Voluntary registry needed for crisis preparedness

Paula Risikko, a Member of Parliament and chairwoman of the National Defence Training Association of Finland, has proposed the creation of a unified registry for volunteers to aid in national security crises. This initiative aims to enable the swift and coordinated deployment of individuals to various total security tasks, avoiding duplication of efforts among different organizations. The registry would also facilitate joint training.

While the proposal was made during the summer, the article notes that it has not yet elicited widespread reaction from the hundreds of national and tens of thousands of regional and local organizations in Finland. However, the author emphasizes the timeliness and importance of implementing such a system.

A survey conducted by SOSTE, the umbrella organization for social welfare and health organizations in Finland, revealed that a significant portion of these organizations possess capabilities for crisis response. Approximately one-third are prepared for healthcare crises, one-fifth for refugee crises or wartime situations, and one-tenth for environmental crises like floods or severe weather.

This data underscores the substantial resource that Finnish organizations represent in addressing various disturbances and crises. Many organizations already maintain member registries, with the Finnish Red Cross, for example, having developed a system that profiles volunteers to quickly match them with suitable roles in emergencies. The author expresses hope that the next government program and national security strategy will prioritize the establishment of this common registry.