Volunteers are the backbone of the American Red Cross. Red Cross
volunteers support our area in significant ways by providing training
in life-saving techniques, responding to local, state and national
disaster relief efforts, and assisting with support of community
special events, Red Cross volunteers share financial resources
and most important, they give of themselves.
The Red Cross is volunteer-led and managed at the national, state
and local levels. Trained and dedicated, Red Cross volunteers
represent every walk of life. Volunteers make Red Cross relevant
in an ever-changing environment. The need for additional volunteers
keeps growing, particularly as the Knoxville Area Chapter's service
delivery expands each day as we strive to make our area better
and safer.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Disaster Services
Local
Disaster Volunteer
The Red Cross has a number of areas where local disaster volunteers
can contribute. They include:
ˇ On-call
volunteer - The Red Cross provides
single-family emergency response services for families that
have been victims of disaster. Assistance provided includes
making sure that each family affected has shelter, food,
clothing, personal items, and any necessary medications. Volunteers
that serve on-call are the Red Cross Disaster Representative
to the community and are the first responder for the Red
Cross in case of a small local disaster, such as a house
fire. This position requires being on-call from 4:45 pm
until 8 am weekdays and all day on the weekends for a week
at a time. On-call volunteers are needed for all ten counties
we serve. A member is scheduled in advance to be "on-call"
for one week. The schedule is based on the volunteer's availability.
ˇ Disaster
Action Team (DAT) Volunteer -
Trained Disaster Action Team volunteers learn through class
and field training how to work on a local disaster relief
operation. The Knoxville Area Chapter responds to natural
disasters (such as tornadoes, floods, winter storms, etc.);
and technological disasters (hazardous material spills,
apartment fires, train derailments, etc.). Volunteers conduct
"Disaster Assessment" after a disaster strikes; perform
"Mass Care" activities such as mobile feeding in affected
communities from the American Red Cross Emergency Response
Vehicle; provide disaster health services and mental health
services. Training is available in many different fields
of expertise.
ˇ Community
Disaster Education Volunteer - These
volunteers teach school-age children the steps to take when
a tornado watch or warning occurs, when a fire starts at
home, or when there is severe weather. Learn to present
this information at schools, neighborhood meetings, and
at special community events.
National Disaster
Volunteer
The Red Cross has a nationwide network (the
DSHR system) of trained disaster
volunteers available for two to three weeks at a time to go anywhere
in the United States and its territories that has been affected
by disaster. A volunteer that joins the DSHR system has to be
able to get a physician's statement signed stating he or she is
able to perform disaster relief duties on a national operation.
The training required is dependent upon what function a volunteer
serves in on an operation. Many different fields are available,
including: casework, shelter work, mass feeding, logistics, disaster
assessment, government liaison, public affairs, fundraising, physical
health services, mental health services, staffing, and many others.
Service to the
Armed Forces
Military Caseworker
Volunteer conducts interviews with members of the military and/or
their families, relaying emergency communications between the
two. Workers are needed for both the office and after-hours. Necessary
skills include general counseling, listening and all aspects of
social work.
Health and Safety
Services
CPR/First Aid Instructor
Train individuals, families, and businesses in first aid and CPR.
Individuals are trained to recognize and provide care in life-threatening
emergencies such as respiratory or cardiac problems, sudden illness,
or injuries to infants, children or adults. Instructor classes
are offered quarterly at the chapter.
First Aid Station
Team Volunteer
Volunteers are needed to staff First Aid stations
at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum and Auditorium, the TVA &
I fair, and University of Tennessee football games at Neyland
Stadium. In addition, the Red Cross receives requests to provide
First Aid stations at many community events throughout the year.
Current First Aid and CPR certification is required.
Nursing Volunteer
Nurses are
needed to help with the instruction of Nursing Assistant students
as part of the chapter's Nurses Aid Training program (NAT program).
Both classroom assistance and clinical field assistance are needed.
Nurses are also needed to help the chapter at health fairs to
perform blood pressure checks.
Community Volunteer
Services
Youth Volunteer
On school holidays, kids can volunteer in our offices doing everything
from clerical work such as copying, typing, and folding, to designing
layouts, checking in manikins, setting up classrooms, washing
disaster vehicles, and sorting bandages. There is always plenty
to do and kids can come and learn about several career paths through
working side-by-side with our staff.
Youth volunteers who have exhibited both excellent leadership
potential and a strong commitment to the American Red Cross and
its fundamental principles may be chosen to serve on the Youth
Council. This group of youth meets regularly to select and implement
project ideas, which will help local youth to become more involved
in the mission of the Red Cross. Youth Council members also represent
our chapter publicly as needed and are given the opportunity to
attend National Convention.
School Health Clinic
Volunteer
Volunteers are needed to staff clinics in 39 area schools. One
of our largest volunteer service programs; volunteers (moms, dads,
and grandparents) provide care and comfort to sick and injured
children, notify parents of illness and injury, keep the school
health records, and refer situations to the school administration,
as necessary. School Health volunteers are trained in germ control
and prevention, signs and symptoms of illness, simple home nursing
techniques, care of fractures and sprains, care of wounds and
injuries, care of shock, seizures and convulsions, and lifesaving
techniques.
Public Relations
Public Relations
Volunteer
The Public Relations office has a number of opportunities
to work in media relations, website
management, community relations, public speaking, and photography.
Special Events Volunteer
The Development office has several events throughout the year.
Volunteers are needed to assist and help out on these events.
Business Office
Office Assistance
Volunteer will help with filing and sorting of general business
forms and paperwork. Training requirements: Business or Accounting
experience helpful, but not necessary.
The Office of Volunteer Personnel is responsible for recruiting,
orienting, training, placing and supervising the volunteers. Potential
volunteers are required to undergo and pass a background check.
Volunteer Orientation:
The first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 at the Red Cross office,
6921 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville.
If you are interested in volunteering, call the Office of Volunteers
at (865) 584-2999 or fill out our online
form.
