VOSGTConceptReportApril2011 (1)

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said he wanted in and recruited @okicemap folks and @okem I made him TL of VOST3.Using a cloud based document (the ICS 204 on a google document) allowed the VOSG/Tmembers to contribute to its development. Ultimately the 204 went through 15-20 versionsbefore being finalized without ever having to worry about emailing and version control, etc. Nor did I have to worry about ‘ownership’ as I retained control over viewing, editing, and sharingprivileges (I am a control freak after all). There ended up being 16 people involved in the VOSG/T concept, ten of whom were notpresent in Alexandria, VA. These ten people were spread across the country in all four timezones and had varying degrees of availability that day. This presented a few managementchallenges:● I instructed everyone to convert everything to Eastern Daylight Time● I added an availability table on top of the 204 with 1 hour increments and a simple YES,NO, Maybe scheme that could be easily updated by the team members and also easy toview and manage from by the TLs.● I made VOST assignments based on a combination of geography and availabilityIf you’re reading this far then you’ve seen the Modified ICS 204. It’s a great tool for organizingdivisions, groups, teams and task forces and providing mission critical information such asassignment details, special instructions/considerations and detailing intra- and inter-teamcommunications. In this case I gave the VOSG the following assignments: CONTROL OPERATIONS 1. Maintain operational communications within VOSG and with event operationsDevelop, publish and maintain a modified ICS Form 205 to addresscommunications channels being used during this operation [VOST3 incoordination with Group Sup & other VOSTs] 2. Maintain situational awareness on/around event through #SMEM #SMEM11#NEMA #NEMA11 and other SM platforms in useAddress real world issues for situational awareness as well.Archive all #SMEM Camp at #NEMA11 related posts from all platforms in use 3. Facilitate event remote viewing & participation by SMEM and other SM usersEngage to explain what’s going on and how to view/participate [All VOSTs]Provide background/context on SMEM initiative [All VOSTs]Periodically tweet the #SMEM11 hashtag and introduce what it means with link toNEMA web site [All VOSTs] 4. Identify and resolve problems with remote viewing & participationTechnologies to support include Skype, Twitter, Ustream … others?

Essential Support Function-2 concerns include information technology, voice anddata communications as well as landline and cellular communications SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS This is an exercise of the concept of organizing ‘trusted agents’ into recognizedoperational structures using principles and practices of ICS to perform necessaryfunctions in support of emergency response & recovery operations. This activity is for ‘proof of concept’ and thereby active learning and experimentation isencouraged. Record activities for the purpose of documenting and evaluating the exercise in order toadvance the concept. I added a note to the 204: “A key point from me to you is - having been given the assignment/tasks you the VOSG and VOSTs will coordinate on how to make it happen” I knew full well whatwas in store for me as I was in a lead role in #SMEM Camp at #NEMA11 so I was counting onthe VOSG to “have my back.” I made a 2 ½ minute video half way through the day that capturesmy mindsethttp://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13534359 I have been developing ‘trusted agents’ and this VOSG/T concept with the understanding that if/when we have a major emergency in my area I will NEED assistance in the social media realm.I fully intend to hand off my social media accounts and make assignments like those in the 204to ‘trusted agents’ whether they are physically proximate to me or half way around the world.So, am I happy with how this turned out? Yes! Most definitely. It exceeded my hopes andexpectations. Is it easily replicable? For me, yes. For others, probably, but I understand perhapswith a bit more caution. I’m very proud that the VOSG/T folks not only interacted on Facebook but created a Facebookpagehttp://www.facebook.com/pages/SMEM-VOSG/175548159160232?ref=ts. I encourage you to check this out and tell me if you think they embraced the mission. So that’s it for now. I wanted to get some of my thoughts out there as soon as I could toadvance the conversation. I set this document up on the cloud so that the VOSG/T folks couldopenly comment because they know a heck of a lot better how things went on March 24th.