Opportunities From: Volunteer SouthCoast

Purpose

To serve on a Disaster Action Team as a worker on a DAT response to provide 24-hour immediate support and assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by a home fire or other local disaster.

Responsibilities

Works as part of an assigned team to respond to local disasters within two hours.

Delivers immediate direct client assistance in accordance with Red Cross standards and procedures.

Works with on-scene lead to assess whether additional resources/support are required and communicates those needs to DAT Leadership.

Attends regularly scheduled team/DAT meetings as required by Chapter/Region.

Commits to being available during assigned shifts, and communicate scheduling conflicts with DAT Leadership.

 

Purpose

A Community Volunteer Leader is a single point of contact for Brockton, Fall River, or New Bedford with the primary goal of connecting the community with the Red Cross mission.

Responsibilities

1. VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT: Recruit and refer prospective volunteers and volunteer groups to American Red Cross in support of District and Regional goals and metrics. Help recruit a volunteer workforce that is both inclusive and represents the demographics of the community. As an advocate, represent the Red Cross volunteer needs within the community. Maintain appropriate level of communication with Volunteer Director and Mission Leads to understand volunteer priorities and needs. Example: Meet with local City Manager to explore training city Disaster Service Workers as Red Cross Shelter volunteers.

2. RED CROSS PRESENCE & CONNECTIVITY: Serve as the primary connector between the defined geography and the American Red Cross mission. As a credible leader in the community, help represent the community needs and opportunities back to Red Cross Regional Leadership. Utilizes established communication channels to communicate community needs and stay current on Red Cross programs and messaging. To help build / regain presence, serve as the face of Red Cross at local community events and serve as primary public affairs / local communicator in defined geography during “blue skies”. Example: Present our Red Cross one-year Oklahoma update to the local Rotary Club.

3. RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT: Cultivate, manage and steward external partner relationships to help create and maintain connectedness within defined community, managing a portfolio of key stakeholders. Portfolio of relationships within assigned geography will include elected officials, key government agencies, community groups, faith-based; colleges/universities, civic, NGOs/NPOs, military organizations. Maintain appropriate level of communication with Regional leadership and Mission Leads to ensure consistent messaging and priorities. Example: Meet twice a year with the local State Assemblyman to share primary Red Cross campaigns and seek district office support.

4. MISSION DELIVERY SUPPORT UNDER THE DIRECTION OF REGIONAL LEADERSHIP: Promote and facilitate opportunities across all relevant lines of service within assigned geography. Leverage social capital and relationships to expand local Red Cross mission in support of regional goals and objectives. Maintain appropriate level of communication with Mission Leads. Example: Meet with local Superintendent of Schools to promote High School Blood Drives.
Examples of Day-to-Day Activities
• Provides Red Cross updates to local service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.).
• Participates in local community events as an extension of Executive Director.
• Shares volunteer needs within social networks / circles of influence based on consultation with Volunteer Director and Mission Leads.
• Routine meetings with key stakeholders (fire chiefs, mayors, veteran organizations, local media partners).
• Community volunteer leaders will rely on Mission Leads (i.e. RDPO) and mission volunteers (i.e. Disaster Services Chair) for functional expertise.

The American Red Cross is looking for community leaders to serve on our board.  Join us!

American Red Cross board members implement corporate strategies and operations to support
our lifesaving organization in your community. As a chapter board member, your leadership,
advocacy and support help alleviate suffering for people facing emergencies, making an
extraordinary impact for those we serve.
Red Cross Board Functions and Requirements
• Fulfill mission.
• Develop relationships and resources to assist with volunteer recruitment, fundraising and
blood donations.
• Serve as a Red Cross ambassador.
• Support chapter board administration.
• Serve on a committee.
• Attend board meetings regularly.
• Contribute toward fundraising goals.
• Develop and implement an individual board member engagement plan.
• Participate in volunteer satisfaction and board member surveys.
• Recruit and cultivate new diverse board members.
• Track volunteer hours.

Willingness to support Red Cross Mission Assist in office administration in Chapter office Answer telephones, provide information and take messages Typing, data entry, work filing Assist in preparation of mailings Communicate with volunteers Work independently Self-motivated, ability to follow instructions and complete a project Typing, filing Competencies in Microsoft Office including Word and Excel Willingness to learn additional software and new skills Excellent communication skills Ability to work with employees and volunteers Dependable

 

4-hour shifts, Monday to Friday (some flexibility)

About the Home Fire Campaign

Every day, seven people die in home fires, most victims in homes that lack smoke alarms. Sadly, children and the elderly disproportionately lose their lives. The American Red Cross wants to improve the odds and save lives - that's why we launched our Home Fire Campaign in 2014.

A critical part of the campaign is Sound the Alarm, a series of home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events across the country. Together with fire departments and other community partners, Red Cross volunteers:

Canvass at-risk neighborhoods Install free smoke alarms Replace batteries in existing alarms Provide fire prevention and safety education

In just five years, our home visits have accomplished so much, including the installation of more than 1.8 million smoke alarms and preparing more than 1 million people against home fires.