By Natalie DiCaro, Jasmin Franjul, Mary Ann Hansen, Beth Healey, Jocelyn Hillard, Pamela Lam, Elizabeth May, Steven Nazarian and Susan Shaw (CTRI Red Cross Public Affairs)

Did you know the Red Cross responds to a disaster every eight minutes? And did you know that 90% of our workforce is made up of volunteers?

DISASTER RESPONSE IS A TEAM EFFORT Red Cross workers set up safe shelters, deliver food and supplies, and collaborate with local and government partners to help communities develop long-term recovery plans. Specialized teams ensure access to technology, manage warehouse logistics, and offer health and mental health support. Each volunteer plays a vital role, and together, their efforts come together like puzzle pieces to provide essential support.

Earlier this month, nearly 200 Red Cross volunteers from Connecticut and Rhode Island gathered at the Disaster Training Institute in Groton, Connecticut. Since its inception in 2017, the institute has trained hundreds of volunteers in disaster response. This year, 16 classes were offered over two days, covering topics ranging from shelter management to supervising the disaster workforce.

Many of the weekend’s classes included hands-on learning, allowing volunteers to put their training into practice. One class focused on public affairs on a disaster relief operation. The students’ work is featured throughout this article, including photographs and interviews with fellow Red Crossers (team photo below).

Jocelyn Hillard, regional communications director and the class instructor, said, “Our volunteers are dedicated to helping families through some of life’s toughest moments – whether it’s a home fire, hurricane, or another tragedy. Today, our public affairs volunteers are learning to capture the human side of each story. We’ve had a great day practicing these new skills, and I know they’ll carry this passion forward in their Red Cross journey.”

In true Red Cross fashion, the Disaster Training Institute was organized by volunteers, for volunteers.

James Hendricks, regional workforce engagement manager and coordinator of the event, shared, “We help train local volunteers to prepare for disasters and help them be trained to deploy. Many classes also learn soft skills. It is also a way for volunteers to get to know each other.”

James has led the planning of the institute for the past nine years, in addition to his year-round volunteer responsibilities. When asked how he got started with the organization, he said, “I wanted to help people and found my niche helping new volunteers find their path with us. I take pride in that.”

One instructor who stood out was Joe Gavagni. who has been with the Red Cross for over 15 years and has attended every institute. “I get to meet new people every year – that’s one of the best parts.”

As a first-time participant, volunteer recruiter Pamela Lam saw the Institute as an opportunity to connect with others and our mission. “I’m attending the Institute so that I can network with the services I’m supporting [like disaster]… so that I have a deeper understanding of the organization. I’m also learning new skills.”

She added, “Personally, when I first joined Red Cross, I only thought it was about blood drives… I didn’t realize there were so many services we offer to the community.”

No matter why people attended the Disaster Training Institute or what their background is, they all shared one thing: the desire to be ready to help others when needed.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to get involved, visit redcross.org/volunteer.