Following a disaster, ORVOAD convenes its members and other agencies to discuss how they will work together cooperatively in the crisis. ORVOAD does not itself deliver services. Instead, its members independently meet relief and recovery needs within the cooperative framework the organization makes possible.

ORVOAD coordinates planning by the many voluntary agencies responding to a disaster so they provide more effective service with less duplication when a disaster strikes. 

ORVOAD member organizations work together and serve through:

• Cooperation - a climate of cooperation at all levels to provide sharing of information

• Coordination - coordinates policy among member organizations and serves as the state liaison, advocate, and voice to the national VOAD

• Technical Assistance - provides training to members to increase awareness and preparedness for each organization

• Mitigation - supports the disaster response efforts of federal, state, and local agencies and government

• Outreach and Education - encourages the participation of agencies throughout the state, encourages the formation of county VOADs, gives guidance to state and regional volunteer organizations active in disaster response, and supports appropriate legislation

• Convening - conducts seminars, board meetings, conferences, and training programs.