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Becoming a Volunteer

 

Welcome to the American Red Cross. Each year over one million Americans serve as Red Cross volunteers serving local community needs — helping people in emergencies, providing half the nation's blood supply, teaching first aid and CPR courses, delivering emergency messages to members of the military, organizing programs for the elderly, for the youth…

Red Cross volunteers work directly with people, serve on boards of directors, serve as managers, advisors, and provide behind the scenes support.

Be a Red Cross volunteer! Helping others feels good, and helps you feel good about yourself. The Claremont Chapter of the American Red Cross can work with you to provide rewarding experiences, opportunities to utilize your talents, or provide training to help you serve your community.

 

Each year, the American Red Cross responds immediately to more than 70,000 disasters, both natural and man-made. As you watch disaster relief efforts unfold, you may wonder how the Red Cross recruits and trains volunteers. Chapters all over the country offer Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) System training to equip volunteers with the proper training and knowledge to prepare them for deployment when disaster strikes. During times of large scale disasters and devastation there are also many individuals who step forward, eager to do whatever they can to help. When these spontaneous volunteers offer their assistance, we often put their talents to use on-site and behind the scenes after orienting them to Red Cross services and determining how they may best help those affected by the disaster. If you are interested in volunteering with the Red Cross, please take the first steps by downloading and completing the Claremont Red Cross Volunteer Application Forms and then check out our new online Introduction to Disaster Services Course to learn more about the lifesaving services we provide.

Additional Disaster Services classes are offered at neighboring Chapters:   A current list may be viewed by clicking here.

 

Claremont Red Cross Volunteer Handbook

 

Thank you for your interest! The American Red Cross delivers services in your community through the support of people just like you giving their time. 

 

Opportunities include:

Bloodmobile 

Work on bloodmobiles near the Claremont Red Cross Chapter House and throughout the community. Assist by registering donors, preparing blood packs, serving refreshments, observing in the canteen or giving donor support. This assignment appeals to people who enjoy working closely with others. Flexible schedule, primarily daytime hours, weekends possible.   [ opportunities         apply now  ]



Community Nurses 

Community Nurses teach a wide range of Red Cross courses such as Home Nursing, Preparation for Parenthood, and Nutrition. Become involved in weekly blood pressure screening clinics, annual health fair, and pre-school immunizations.    [ opportunities         apply now  ]



Community Services 

Volunteers help local elderly citizens with education and support. Flexible hours, location at local convalescent hospitals, client’s home.     [ opportunities         apply now  ]



Disaster Nurses 

R.N.s and L.V.N.s are needed to assist during disaster emergencies, care for victims, provide medical assessment, crisis intervention and counseling, and follow up with hospital or home visits. Training is provided.    [ opportunities         apply now  ]



Disaster Team (DAT)

Provide emergency assistance to families and emergency workers during local or national disasters. Assist at disaster sites or mass care shelters providing shelter and food. Should enjoy working with and helping people in crisis from varied economic and ethnic backgrounds. Free training provided and required. Disaster teams rotate on-call for 24 hour coverage when Chapter Office is closed, day and/or night.   [ opportunities         apply now  ]



Health and Safety / First Aid/CPR Instructors

Volunteer instructors are needed to teach classes in first aid, CPR, swimming, life saving, and health education. In addition, aids are needed to help instructors teach courses. Training and certification are available. Flexible day and evening schedule throughout the week or weekend.                                          [ opportunities         apply now  ]



Office Assistants / Data Entry 

Volunteers provide in-office clerical, typing, computer, and bookkeeping assistance. Receptionists answer phones and perform other clerical duties. Prior office experience preferred.  Data Entry volunteers use Chapter computer systems to achieve inter-service documentation, including national reports, record maintenance, publications and more. Requires computer interest and experience. Training provided. Please click here for more details.   [ opportunities         apply now  ]



Public Relations / Speakers Bureau

Write articles and press releases for community newspaper, radio, television, cable, bulletins, and newsletter. Help prepare graphic artwork for posters and publications. Prior journalism and/or graphic art experience preferred. Hours are flexible. Join the Speakers Bureau to promote significant Red Cross programs throughout the community, including Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness, Health and Safety, AED, First Aid and more. Utilize audiovisuals, exhibits, and demonstrations to support your presentations.   [ opportunities         apply now  ]



Special Events 

Use organizational skills to plan special volunteer events such as the Walk on the Wild Side, El Roble Bike Marathon, Health Fairs, Immunization Clinics, Village Venture, Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony.    [ opportunities         apply now  ]



