VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
ARMED FORCES EMERGENCY SERVICES
Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) provide emergency communications 24 hours a day, 365 days a year between local families and thier loved ones serving in the US Armed Forces.
AFES volunteers help send emergency messages regarding the death or serious illness of a family member, the birth of a child, or other family emergencies.
Time commitment is at least one night per month and all casework is done over the phone. While "on call", volunteers must be available by phone or by pager. AFES volunteers must be at least 18 years old and training is provided.
BLOOD SERVICES
Blood volunteers work at our community and corporate blood drives in Norwalk, Westport, Weston, and Wilton.
Volunteers are in charge of registering donors, assisting as donor aids, providing drinks and food at canteen, observing donors for reactions after they donate and working as chairman of the day to oversee the drive.
The chapter also uses volunteers to send out monthly blood drive schedules and help to publicize the drives with posters and flyers.
COMMUNITY DISASTER EDUCATION (CDE)
Volunteers are needed to help promote disaster preparedness and safety in schools and throughout the community.CDE programs are presented to any interested community group including schools, senior centers, and neighborhood groups.
Volunteers are also needed to help at community and corporate safety fairs and expos. This is an exciting opportunity for people that love to teach and meet others.
DISASTER SERVICES
Disaster Action Teams:
Whether it's a local single family fire or state-wide hurricane, the Red Cross is there, providing emergency care and comfort to both victims and emergency workers.
Red Cross Disaster Action teams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, helping families and individuals get back on their feet after a disaster.
Emergency assistance may include temporary housing, food, clothing, basic household furnishings, help with health care needs and referrals to other agencies. During large disasters volunteers are needed to work in shelters and on mobile kitchens, conduct damage assessments, provide medical care and crisis intervention and more.
Time commitment varies depending on level of involvement. Training is required and is provided throughout the year.
Disaster Services Reserve:
After completing basic disaster training (usually 4 to 12 hours of training spread over several months), Disaster Reserves are expected to attend at least one refresher training and one volunteer meeting per year to keep up to date.
Disaster Reserves will be called upon during large disasters such as hurricanes and ice storms. All training is free.
GENERAL OFFICE SUPPORT
An extra set of hands are always needed to help our office run smoothly whether it be for a special project or our daily activites.
Duties include answering the phones, distributing mail, greeting clients and guests, making copies, updating lists, faxing, filing, and any other tasks to keep our busy office going.
Volunteers are required to have good telephone skills, ability to handle several tasks at the same time and should be comfortable in a busy atmosphere.
HEALTH & SAFETY SERVICES
The American Red Cross has provided health and safety services to people for more than 85 years as part of the organization's mission of emergency prevention and preparedness.
All Red Cross courses are designed to teach the exact skills people need to know in an emergency.
Volunteers can become certified Red Cross instructors authorized to teach First Aid, CPR for the infant, child and adult, Life Guarding, and Babysitting.
Training is required and time commitment varies with interest
INTERNATIONAL SERVICES
The American Red Cross provided tracing services to members of the civilian community regarding their relatives and friends in other countries seperated by war, disaster, civil disturbance, and changing world conditions. Our tracing volunteers work closely with the Central Tracing Agency of the International Committee of the Red Cross in locating relatives and friends in other countries.
The American Red Cross Holocaust and War Victims Tracing and Information Center provides tracing, information, and referral services to survivors and families of victims in World War II in Europe, Eastern Europe, and former USSR.
Our chapter works directly with the Central Holocaust and Information Center in Baltimore, Maryland and other agencies.
International Services volunteers also help educate the community about International Humanitarian Law and the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross.
Time commitment varies depending on involvement. Training is required and is provided throughout the year.
MOTOR SERVICES
Our volunteer drivers provide transportation for local residents to and from doctors or dentist appointments when no other practical means of transportation is available. Red Cross vehicles are available for use by our volunteer drivers. All Motor Service drivers must hold a valid drivers license, have a clean driving record and be in good health.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Every year the chapter holds various special events. Time commitments depend on the program and time of year.
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
To download the Volunteer Application form, click here.
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MORE INFORMATION
For more information please call Kerri VanHeuklon at (203) 869-8444 extension 116.