Compassionate Volunteers Needed for Critical Red Cross Positions

Compassionate Volunteers Needed for Critical Red Cross Positions

By Ned Bloom, American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region

www.Ned.Bloom@redcross.org

Everybody has heard the words “Red Cross.” But do you know the whole story. Let’s start with two facts:

Fact #1: The Red Cross is the country’s largest humanitarian service, but we receive zero dollars from the US government. In fact, we are not affiliated with the government in any capacity. We have turned this into a positive, allowing us to help anybody at any time, without concern regarding a person’s nationality, citizenship level, where they are from, where they are going, income level, etc. None of this matters. Our sole mission is to alleviate human suffering.

Fact #2: Nearly 90% of the Red Cross workforce is comprised of volunteers. This is where you may fit in. As a social worker, you have a unique set of skills that can help fill key volunteer roles in your community.

Recovery Client Care Program Service Associates, part of our Disaster Cycle Services department, work closely with individuals and families impacted by disasters. These life-changing events include everything from single home fires to large scale national disasters. Volunteers in this role advocate for their clients, guiding them through their recovery phase. This support can be provided virtually from your home or place of work or face-to-face with the clients at a Red Cross facility or shelter with most volunteers helping 3-5 hours a week, always on your schedule and availability.

Hero Care Network Caseworkers, part of our Service to the Armed Forces department, assist military members and their families before, during, and after emergencies. These dedicated volunteers support emergency communications, provide access to resources, and recommend referrals. This virtual position – which you can do from your home or place of work – is flexible, with most volunteers helping 1-3 hours per week depending on the current caseload.

Of course, these are but two of the many volunteer opportunities the Red Cross offers but are the most closely related to social work. Please, we invite you to learn more by exploring all of our volunteer options at www.redcross.org/volunteer or emailing me at Ned.Bloom@redcross.org. We look forward to hearing from you and ideally welcoming you to the team very soon. Thank you.