Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

List of Frequently Asked Questions for Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc.
Questions:
  1. What is Compassion Coalition?
  2. Is Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc. part of Tuscaloosa County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (TC VOAD)?
  3. How do enrolled faith-based individuals, groups and organizations respond during disasters?
  4. Who is eligible to become a member of Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc.?
  5. My faith-based organization has a small membership, and we are located within the county but some distance from downtown Tuscaloosa. Do you really need us?
  6. Is there a charge to become a member of Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc.?
  7. What information is required to enroll in Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc.?
  8. Why is it necessary to pre-select the skills, services or resources an organization is willing to provide?
  9. Can we select three items from any of the 55 skills, services or resources listed within the 12 major categories of the on-line enrollment, or should all three services be from the same major category?
  10. Can we select more than three skills, services or resources we are willing to provide during times of crisis?
  11. If we wish to participate but can provide less than three skills, services or resources during times of crisis, can we still enroll? 
  12. After enrolling with Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc. how can information be updated? 
  13. What information should we consider when selecting contact representatives?
  14. What information should be considered when pre-selecting disaster-response skills, services and resources?
  15. When we enroll in Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc, can everyone who visits the website view our information?
  16. Is there a way to offer suggestions or provide feedback to Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc.?
  17. My organization is interested in enrolling in Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc. but would like someone to speak with us. Do you have a speaker’s bureau?
  18. After we have enrolled, what is the next step to prepare? 
  19. Are there other areas of service we can provide?
  20. If we can no longer participate, how do we withdraw?
  21. Instead of selecting specific skills, services or resources, could we support Compassion Coalition’s mission by donating cash or in-kind donations on a regular basis?



Answers:
  1. What is Compassion Coalition?

    Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County , Inc. (Compassion Coalition) is the umbrella organization of faith-based groups and organizations that assist those in need during disasters that directly or indirectly impact our county.  Having a community-wide cooperative action plan is an efficient and effective way to respond when need is dire and the situation chaotic.

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  2. Is Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc. part of Tuscaloosa County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (TC VOAD)?

    Yes, Compassion Coalition is the faith-based component of TC VOAD.  Faith-based groups and organizations who enroll with Compassion Coalition assist those in need during disasters by pre-determining skills, services and resources they are wiling to provide when mobilized.  For more information, review the document "How Tuscaloosa County Faith-Based Organizations Are Active in Disaster Response."

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  3. How do enrolled faith-based individuals, groups and organizations respond during disasters?

    During disasters, our county’s emergency management (TC EMA) supervises the disaster and determines the necessary response.  Once medical and other emergency needs are met, other needs are fulfilled through the county’s social service agencies and faith-based community.  Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc. is responsible for informing, uniting, preparing and mobilizing the faith-based community for disaster response. In this manner the enrolled faith-based community becomes part of the solution in an effective, efficient manner.  

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  4. Who is eligible to become a member of Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc.?

    All faith-based organizations in Tuscaloosa County who are willing to pre-select skill(s), service(s) and resource(s) they will provide during disasters are eligible for membership. Specific faith-based groups, classes, clubs, and service organizations are also welcomed and encouraged to enroll. Additional information on becoming a member is available in the Become A Member section which is found on the Home Page.

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  5. My faith-based organization has a small membership, and we are located within the county but some distance from downtown Tuscaloosa. Do you really need us?

    Yes, every faith-based group and organization in Tuscaloosa County is essential to assist those in need in times of crisis as defined by our county’s emergency management (TC EMA). Joining Compassion Coalition provides an effective pro-active way to compassionately respond with like-minded others.

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  6. Is there a charge to become a member of Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc.?

    There is no charge to join Compassion Coalition.  Although the Board of Directors continues to seek new grants to cover costs such as interactive website and training newsletters, cash and in-kind donations are also gratefully accepted and assist in fulfilling our mission.  Donations In Memory Of and In Honor Of a special individual or group are welcomed.  If you or your faith-based group would like to make a cash or in-kind donation, please visit the Donating Opportunities section.

