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1. Responding to Disasters - As
a member of the local Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT), you will be
among the first to arrive to the scene of a disaster - typically a fire,
flood, tornado, wind, or ice storm. You'll bring comfort to people
affected by the disaster, assess the damage to their homes and help meet
their immediate needs for food, clothing, shelter, health services, and
mental health counseling. This service is mandated by our
Congressional Charter and requires more than average commitment due to
the training requirements and availability to rapidly respond.
2. ERV Drivers - You and
a team member will be responsible for transporting the Red Cross
Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to disaster scenes. There are four
categories: local disasters in Midland and Odessa, our 26 county
jurisdiction, within Texas, and within the United States.
3. Service to Military Families - This is another service that is
mandated by our Congressional Charter. The Red Cross serves as the
primary emergency communications link between military families and
their service members around the world. As a military caseworker, you
will provide emergency
communications, and financial assistance to military service members and
their families.
4. DSHR Member - As a
DSHR Member you are considered an advanced member
that responds to
disasters anywhere in the United States. As a DSHR Member, there
are 2 types of deployment opportunities. One position requires
individuals to commit to a minimum of 3 week assignment each time you
are deployed. The other is called a “Strike Team” and deployment
is a minimum of 10 days. Travel, meals and lodging are provided,
however some disaster scenes are considered “hardship” assignments that
required staying and eating in disaster shelters.
5. First Aid Station Team Member - Members
age 18 or older are selected by application and is part of a
Professional Rescuer team that provides first responder care to victims
at different events throughout the 26 county jurisdiction.
6. State of Texas
Employees - As a state employee, you can qualify to become a “Ready
Texan” and be deployed to disaster sites within Texas for one to two
weeks during the year without losing any vacation or compensated time at
work.
PREPAREDNESS
1. Teach Classes - By
becoming an Instructor with the American Red Cross, you help the
community by fulfilling our mission to help people prevent, prepare for
and cope with emergency situations. Volunteer Instructor positions are
available in Disaster Services and Health and Safety Services.
2. Presentations - With
your assistance, we can offer Red Cross presentations in all 26 counties
to schools, churches, businesses, United Ways, and organizations about
all aspects of the Red Cross.
3. Health Fairs - Many communities and
organizations host health fairs to provide their community with the
knowledge of the services that is available to them. As a trained Red
Cross booth worker, you will meet and greet people from the community
and educate them to the Red Cross and services, while giving brochures
and other additional literature to interested individuals.
4. Speakers Bureau - As a trained
presenter, you will be available to speak on behalf of the Red Cross at
events and functions upon request. The Speaker's Bureau group is made up
of individuals that have been trained and are very knowledgeable with
all aspects of the American Red Cross and our services. Speaking
engagements include county officials, media, large company groups and
special events.
SUPPORT
1. Administrative - We need volunteers
counterparts for all aspects of the management of the organization to
help organize projects, manage volunteers, implementing service delivery
and help with general office tasks.
2. Committee Placement - There are many
committee placement opportunities within the local chapter. These
positions are considered part of the Board of Directors, however, are
not a voting member.
3. Records Management - The local chapter has opportunities to assist
managing with in-house class participation, Disaster, Armed Forces, and
Human resources records in databases. Databases are currently in Access,
Excel, and CHERS. Computer knowledge is a must.
4. Clerical - Duties include filing,
answering telephones, class coordination and other general front office
skills. Volunteer must have proper telephone etiquette and professional
appearance.
5. Point of Service Offices - If you
reside in any of our counties outside the Midland/Odessa area, you could
qualify for volunteering at a Point of Service office. These offices can
be established by city officials or other community leaders who feel it
is necessary for Red Cross visibility within their community. Duties
will depend on location site.
6. Technology - Assist with the office
computers for troubleshooting, or web-site assistance or maintenance.
7. Teen Volunteers - Get extra credit
on college applications by being a Red Cross volunteer. Opportunities
for “work for credit hours” is available both in-house and outside for
agencies like Texas Scholar, Community service, and Abell-Hanger. Work
on computer, database, and other projects.
Click here for a Community Service Application.
Interested in Volunteering?
Contact the American Red Cross of Southwest Texas at (432)-563-2267.
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