Comment Submitted by Craig A. Nemitz, CEM, Feed The Children

Before a blanket approach to credentialling of personnel can be attempted; it would be in everyones best interest to look for guidance from organizations such as the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) that have been looking at this issue for a considerable period of time. I would also suggest that input be directly solicited from those organizations that support/subscribe to the IAEM 8 Priniciples of Emergency Management: 1. Comprehensive – emergency managers consider and take into account all hazards, all phases, all stakeholders and all impacts relevant to disasters. 2. Progressive – emergency managers anticipate future disasters and take preventive and preparatory measures to build disaster-resistant and disaster- resilient communities. 3. Risk-driven – emergency managers use sound risk management principles (hazard identification, risk analysis, and impact analysis) in assigning priorities and resources. 4. Integrated – emergency managers ensure unity of effort among all levels of government and all elements of a community. 5. Collaborative – emergency managers create and sustain broad and sincere relationships among individuals and organizations to encourage trust, advocate a team atmosphere, build consensus, and facilitate communication. 6. Coordinated – emergency managers synchronize the activities of all relevant stakeholders to achieve a common purpose. 7. Flexible – emergency managers use creative and innovative approaches in solving disaster challenges. 8. Professional – emergency managers value a science and knowledge-based approach based on education, training, experience, ethical practice, public stewardship and continuous improvement. There are too many 'new' experts (i.e. salespeople or wanna be's) that will claim to have the credentialling answer - yet have zero real world disaster response experience. There should be a working group established - composed of a variety of State, Federal, Private Sector and National VOAD partners - that can bring sense and sensibility to the process; without sales or some other hidden agenda. Submitted by: Craig A Nemitz, CEM