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  7. What information is required to enroll in Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc.?

    Information to enroll can be found on the Home Page by clicking on Become A Member. It is helpful to:
     
    1. Select representatives with high speed internet access and cell phone service. During times of disaster response, the fastest way for Compassion Coalition to mobilize your faith-based organization is through high speed internet email communications and cell phone calls.
    2. Select at least three skills, services or resources from the listed general categories (food, clothing, shelter, transportation, etc.) that you wish to contribute during emergency responses. If you wish to enroll but can provide less than three skills, services or resources, please see Question 11 below.


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  8. Why is it necessary to pre-select the skills, services or resources an organization is willing to provide?

    Uncoordinated, impromptu help results in duplications of effort for some while others are overlooked. This inefficient and ineffective method also wastes valuable time.

    By pre-selecting skills, services or resources in advance, your commitment enables Compassion Coalition to be aware of the types of available assistance and who to contact to mobilize this assistance. Your pre-selections also enable Compassion Coalition to alert Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency what skills, services or resources are not available within the faith-based community so they can plan accordingly.

    To enroll, please visit the Become A Member section which is found on the Home Page.

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  9. Can we select three items from any of the 55 skills, services or resources listed within the 12 major categories of the on-line enrollment, or should all three services be from the same major category?

    Select the approach which best fits your resources to those who are in need. 

    Either select three (or more) services from any of the 12 major categories (which include food, clothing, shelter, transportation, etc.). Or select three (or more) services within the same major category.

    The easiest way to review all 55 items within the 12 major categories is to visit the Become A Member section found on the Home Page. Under the heading Enrollment, Step 1, follow the directions to view and/or print the two-page worksheet. Then proceed to Step 3 to enroll.

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  10. Can we select more than three skills, services or resources we are willing to provide during times of crisis?

    The decision to select more than three skills, services or resources depends on your resources. Therefore, you may select as many skills, services or resources that you can consistently provide during disaster responses.

    To enroll, please visit the Become A Member section which is found on the Home Page.

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  11. If we wish to participate but can provide less than three skills, services or resources during times of crisis, can we still enroll? 

    Yes, every faith-based entity in Tuscaloosa County is essential to assist those in need in times of crisis as defined by our county’s emergency management (TC EMA).  

    To enroll, please visit the Become A Member section which is found on the Home Page. 

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  12. After enrolling with Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc. how can information be updated? 

    Because published lists of crucial data become obsolete soon after distribution, Compassion Coalition’s interactive website allows each enrolled entity to continually update information as changes occur.  To update your information, simply return to the Home Page and click on Membership Lookup section and provide your secured password info when prompted.   

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  13. What information should we consider when selecting contact representatives?

    It is important to quickly reach a contact representative during times of disaster response. When selecting your contact representatives, please consider the following:
     
    1. Do your contact representatives have and use high-speed internet service and cell phones?
    2. Do your contact representatives regularly monitor these communication tools when in town or traveling?
      

    To enroll, please visit the Become A Member section which is found on the Home Page.

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  14. What information should be considered when pre-selecting disaster-response skills, services and resources?

    Each faith-based entity has a unique set of skills, services and resources so the answer to this question is as complex and diverse as our county’s faith-based community.  It is important to carefully review the skills, services or resources you can effectively provide during disaster responses to those in need, especially those rendered temporarily or permanently homeless.
     
    Drawing on your strengths, consider the following:
      
    1. Do you have skills, services or resources that match the listed skills, services or resources on Compassion Coalition’s worksheet?
    2. Will your contact representatives serve as communication links between Compassion Coalition and your skills, services or resources?
    3. Are the skills, services or resources you want to provide managed by a person or committee?  Can one of these members act as a contact representative?
    4. Does any skill, service or resource that you want to provide require specific training or certification?  If yes, do you have committed individuals for that specific training or certification?  


