Early Response Team (ERT) Certification

This eight-hour training gives you the basics for entering a disaster zone as a volunteer. You will receive a badge certifying you for three years of service, a T-shirt with the Michigan ERT Logo, a manual explaining what you can and can’t do, and lunch. You will be certified by UMCOR and prepared to join at least seven ERT volunteers who will be ready to serve when a request comes for assistance from the Michigan Conference Disaster Response Coordinator or one of the other annual conferences in The United Methodist Church. ERT teams do not self-deploy. 

You will be invited to get dirty, sweaty, and tired by mucking out basements, removing drywall, tarping roofs, and removing damaged furniture and belongings, all for the joy of serving God as the hands and feet of Christ. Click here to learn more about what it is like to join an ERT team.

Friday, June 12, 2026
8:30 AM Check-in (for pre-registered participants)
9 am-4 pm includes lunch, breaks, participant manual, and t-shirt

Location: Michigan Conference Center, 1011 Northcrest Rd., Lansing. MI 48906

Cost: $35 covers materials, lunch, and shirt.
Payment is due at the door. Make checks payable to MI Conference Disaster Response.

Instructor: Jody Pratt, VIM Coordinator

Pre-registration required. Contact Jody Pratt at [email protected] or 616.292.4908 to register. A background check link will be provided prior to training.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 8, 2026
*Maximum 20 people. This training is for those who wish to be certified through UMCOR for the early response deployment.

Visit the Volunteers in Mission page
Visit the Disaster Response page