It often takes a little nudge for us to get up off the couch, to get the ball rolling, or to take on something new.
Many American Red Cross volunteers credit a disaster – a large-scale national event, like a hurricane or series of wildfires, or even a smaller event that affects family members, friends or community members closer to home – as the nudge they needed to join the organization. Other volunteers come on board after learning new information in a health and safety class, at a volunteer fair or at a community event. Though each volunteer’s story is different, in most cases something or someone served is the motivation they needed to become involved.
In his 2015 Presidential Proclamation of March as American Red Cross Month, President Obama encouraged, “During American Red Cross Month, let us ask what we can do for those around us and resolve to make service to others a part of our everyday lives.”
Perhaps your story as a Red Cross volunteer begins today. Perhaps the arrival – the proclamation – of March as Red Cross Month will serve as the nudge, the sign, the motivation you need to join us as we preserve and renew that humanitarian impulse to save, to serve, and to build.
What might you do as a Red Cross volunteer, you ask? Let me give you an idea.
As a Volunteer Management volunteer, assist with volunteer recruitment, orientation, placement, training, and retention.
As a Disaster Services volunteer/Disaster Action Team member, provide food, shelter, and comfort for individuals and families affected by disasters.
As a Disaster Preparedness volunteer, educate individuals and groups on how to be prepared before disasters strike.
As a Public Affairs volunteer, tell the Red Cross story during disasters.
As a Health and Safety Instructor, teach community classes such as CPR, First Aid, AED, Water Safety, Lifeguarding, and Babysitting to adults, teenagers, and youth.
As a First Aid Team volunteer, provide basic level first aid response and services.
As an Armed Forces Caseworker, ensure delivery of emergency communications between members of the military and their families.
As a Blood Donor Recruiter, work with individuals, groups, and companies to recruit blood donors and promote blood drives.
As a Blood Drive volunteer, greet and register blood donors.
As a Clerical volunteer, assist with administrative tasks in the office.
As a Special Events volunteer, assist with fundraising and special events.
As a Grant Researcher/Writer, assist the fundraising team as they research, write, and execute grants.
As a Youth volunteer, participate in a Red Cross Club at your elementary, middle, or high school or college/university.
There are so many good reasons to become involved with the American Red Cross, and so many different opportunities available once connected to the organization. Change your own life and be a hero in someone else’s by joining the American Red Cross today.
Volunteer opportunities vary slightly from chapter to chapter. To find out more information about the volunteer opportunities at your local chapter, search on redcross.org