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  15. When we enroll in Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc, can everyone who visits the website view our information?

    No, your contact information and committed skills, services and resources are secured within the interactive website.  You are able to view and update this information through a secured password system. The Board of Directors respects the dignity and privacy of all faith-based organizations. To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

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  16. Is there a way to offer suggestions or provide feedback to Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc.?

    Yes, both the enrolled members who serve and those who are served have an opportunity to evaluate the types of provided assistance through a short report card system.  This vital feedback will be used to continually improve the effectiveness of Compassion Coalition.

    In addition, you can provide suggestions at any time by e-mail. Your e-mail message will be acknowledged and answered in a timely manner.

    E-mail instructions are located on the Contact Us page.

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  17. My organization is interested in enrolling in Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc. but would like someone to speak with us. Do you have a speaker’s bureau?

    If you are interested in having a Compassion Coalition representative speak with you or make a presentation about  the work of Compassion Coalition, please visit the Contact Us page.

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  18. After we have enrolled, what is the next step to prepare? 

    There are many ways to assist in the mission of Compassion Coalition. The most important way is to take part in planning the ’who, what, when, where and how’ you will mobilize the selected skills, services and resources committed for disaster responses when you are e-mailed or called to serve those in need. This essential planning is critical during disasters that impact our community.

    It is also important to routinely review your enrolled information to ensure that is complete and accurate. Use your secured password to check your listing, and place a calendar reminder to routinely check this information for accuracy.

    Another important way to assist in helping families and individuals who are in need because of disasters is to attend monthly Compassion Coalition’s monthly Board meetings. Compassion Coalition strives to have all areas of faith in Tuscaloosa County represented on the Board.  All board members serve on one of the following committees: finance, mailing and enrollment, public relations, website development or grant writing and accountability. If you have an expertise or experience in one of these five areas but cannot regularly attend monthly meetings, you are welcomed to serve at the subcommittee level. To indicate your interest, please contact us.



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  19. Are there other areas of service we can provide?

    There are four ways to assist Compassion Coalition with the mission to inform, unite, prepare and mobilize during future disaster responses.

    First, make a monetary contribution to Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc., P. O. Box 1507, Tuscaloosa, AL  35403-1507 to help us fulfill our mission.

    Second, encourage your faith-based group to include an annual donation or collection specifically for Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc. disaster-response efforts.

    Third, donate in-kind office supply replenishments (such as postage stamps, letter and legal-sized copy paper, No. 10 self-adhesive envelopes, highlighters, "Hello, My Name Is" tags, etc.) that are quickly used and difficult to obtain through grant funding.  To learn what is needed by Compassion Coalition, contact us and request a listing of current in-kind needs.

    Fourth, make a donation In Memory Of a loved one or In Honor Of a special person or group.  This gift memorializes or honors while helping others at their time of greatest need.  Be sure to include a mailing address of the designee so Compassion Coalition can send special recognition.

    For more information on contributing, please contact us.



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  20. If we can no longer participate, how do we withdraw?

    If you can no longer provide as many skills, services or resources during disaster responses, simply modify the number of skills, services or resources you have committed. To accomplish this change, click on Membership Lookup section to edit and submit your updated information. 

    If you no longer can provide any skill, service or resource to those who are in need during disaster responses that directly or indirectly impact our county, indicate in writing your intent to withdraw. Send an email through the Contact Form located within the website’s Contact Us section. Upon receipt, Compassion Coalition will confirm this request was not sent in error before deactivating your organization’s secured password and entry data.

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  21. Instead of selecting specific skills, services or resources, could we support Compassion Coalition’s mission by donating cash or in-kind donations on a regular basis?

    Yes, you may enroll as a financially contributing member. Send your gift to Compassion Coalition of Tuscaloosa County, Inc., P.O. Box 1507, Tuscaloosa, AL  35403-1507.   

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