Disaster Action Team Volunteer (Caswell County, NC)
American Red Cross
A Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteer is a part of a local team that responds to local disasters including home fires and major storms to provide comfort, hope, and Red Cross services. DAT volunteers ease the difficulties of people unexpectedly overwhelmed by disasters. They are called on to engage with clients, first responders, and the public.
VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER: DAT Volunteers can choose to participate in virtual-only response from the comfort of their home. Volunteers follow up with those impacted by disasters via phone or computer to provide a "Good Hello" and complete a Client Intake Worksheet. During the response, volunteers provide compassion and resources like financial assistance for lodging to those displaced from their homes. They may also provide community referrals and referrals to other Red Cross Services like Mental Health, Health Services, and Spiritual Care.
ON-THE-SCENE-VOLUNTEER: Depending on the situation, some volunteers may provide in-person service delivery. This could include contactless delivery of resources, opening and operating a shelter after a major disaster, or providing canteen to first responders during an emergency.
PROVIDE A "GOOD HELLO": Whether volunteers assist virtually or on-the-scene, Red Crossers must be adaptable, flexible, and provide a "Good Hello" - to those who have experienced a disaster - as they now become our clients in our care. Responders must be able to demonstrate the following qualities in their "Good Hello":
- Care and Compassion
- Impartiality and Empathy
- Active listening
- Confidence to help on their "Road to Recovery"
TIME COMMITMENT: To ensure our communities have access to our services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, we ask our DAT volunteers to commit to being on-call at least 6-8 (6-hour) shifts per month using our flexible shift scheduling app
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- 18 years or older
- Must have basic computer skills and knowledge
- Have a valid driver's license and vehicle (unless interested in virtual-only response options)
- Access to computer/tablet/smartphone and good connectivity internet for response
- A "self-starter" to complete required online training courses and attend monthly meetings
About American Red Cross
Location:
690 Coliseum Dr NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, US
Mission Statement
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Description
Volunteers carry out 90% of the humanitarian work of the American Red Cross to support its mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering. There are many ways you can volunteer in your local community, and we are always looking for people with various backgrounds, talents and skill levels . We have diverse volunteer opportunities in Blood Services, Disaster Services, Service to the Armed Forces, Communications, and Volunteer Services.