Learning Tools

Recovery Tools Workshop (RTW)

Complete the ‘Access Request Form’ Here! (Important: completing this form initiates a request. Requests are processed by CA VOAD within 3 days. You will receive an email from CA VOAD with your user name & password. Please check your spam folder to ensure receipt of the login credentials. Watch for an email from info@cavoad.org)

The National VOAD has made available to the public the Recovery Tools Workshop (RTW) series provided in April 2025, to support 2025 Los Angeles and CA/New Mexico wildfire-impacted communities.  These trainings with those partners & community members who are interested in learning more to navigate disaster recovery effectively and compassionately.  You may view the videos of the workshops on the CA VOAD YouTube Channel once you complete the ‘access request form’ linked here. Please do NOT post these links on your website or share your log in information once you have received it, to ensure we do not encounter problems with hosting these videos.

What Are RTWs?

Recovery Tools Workshops are a series of nine skill-based trainings developed by National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) members. They are designed to equip local communities with the best tools and practices for organizing and operating long-term recovery efforts after a disaster.

Each workshop focuses on a core area of disaster recovery—from volunteer and donation management to emotional and spiritual care, construction oversight, communications, and more.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the structure and goals of a Long-Term Recovery Group

• Learn best practices for managing volunteers, donations, and funds

• Gain tools to provide effective disaster case management

• Learn how to engage in emotional and spiritual care

• Improve local capacity for construction coordination and hazard awareness

• Strengthen internal and external communication in a disaster context

A Free Gift of Support from the VOAD Network

This series was offered at no cost, thanks to the generosity and collaboration of National VOAD members. We believe every community deserves access to expert tools, knowledge, and support—regardless of resources or location.

The NVOAD work is grounded in VOAD’s 4 Cs: Communication, Coordination, Collaboration, and Cooperation. NVOAD teaches from a place of respect for local leadership, and firmly believes that you—the local community—own the disaster and know best how to apply the tools in a way that fits your people, culture, and context.

Each module was taught by experienced subject matter experts from across the VOAD network, ensuring a practical, relevant, and collaborative learning environment.

Each recording is approximately 60-90 minutes, and all are available once you complete this ‘access request form.’
The recordings are:

1. Long Term Recovery Orientation

2. Financials & Grantwriting

3. Donations

4. Construction 

5. Communications 

6. Disaster Case Management 

7. Volunteers

8. Hazardous Materials