The purpose of Early Response Teams in The United Methodist Church is not to lead disaster response efforts but to assist with relief efforts, depending on the gifts and skills of the team members, and to provide emotional and spiritual support as an outgrowth of discipleship. 

Upcoming Trainings:

• Saturday, January 11, 2025, 8:00am-4:00pm: North Broadway UMC
• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9am-4:30pm: ERT 200 Level at Hocking River District

Contact mgrace@wocumc.org for more information.

Basic Class & Recertification

Early Response Team volunteers must go through ERT training with UMCOR-trained leaders. This ensures that they will operate under specific guidelines that allow them to be productive and caring while causing no further harm to the affected community. Topics covered in the class include the who, what, when, where, and how of doing ministry, as well as training in the specific tasks that early responders are expected to accomplish.

Badges are issued for a 3-year period of time. Those who possess an UMCOR badge that has either already expired or is about to expire should register for a class in order to be recertified. If you wait more than one year after the expiration date, you will have to take the Basic class again. UMCOR requires all ERT's to have a current background check prior to receiving their badge. Your registration confirmation will contain the link for the background check. Participants who do not complete the background check will not receive an UMCOR badge. If you are interested in being trained as an ERT or in hosting a training at your church, email mgrace@wocumc.org.