The Red Cross must have had similar issues. That being said, I seem to recall that "official" Red Cross business is conducted on assigned RC commercial frequencies. OTOH, there is all manner of volunteer amateur participation in support of RC health and welfare operations during bonafide disaster deployments.
It seems to me that any volunteer group, performing health and welfare work during disasters, or practicing to do that, can and should use amateurs and amateur radio as part of their programs.
During Hurricane Charlie in central Florida, I know for a fact that the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief organization used amateur radio widely to coordinate with other volunteer organizations.
We should encourage participation by volunteer groups from any and all sources. When disasters strike, there is no guarantee that sufficient numbers will be available to meet the needs in a given area, or that those anxious to help can get there to meet the need.
I agree for the most part but, the LDS mission is to keep church leaders informed, insure the integrity of the Stakes (church buildings), storehouses and church members. I have no doubt that the church would help others as well, but that is the main mission. I have not seen anything about working with other relief agencies such as the Red Cross etc. Not that they would not, it is just something I have not herd in their mission. I can't say that I'm privy to all the intents though. Knowing the people in our area, they would help all, but the things mentioned are the top priorities. I do know the ERC worked with the local Emergency Operations Center during a rain induced flood this last year and were a big help in identifying problem areas.
Our local Ares/Races group think the ERC could be a resource for us, and vice versa. My only real concern is the use of the repeaters in our area. In a disaster, sharing 2 nets on one repeater could be problematic. It is for that reason another repeater was put up by our local radio club. I say put up, it is, but we are still waiting for better weather (less snow) on the mountain top so we can get the antenna up. We all went in on a Yeasu Fusion repeater. Registered ARRL clubs can get them for about $500.00 from Yaesu. It has to be a full club with bi laws, elected officials etc.
The people on the local ERC nets have been very hospitable, including anyone who wanted to come to a weekend training class where different aspects of radio were taught. Digital, VHF, HF and other classes. They were good beginner classes to get people up to speed on what modes are available and how to operate with different modes.
As stated, my only real concern is available repeaters for two nets. I have more than a few friends who are part of the ERC net and many are also part of the Ares/Races net. If run true to the mission statements I've been told of, it could possibly seen as being a "Business" for lack of a better word. That is not to say that they would not be an asset, but if one goes strictly by FCC rules, it could be a conflict. I don't see it that way, but things could be different depending on the area you are in.
Re: Other post- Glad to hear you are reaching out to others in the SF area. I think if the nets are run as emergency nets and do not involve religion, it's fine. That is how they are run here.
I just want to insure that there are not two nets trying to handle things on one repeater. I think all can work together in an emergency, and in the rural areas, we need all the help we can get.
To me, it's not the Church or group you belong to in an emergency, it's about helping people and communities in the most efficient way possible. I may not be LDS, but I have a lot of respect for the many LDS people I have met through amateur radio.
I really want to see this be a positive thing, and it can be if handled correctly. We do need all the trained operators possible.
73's John