It Doesn’t Take Rocket Science, It Takes a Hand Raise
Filling a need doesn’t take rocket science—it takes a hand raise.
In the world of emergency management, disaster response, and public safety, I’ve seen this scenario play out more times than I can count. Someone says, “Where can I help?” or “How can I get involved?” But when you give them a task—especially one that isn’t glamorous—you can almost see the enthusiasm fade.
Suddenly, it’s “Oh, no thanks, I’m too qualified for that.” “That job’s too dirty.” “I’d rather do something else.”
That mindset is one of the biggest challenges in our field. The greatest asset anyone can be during a disaster is a flexible one—someone willing to fill any role, at any time, wherever the need exists.
Service Without Preference
Service without preference is what sets true responders apart. There has never been a time when someone said, “I need help,” and my hand didn’t go up. That’s how it should be. Because in disaster management, you don’t get to pick the conditions, and you don’t get to pick the job. You fill the gap that exists, not the one you wish existed.
If more people stopped overthinking and simply said, “Here I am—how can I help?” there would be far fewer gaps in our responses. We lose valuable time, coordination, and manpower when ego and preference get in the way of service.
You can’t say you want to help and then refuse a role because it doesn’t meet your expectations. You can’t claim to be a responder if your pride keeps you from doing the so-called “low-level” job. Every position matters. Every task supports the mission.
Ego Has No Place in Service
This isn’t a career for people chasing status. Nobody joins emergency management or public safety because it’s glamorous or profitable. We’re here because we care about people—often on the worst days of their lives.
Disaster survivors have lost homes, memories, loved ones, and sometimes their entire sense of security. In those moments, it’s our job to step forward, not step back because we think a task is beneath us.
The best responders, the best leaders, and the best teammates are the ones who raise their hands without hesitation. They don’t wait for perfect conditions or credit. They simply show up, ready to serve.
Leadership Starts at Ground Level
Leadership doesn’t start with authority. It starts with willingness. When a volunteer moves sandbags, when a logistics officer delivers food, when a seasoned leader drives a shuttle because there’s no one else available—that’s leadership. It’s leading by example, not position.
Titles don’t earn trust. Actions do.
In emergency management, humility is one of the most powerful forms of leadership. The people around you aren’t just watching what you say—they’re watching how quickly your hand goes up when something needs to be done.
The Hand Raise That Changes Everything
So no, it doesn’t take rocket science to fill a need. It takes humility. It takes compassion. It takes a willingness to serve.
It takes a raised hand when others hesitate.
The next time someone asks, “Who can help?” don’t overthink it. Don’t wait for the perfect task or the ideal timing. Just raise your hand.
Because that simple act, the hand raise, might be the moment everything changes for someone else.
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Isaiah La Masters is a public safety and emergency management professional with extensive experience in physical security, critical infrastructure protection, and large-scale emergency preparedness. He is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Red Slice Group, LLC, and has served in multiple roles supporting emergency coordination, training, and exercise at the state and local levels. Isaiah holds an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Political Science, a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Public Safety—Homeland Security at Liberty University. Passionate about leadership and organizational resilience, he is committed to strengthening collaboration between agencies, responders, and communities to build a safer, more resilient world.
