FAQs

Non-English speaking groups will be welcome to register with IDRN** and it will actually be encouraged. However, each group will require an English-speaking person designated to be the primary connection point between the larger network and each local group. The individuals assigned to be this connection point will be known as an Ambassador.

** "will be" is noted here since IDRN is currently only registering individuals to IDRN's Registry. This future-tense language will be removed once group registration begins.

IDRN has adopted English as the primary language for networking and coordination efforts for the following reasons:

• Wide Reach and Understanding: English is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, with a significant number of people understanding it as a first or second language. This facilitates easier communication and understanding across different nationalities within the network.  Over 1.4B people speak English. Reference article: https://www.statista.com/statistics/266808/the-most-spoken-languages-worldwide/
• Established Lingua Franca: English has become the de facto lingua franca in many fields, including business, science, and technology. This means there are already vast resources, tools, and established practices available in English, which the network can leverage for efficient coordination. Reference Article: English is often considered the de facto global language
• Neutrality: In a diverse international network, adopting the language of any one member nation could be seen as favoring that nation. English, while originating from England, is now widely spoken and considered somewhat neutral, making it a more acceptable choice for everyone involved.

Overall, we believe that adopting English as the primary language will greatly simplify coordination, reduce misunderstandings, and increase efficiency in an international network.

The International Disaster Response Network (IDRN) serves as a facilitator, not a direct responder. IDRN members independently decide when and how to respond to disasters based on their individual capabilities and circumstances.

While the network supports and connects members during their response efforts, it's important to understand that IDRN does not directly coordinate or deploy personnel. The responsibility for response lies solely with the individual members themselves.

IDRN's legacy groups, established in 2007, have a history of responding to numerous disasters, primarily focused on Southeast Asia (Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea). While the original network spanned 35 countries, notable pre-2014 responses also included Pakistan, China, Myanmar, and Haiti.

The IDRN relaunch, spearheaded by IDRN Global, just officially launched in August 2024. While legacy groups may have responded independently to recent events, there haven't been any official IDRN activations under the new structure. Once again, the SEAsia regional groups are active.

Joining the International Disaster Response Network (IDRN) is free for most members. The only exception is for vendors offering disaster-related products or services, who are required to pay an annual membership fee.

While financial contributions from members are not mandatory, we greatly appreciate donations of time, energy, and funds to support the network and its mission to respond effectively to disasters.

The official registration process for the new IDRN is NOW OPEN!!! Notice the "JOIN US" option on the main menu or just go to https://www.IDRN.info/register

If you are located in Southeast Asia, you can directly join active IDRN groups in your region.

Formal training is not a prerequisite to join IDRN. In fact, we aim to be the most welcoming starting point for untrained individuals interested in disaster response. Our comprehensive registry and resources will guide those without experience towards finding their path.

Legacy IDRN Groups do require IDRN 1100 training before issuing local IDRN badges. These groups are those operating since 2007 and have established on-boarding for their regional/country IDRN groups. If you plan to join one of these groups - Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, or South Korea - then you will need to confirm with them their process. If you register with the global network independently, this is not a requirement. However, those who take this approach will not have rights to local badging.

Experienced professionals and responders are also highly valued contributors, as we strive to promote best practices across the network. By sharing their expertise, they help create a learning environment where those new to the field can be exposed to industry standards from the outset.

IDRN seeks to enable collaboration and emphasize best practices regarding disaster response. However, the first IDRN priority is improving awareness which does not require specific action once a member has added themselves to our registries. Members are not required to work with others. We trust that cooperative efforts will emerge as awareness introduces members to other members or previously unknown resources. But there is no required engagement beyond "being on the list" that IDRN is growing.

There are activities or behaviors that a member or group can engage in that will call for reprimand or termination. Check out IDRN's Policies and Guidelines to better understand expectations. Simply put, it is inappropriate to push political, cultural, religious, or personal gain agendas in a way that imply they are tied to IDRN. IDRN members are autonomous and can do what they will (within legal limits), but their behavior as IDRN representatives must be aligned with IDRN's Policies and Guidelines.

Those Guidelines include... "IDRN values openness and strives to be as inclusive as possible. Membership in the IDRN Network is generally at-will, meaning that either IDRN or the member may choose to terminate membership at any time, without providing a specific reason. However, IDRN reserves the right to decline or terminate membership in situations that could negatively impact the network’s reputation, integrity, or alignment with its mission and values."