I will provide my .02. Myself and several friends here in Oklahoma volunteer for a county Emergency Management group. The idea was that we would for a SAR team to compliment the services that were already being offered. Well let's just say that when the leader doesn't think it's a priority...then you don't go far.

So my advice would be this. Determine what it is that you really want to do. Would you like to go out on lots of calls where your skills might come in handy. Or would you prefer to do more community service work.

I am sure others will lend their opinions, but here are some things to think about.

If you want to go out on serious situations..lost hikers, disasters..then align yourself with the organization that the local/state officials call first. Have a former officer as the head does nothing but help with local officials view of your group. Before you join, you might look at history of what calls they have been on..check your skills. What do you have that could have been, might have been useful. How long were they out..could make a difference in your selection.

The other group sounds like individuals that saw a need and are filling it locally. The probably don't get called out on to many Search and Rescue operations, but when a community has an event where they want some medical presence..they are called upon. Again, look at the jobs they have performed and check where you skill set would have been useful.

I think you can make a contribution wherever you decide to go. Just look before you leap. If you want to find backcountry skiers who get lost and you constantly find yourself working the local parade at a water stand...you can get discouraged real easy.

Just my opinion. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />