NEW YORK — As the New Year brings the tradition of resolutions, consider helping people in need as a virtual volunteer. While many Red Cross volunteers are helping others at the scene of disasters that take place every day in our region, there are many virtual opportunities to support the Red Cross.
“During this pandemic, many people who would like to volunteer have asked us about volunteering virtually and YES, we have many exciting and very important virtual opportunities to help our neighbors,” said Mary Barneby, Regional CEO American Red Cross Greater New York. “Please join us and resolve to help your community as a Red Cross volunteer to help ensure that no one faces life’s emergencies alone.”
HOW TO HELP
The need for volunteers is constant. During this COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, everyone’s well-being is our top priority as we work with public health officials to safely deliver services. Here are four exciting opportunities to volunteer from home and utilize your experience to support the work of the Red Cross and help others:
1. Emergency Communications Dispatcher: Be the voice of hope! In this role, you can be the vital person who provides timely emergency assistance and dispatches emergency personnel for the Red Cross when a disaster takes place. The Emergency Communications Center acts as command central for many of the Red Cross’ actions. This is an exciting role for anyone with advanced communication skills who wishes to use their leadership skills and can expertly multi-task while maintaining focus. Online courses and training with a seasoned dispatcher while on shift by phone from home will ensure success in this vital role. Click here to learn more.
2. Disaster Preparedness Trainer/Presenter: Help build resilient communities! As part of its mission, the Red Cross helps adults and children prepare for emergencies big and small. During this pandemic, much of this training is done in a virtual classroom. Use your public speaking or education experience to lead compelling preparedness training programs for youth in schools and different community groups. Click here to learn more.
3. Services to the Armed Forces Caseworker: Support military families! The Red Cross supports veterans, active military and their families at every stage of military service. This role will help ensure that the needs of these military communities are met when faced with an emergency. Use your awareness and appreciation for military culture, military families and veteran issues to help them. Gain a working knowledge of local, state and federal resources available military families and veterans. Use active listening skills to capture, analyze and interpret information to ensure that the right services are made available to them to support their needs. Click here to learn more.
4. Volunteer Talent Acquisition Manager: Build the team of helpers! Volunteers are 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce. Help the Red Cross recruit volunteers to support its work. Implement volunteer recruitment strategies, working actively with the regional recruitment team to identify and onboard volunteers through internal and external partners, cultivation events, marketing and outreach. Click here to learn more.
Please visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more about the most-needed positions in our region.
Email recruitmentgny@redcross.org with further questions about these volunteer opportunities.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
