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The following text entry box is for a search of frequently asked questions asked by visitors to the site. Please ask your question here and results closely matching your question will be returned. For searching the entire site you should visit the Search page of the site.
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How do I find the local Red Cross unit nearest me?
Zip Code Locator
Throughout the American Red Cross Web site you will find a Zip Code Locator. It is simple to use. Enter your zip code at home, or work, or of the location in which you would like to serve. Press enter and you will be directed to the local Red Cross unit nearest your desired location.
Local Red Cross Unit Websites
Many local Red Cross units have their own Web sites. This Web site may have additional information about local volunteer opportunities.
Back to Top Who governs the American Red Cross?
The American Red Cross is a not funded by the government, and so depends on the generosity of its financial donors to provide the funds that support its $4.1 billion budget. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Governors, which in turn charters our 990 chapters and 36 blood regions to deliver services at the local level.
Back to Top What roles do volunteers play at ARC?
As the largest humanitarian organization in the United States, the Red Cross depends on volunteers to accomplish the organization's mission: providing relief to victims of disasters and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. To prepare volunteers for this, we provide training for most volunteer positions, with the level of training varying according to the requirements of the position and the qualifications of the individual. Volunteers serve at all levels of the Red Cross, including:
- Serving on the national Board of Governors and boards of local chapters and Blood Services regions.
- Serving in management positions such as leaders of youth councils, supervisors on disaster relief operations, and chapter (local unit) managers.
- Performing direct services such as AFES casework; disaster response; training in CPR, first aid, and HIV/AIDS education; and supporting bloodmobiles.
- Performing support activities such as volunteer recruitment, marketing and public relations; fund raising; human resources management; and fiscal management.
- Serving on advisory groups, task forces and committees at the local, state and national levels.
- Teaching International Humanitarian Law courses and providing tracing, message and reunion services.
- Delivering services to youth.
Back to TopWhat important Red Cross efforts do volunteers help with?
Each year the American Red Cross mobilizes relief to victims of more than 60,000 disasters nationwide and has been the major supplier of blood and blood products in the United States for over 50 years. The American Red Cross also trains more than 11 million people in vital life saving skills, provides direct health services to 1.8 million people; provides more than 22 million locally relevant community services, assists international disaster and conflict victims in more than 50 countries, and transmits more than 500,000 emergency messages between members of the U. S. Armed Forces and their families.
Back to Top How many volunteers work at the Red Cross?
Over 1.2 million people volunteered for the American Red Cross in FY2002. Ninety-seven percent of American Red Cross staff are volunteers. Adults over 25 comprise about 66% of Red Cross volunteers, while youth and young adults make up about 34%.
Back to Top How do I get involved?
Volunteer Match
http://www.volunteermatch.org
More than 200 local American Red Cross units list volunteer opportunities on the VolunteerMatch website. VolunteerMatch, the organization's premier service, utilizes the power of the Internet to help individuals nationwide find volunteer opportunities posted by local nonprofit and public sector organizations.
VolunteerMatch's powerful online database allows volunteers to search thousands of one-time and ongoing opportunities by zip code, category, and date. Then signup automatically by email for those that fit their interest and schedule. Contributing organizations post their own opportunities, giving volunteers easy access to an accurate and diverse source of activities.
Back to Top What is the definition of a volunteer?
A Red Cross volunteer is an individual who, beyond the responsibilities of paid employment, freely assists the American Red Cross in the accomplishment of its mission without expectation or receipt of compensation.
Back to Top What is the Mission of the American Red Cross?
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
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