"At first, my efforts seemed like no big deal; I was calling people who didn’t even know who I was." Nursharafina Muhammad said of her first disaster response experience. “But more and more I received gratitude and appreciation; people started to say, 'Thank you for what you’re doing.' It was then I realized I was a piece of the whole puzzle and I was doing something by helping find volunteers who could make a difference.” 

In the early days of the Southern California wildfires, Los Angeles native Muhammad deployed to her first disaster response as an AmeriCorps member with the American Red Cross. Since 1994, the two organizations have maintained a partnership focused on community service, Red Cross AmeriCorps participants play vital roles in disaster response, preparedness education, blood donation efforts, and military family support.  

Assigned to the disaster headquarters in downtown LA, Muhammad initially felt her role was minimal—she was just one person in a massive operation and wasn’t sure what she could contribute. It didn’t take long for her to realize that eight emergency shelters supporting over 1,200 people were being staffed because of her efforts.  

"I was calling hundreds of people a day. Many weren’t available, but so many said, ‘Yeah, where do you need me?’ There were a lot of volunteers willing to come out and help."  

As she spoke with volunteers about their shifts, they eagerly shared their experiences—something Muhammad hadn’t anticipated from people she had never met. It was an unexpected connection that made her work feel more meaningful.  

Muhammad’s journey with the Red Cross began in high school, where she enjoyed working with the community. In college, she had limited time to volunteer while balancing school responsibilities, but after graduation, she knew she wanted to return.  

"I’ve grown a lot since high school and gained skills through college and internships—working with kids, working with the public. I felt I had something valuable to bring back to the Red Cross.”  

One moment that stayed with Muhammad occurred at a Red Cross shelter, where she and other responders met a woman and her two children who had been sleeping in their car for two weeks after being displace from their home. The mother worried about the information she needed to show to be allowed into the shelter, but volunteers immediately reassured her that the shelter was for anyone affected. They welcomed the family inside and ensured they were taken care of every step of the way. Muhammad was repeatedly struck by volunteers’ instinctive response; it was a level of humanity she had never witnessed firsthand.  

Her experience as an AmeriCorps member with the Red Cross deepened her commitment to service, inspiring her to apply the experience to both her community and future career. Through the program, Muhammad gained skills in leadership, public speaking, administration, and organization.  

As her deployment ended, Muhammad realized the impact of her work.  

"Near the end, I felt like I had made a difference. I had to think on my feet a lot. I learned about teamwork, sharing ideas, and collaborating with others. It opened my mind to wanting to do more and help. It felt very fulfilling.” 

Want to make a difference too? Become a Red Cross volunteer today by visiting: redcross.org/volunteer

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.