Disclaimer: I have not heard the episode yet, and there were a few posts which were too long for my ADD to handle.
I really think this is a good idea, and am looking forward to seeing it implemented. I would also caution the brainstorming committee to lead the "group" structure AWAY from traditional EM. Performing any function which would require interaction with the incident command structure equals a nightmare for a group like ours. That means large disasters are out by default. This is where you are looking at requiring liability insurance, personal insurance, certifications, a "corporate" structure which will allow you to interact with the Operations Chief and his staff, and be dispatched and recalled by the Incident Commander...
It seems the focus of most of the respondents here are more interested in helping people on the periphery of the disaster, who are often unknown and overlooked but the main response. Cruising the back roads looking for granny who can't leave her home because of fallen trees. That's where we can step in and make a difference. Out there, we're not the response effort, we're locals helping our neighbors.
From Illinois, and have the time and resources to go help in Texas? Great! We happen to have a structure which will link you up with the TSPers in the affected region you can roll with. Meet up, and go help grannies who call you "Sugar" for a week until you have to get back to your life.
On the flip side, small towns would probably welcome the help from us. If your town is serviced by a VFD, you're probably a candidate for a TSP team. Once the TSP DRTs are established, the word should be spread face-to-face with VFDs and such in the local area. Show them what you bring to the fight, and in a disaster they will welcome not only you, but also the two out-of-state guys who came down as well.
Well, that's my input so far...
