher-tarantino-mep-cmcp |
View: | 318 times |
Download: | 0 times |
VOST
VIRTUAL OPERATIONS .
SUPPORT .TEAM .
The Virtual Operations Support Team (VOST) concept was developed in 2010-2011 by a group of passionate emergency management communicators and technologists interested in harnessing social media during disasters, crises, and critical events.
Through the comprehensive VOST Training & Exercise Package, Epicenter Media & Training partners with local, county, state, or regional agencies to create a sophisticated, virtual team and force-multiplier for a variety of agencies.
VOST is a flexible, tested solution to public information management needs. These teams support their organization with actionable, real-time intelligence to improve outcomes, enhance common operating picture, and engage critical stakeholders.
What is VOST?
VOST Capabilities
Actionable, Real-time Intelligence Social Media Listening & Reporting Crowdsourced Information Gathering Crisis Mapping Incident Analytics & Archiving Amplification & Curation Misinformation & Rumor Management Virtual Operations Support
VOST Deployments
Civil UnrestNatural Hazards
Crisis Comms. TerrorismPlanned Events
Technological Incidents
VOST Goals
Build a sustainable, collaborative and integrated team of professionals to support crisis/emergency management
Leverage volunteers and existing staff to assist with emergency communications and information gathering
Train VOST personnel to utilize new media platforms to improve crisis & emergency communications
Sample VOST Development
Basic SM & EM Training
• “Ground-Social” Training Course
• Other training from FEMA, NDPTC, etc.
VOST “Launch” Workshop
• For team leadership and coordinators
• Ideally includes community outreach and coordination with key partners
VOST Initial Training
• Team-building
• VOST structure
• Tools, tips and tricks
• Social media listening
• Team coordination
Advanced Training
• Topics vary:
• Advanced social media listening
• Data visualization
• Crisis mapping
• Others
VOSTTabletop Exercise
• Includes partner agencies
• Exercise plans, policies, and guides
• Manage expectations
Ongoing Training & Exercises
• Developed, conducted and evaluated by Master Exercise Practitioners and/or other SMEs
• Online and/or instructor-led options
Increased capacity building over time
VOST “Launch” Workshop
Length: 1-day
Goal: Drive buy-in, explore VOST mission areas, begin planning & team development process
Team structure and responsibilities Products and deliverables Tools and resources Activation protocols Handbook development & developmental planning
Usually includes follow-up consulting to support creation of policies, guidebooks, and other resources.
VOST Initial Training Session
Length: ½ or 1-day sessions available
Goal: Provide personnel with the knowledge, skills and abilities to respond as part of a Virtual Operations Support Team at the local, county, state or regional level.
Team structure and responsibilities Products and deliverables Tools and resources Social media listening techniques Team collaboration/coordination
Can also be paired with ½-day advanced training.
VOST Tabletop Exercise
Length: ½-day
Goal: Exercise initial capabilities and ensure VOST expectations and performance are managed appropriately.
Discussion-based TTX Developed and facilitated by Master Exercise
Practitioners (MEPs) and/or subject-matter experts Includes Situation Manual (SitMan), After Action Report,
and Improvement Plan
Can also be paired with ½-day advanced training.
Joint Information System integration/coordination
Social media outreach and engagement
Advanced and geo-targeted monitoring
GIS/Mapping & data visualization
Platform-specific Training
Other VOST Training
VOST Training/Exercise Package
Initial VOST Training
Recruitment Support
Tabletop Exercise
Consultative Support
EDSU Surge Support
Outreach & Education
All VOST training and exercise sessions can be requested individually or through the VOST Training/Exercise Package.
This one-of-a-kind package is designed to take a group of disparate volunteers and/or staff through a series of learning programs and challenging exercises to build a fully-functioning Virtual Operations Support Team, from the ground up.
Continuous Support
Capacity-building through continuous team development:
Webinars & Online Training Ongoing Consultation Custom Exercises Advanced Training Networking (with other VOSTs) Team Leadership &
Administration
Successful Deployments
“Epicenter Media & Training did a great job customizing our program to meet our needs.
They bring expert knowledge to the table combined with a dynamic, interactive training format. To top it off, their
personnel understand the political context of emergency management and helped us position our new VOST for
success by designing a VIP info session for us.
You’re not just getting a trainer, you’re getting a coach and facilitator.”
-Allyson Schulz, MPHCTVOST Coordinator
Additional Benefits
Select participating agencies may be eligible for premium discounts from our partners.
These offers are only for VOSTs trained by Epicenter Media & Training:
Get Started With VOST
Unlock your true potential with Epicenter Media & Training and build your social media capabilities with the VOST training/exercise program.
To find out if VOST is right for your jurisdiction, request a consultation with the VOST training/exercise team today!
[email protected]+1 (585) 210-3011
www.epicentermediatraining.com/VOST
“Great energy and attitude… an inspiration to work with”
PO Box 64363 Rochester, NY+1 (585) 210-3011