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Non-profit organizations involved in the solution of the COVID-19 epidemic in the South Bohemian Region
RŮŽIČKOVÁ, Eliška
A short message with Governor´s activation order was delivered to all members of the Panel of Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations of the South Bohemian Region on 20 March 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. The activation lasted 2 months until 27 May 2020. The role of Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations and their coordination done by the Panel was irreplaceable during the solution of the epidemic. All volunteers and association employees risked their health in favour of the citizens of the South Bohemian Region. They helped the most vulnerable ones of the society and they asked many volunteers from public to take part in the needed help. The diploma thesis focuses on analysis of participation of Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations in the South Bohemian Region during the solution of the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic and on analysis of experience of executives and volunteers of Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations during the solution of the crisis situation. A qualitative research in the form of semi-structured conversations with representatives of the South Bohemian Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations was undertaken to answer the research questions. The data gathered by the research and by the inquiry were evaluated using SWOT analysis and so called Fuller´s triangle was designed for comparison. On the basis of evaluation of obtained data we can state that Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations were able to react quickly to the given situation and that the Panel of Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations of the South Bohemian Region ensured help and masks distribution, disinfection, it ensured public places disinfection, purchases delivery, providing coordination support for field and accompanying activities, South Bohemian Region information line operation, establishing of quarantine places for homeless people and creation of manual for work with volunteers. The executives and volunteers evaluated the first wave of the epidemic as a period of uncertainty, disinformation, and lack of personal protective equipment. The coordinator of the Panel of Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations of the South Bohemian Region stated that difficult tasks were given by the Region and that they were not prepared for them. The majority of NGO and NPO workers perceive the epidemic experience as basis for changes in the system of functioning of organizations in the future. The findings of the diploma thesis will be used as feedback materials for the Panel of Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations of the South Bohemian Region, Crisis Management Department of the South Bohemian Region and Crisis Management Department of the Fire and Rescue Service of the South Bohemian Region.
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