Youth Activities 

Become a youth volunteer (age 14-18) or an adult volunteer working with young people in exciting, diverse youth projects geared to encourage leadership development and community involvement of young people. Instructors are needed to teach various youth oriented courses. Youth are needed to plan and implement community activities. Training provided. Flexible hours throughout the week and weekends.    [ opportunities         apply now  ]


Leadership Roles

Provide Chapter leadership as an active board member, committee member or chairman, volunteer recruiter, trainer, recognition coordinator or fundraiser. Leadership or management skills preferred. Requires periodic meetings and interview with Governance Committee.    [ opportunities         apply now  ]

 


 

 

 

 

 

Be a Disaster Volunteer... It's the hardest job you'll ever love!

The mission of the American Red Cross is to help people of our community prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. In order to do this, we need your help! In times of disaster, we provide free emergency disaster assistance to affected individuals and families. Red Cross volunteers are trained, free of charge, to provide immediate food, shelter, emergency first aid, counseling and other free disaster services as needed. You can support your community by becoming a trained Disaster Services Volunteer.

Some of the ways you can serve as a Disaster Volunteer include:

Mass Care: Provides shelter, fixed and mobile feeding, distribution of supplies and commodities to people affected by a disaster. Examples: shelter manager and feeding route coordinator.

Family Services: Delivers emergency assistance to affected individuals and families, while referring clients to other agencies to provide additional assistance when necessary. Example: case worker supervisor

Disaster Health Services: Responsible for emergency and preventative health services to people affected by a disaster. Example: shelter nurse

Disaster Mental Health Services: Provides mental health support to those affected by a disaster, whether they experienced the disaster, reside in the area, are working as a Red Cross volunteer, are relatives of those affected or have disaster related emotional difficulties created by mass media. Example: disaster mental health officer

Spiritual Care Team Member: Provides non-denominational spiritual counseling and support to those affected by a disaster, whether they experienced the disaster, reside in the area, are working as a Red Cross volunteer, are relatives of those affected or have disaster related emotional difficulties created by mass media. Example: Chaplain

Family Well-being Inquiry: Responsible foe receiving and responding to inquiries about the health and welfare of individuals and families within an affected area.

Community Services, Administration, Service Support and Fundraising: Working with the community, staff and other volunteers to service a disaster relief operation as a whole. Examples: damage assessment, government liaison, public affairs, staffing and logistics and fund raising coordinator.

 

At this time, all Volunteers are asked to complete and submit, in-person, the Claremont Red Cross volunteer application.  The Claremont Chapter office, the Staff will evaluate needs and skills and be in touch to arrange an interview. 

 

  VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORMS PACKET          [ opportunities ]

Please download and complete the Volunteer Application Forms.  Once completed, please bring the forms, in-person, to the Chapter office during business hours. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  During times of Disaster, extended hours may be offered.  Please call (909) 624-0074 for current operations schedule.

  Please click to download Volunteer Application Forms (.pdf format) :

  • Volunteer Application     (please disable any pop-up blocker software)

    • The Volunteer Application packet contains the Application, Code of Conduct Certification, Confidentiality Agreement and Volunteer Rights & Responsibilities.  All portions of the Application packet must be completed and submitted.

     

    Claremont Red Cross Volunteer Handbook

     

  DISASTER SERVICES (DSHR) VOLUNTEERS   

The Chapter now requires that its disaster volunteers be members of the Disaster Services Human Resources ("DSHR") system. Being part of DSHR will allow you to deploy to national level disasters but does not obligate you to do so -- the Chapter controls that availability -- and it does allow us to accurately track your training and disaster service. The National Headquarters policy is also to require background checks for all DSHR members. That initiation form is also included but need not be completed until you are formally entered into the system.

Please click to download Disaster Services Volunteer Forms (.pdf format) :

Additional Disaster Services classes are offered at neighboring Chapters:   A current list may be viewed by clicking here.

Once you have completed your Volunteer Interview and Orientation, please refer to the Volunteer Resources Page by clicking here, on a regular basis for updated events, courses and opportunities.

 

THE MISSION OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with the congressional charter and the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement.

Our humanitarian mission connects us to people and communities across the nation and around the world. We are committed to ensuring that our people, programs and services reflect the diversity of the people and communities we serve.

 

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS & RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT

HUMANITY -- The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

IMPARTIALITY -- It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

NEUTRALITY -- In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

INDEPENDENCE -- The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

VOLUNTARY SERVICE -- It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

UNITY -- There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

UNIVERSALITY -- The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

 

 

 

  Thank you for your Support!

American Red Cross
Claremont Chapter
2065 North Indian Hill Blvd.
Claremont, California 91711
(909) 624-0074

(888) 737-4306 after-hours, for emergencies only please

 Our e-mail address is:  info@arcclaremont.org

 

Volunteers Mobilized Nationwide to Support Katrina Relief

Written by Lesly C. Simmons , Staff Writer, RedCross.org

Tuesday, August 30, 2005 — The American Red Cross has mobilized thousands of volunteers to respond in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which completely devastated parts of Louisiana and left at least 55 people dead.

The Red Cross plans to send close to 2,000 volunteers in the area to begin the initial response in the next few days.

“Volunteers are truly the lifeblood of the American Red Cross, and we are calling on them now by the thousands to help support relief efforts in Louisiana and other states after Katrina,” said Pat McCrummen, American Red Cross disaster spokesperson. “We are looking at a long term, very significant response to this storm.”

The Red Cross is mobilizing every available resource from across the country including thousands of staff and volunteers to respond to this storm. Red Cross volunteers and donors are neighbors helping neighbors.

Volunteers are already on the ground staffing shelters for tens of thousands of people in five states—Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas.

The Red Cross is launching the largest mobilization of resources for a single natural domestic disaster, in part because the extent of the damage is so widespread over a large geographical area. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin including sending nearly 1,900 staff and volunteers into the field in the next few days, and sending more than 250 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) out to provide food and water to affected residents.

About The American Red Cross

American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Each year, the American Red Cross responds immediately to more than 67,000 disasters, including house or apartment fires (the majority of disaster responses), hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural and man-made disasters.

The Good News Is That We Can Help
Although the American Red Cross is not a government agency, its authority to provide disaster relief was formalized when, in 1905, the Red Cross was chartered by Congress to "carry on a system of national and international relief in time of peace and apply the same in mitigating the sufferings caused by pestilence, famine, fire, floods, and other great national calamities, and to devise and carry on measures for preventing the same." The Charter is not only a grant of power, but also an imposition of duties and obligations to the nation, to disaster victims, and to the people who generously support its work with their donations.

Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting people's immediate emergency disaster-caused needs. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health and mental health services to address basic human needs. In addition to these services, the core of Red Cross disaster relief is the assistance given to individuals and families affected by disaster to enable them to resume their normal daily activities independently.

The Red Cross also feeds emergency workers, handles inquiries from concerned family members outside the disaster area, provides blood and blood products to disaster victims, and helps those affected by disaster to access other available resources.

 

 

Point Of Light
 (Don Schlitz/Thom Schuyler)  

Performed by Randy Travis


There is a point, when you can not walk away,
When you have to stand up straight and tall,
And mean the words you say.
There is a point you must decide,
Just to do it because it's right,
That's when you become a point of light.

There is a darkness, that everyone must face,
It wants to take what's good and fair,
And lay it all to waste.
And that darkness,
Covers everything in sight,
Until it meets a single point of light.

CHORUS: All it takes, 
is a point of light.
A ray of hope,
in the darkest night.
If you see what's wrong,
and you try to make it right,
You will be a point of light.

There are heroes,
Whose names we never hear,
A dedicated army of quiet volunteers.
Reaching out to feed the hungry,
Reaching out to save the land.
Reaching out to help their fellow man.

There are dreamers,
Who are makin' dreams come true.
Takin' time to teach the children, 
There's nothing they can't do.
Giving shelter to the homeless,
Giving hope to those without,
Isn't that what this land's all about.

One by one, from the mountains to the sea,
points of light, are calling out for you and me.

CHORUS: All it takes, 
is a point of light.
A ray of hope,
in the darkest night.
If you see what's wrong,
and you try to make it right,
You will be a point of light.

If you see what's wrong,
and you try to make it right,
You will be a point of light.

 

 

 

 

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American Red Cross
Claremont Chapter
2065 North Indian Hill Blvd.
Claremont, California 91711
(909) 624-0074

(888) 737-4306 after-hours, for emergencies only please

 Our e-mail address is:  info@arcclaremont.org

 

Web Site Design donated by:

Revised 10/30/2008

Comments? Suggestions? info@arcclaremont.org

 

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