Leading with humility and hope in disaster response

In Blue Skies and Grey: Establishing Resilient Communities, Meeting the Moment during Disaster, leaders from organizations including the American Red Cross, United Way Worldwide, and Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) share insights on what it takes to lead through a crisis.

Kevin King, Executive Director of MDS, joins national disaster response leaders in reflecting on how faith, collaboration, and compassion guide our work when disaster strikes.

King emphasizes that volunteer work is built first on culture and compassion, not just systems or procedures. “A volunteer who kneels to meet someone at eye level communicates humility in ways that no checklist could,” he shares. For him, the most effective disaster response begins with listening, empathy, and the willingness to adapt when plans inevitably shift.

King also highlights the power of collaboration, a value that runs deep within MDS. He describes “meta leadership” as the ability to connect organizations at every level: federal, state, local, nonprofit, and faith-based efforts to serve communities more effectively. “No single organization can do this work alone,” King explains. “Our strength comes from working together for the good of our neighbors.”

The article explores how leaders like King continue to shape volunteer culture by preparing for the unexpected, supporting mental and emotional well-being, and finding meaningful ways to recognize volunteers’ impact.

Read the full story from Engage: Blue Skies and Grey: Establishing Resilient Communities, Meeting the Moment during Disaster