| VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Updated: Aug. 27, 2007
The American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas Chapter is one of the state's premier volunteer organizations. It is the time, energy, talent and commitment of these dedicated people that make them stand out among their fellow volunteers nationwide. Red Cross volunteers support our community in significant ways by providing training in life-saving techniques, responding to local, state and national disaster relief efforts, assisting with support of the community special events, and providing urgent utility assistance to elderly people in need. Red Cross volunteers donate blood, share financial resources and most important, they give of themselves.
Trained and dedicated, our volunteers represent every walk of life. A more diverse group will not be found in any other organization and without them Red Cross services would not be provided. Volunteers make Red Cross relevant in an ever-changing environment. The need for additional volunteers keeps growing, particularly as the Chapter's service delivery to Central Arkansas expands each day as we strive to make our community better and safer.
The Red Cross is volunteer led and managed at the national, state and local levels. Annually the Chapter recognizes those volunteers who have made a significant difference to our community by responding without hesitation when Help Can’t Wait.
Click to go to an online form to join our volunteer mailing list or to download a printable PDF volunteer registration form (104K). Mail the completed PDF form to: American Red Cross Greater Arkansas, 401 S. Monroe, Little Rock, AR 72205.
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES
Junior Red Cross Clubs (Middle School)
Junior Red Cross Clubs are student-led organizations that are strategically placed to provide students the opportunity to serve their schools and communities. The programs established by these clubs help students develop leadership skills, receive health and safety training, provide assistance to those in need, educate fellow students and build meaningful relationships with other young adults. Clubs must have a faculty sponsor.
Rapid Response Teams (High School)
High Schools all across Arkansas participate in the implementation of emergency response teams. These teams play major roles in their schools in the event of natural or man-made disasters. We are dedicated to making our schools a safer place.
Chapter Youth Council
Opportunity for students in grades 9-12 in Pulaski and Saline counties to become involved in a community organization. Meetings are held once a month and members plan and participate in projects throughout the school year. In addition to volunteer work, they are introduced to all services the Red Cross provides and given a chance to increase their leadership and team-building skills.
Get Involved Today!
Gain experience for college and career work. Build leadership capacity. Get free training. Make a difference in your school and community. Call today: 501-748-1080.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Disaster Services
Community Disaster Education Teams
The Red Cross teaches school-age children the steps to take when the tornado sirens go off, 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.
Disaster Action Teams (DAT)
The Red Cross provides single-family emergency response services for families that have been victims of disaster. Mass Care, Canteen Service, Damage Assessment and Mental Health Care are all areas of the DAT that use volunteers.
Single-Family Fire Response
Volunteers receive class and field training to respond to residential fires and help victims with their immediate needs. Volunteers receive various training classes and respond to fires with an experienced Disaster Action Team captain for field training. A member is scheduled in advance to be "on-call" for one week. The schedule is based on the volunteer's availability. Red Cross is prepared to respond to fire at all times.
Local Disaster Relief Volunteer
Trained Disaster Action Team volunteers learn through class and field training how to work on a local disaster relief operation. The Greater Arkansas Chapter responds to natural disasters (such as tornadoes, floods, winter storms, etc.); and technological disasters (hazardous material spills, apartment fires, building explosions, and airplane crashes). Volunteers conduct "Damage 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.
Local Canteen Service
Volunteer for Emergency Workers. Disaster Action Team volunteers respond to large residential, commercial, forest and brush fires to support the firefighting units and other emergency workers involved in the incident with liquids, snacks, meals and first aid.
Office Worker
Filing, data entry, answering phones, and working on special projects.
CPR/First Aid Instructors
Train individuals and families in first aid, CPR or babysitting. 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. The Community Health and Education Department provides all training.
Instructor training: 24 hours
Basic level training: 8 hours
Caseworker
Volunteer conducts interviews with individuals experiencing difficulty contacting a military loved one. Check on hospital reports. Necessary skills include general counseling, listening and all aspects of social work. Volunteer will be trained and not left alone.
Community Development
Booth Volunteer
Volunteer will represent Red Cross by manning display booths and answering questions about Red Cross programs, services and events. The hours of commitment depend on both location and event.
Public Speaker
Volunteer will represent Red Cross at speaking engagements to local external groups. The Community Development office will provide volunteer speaker with member handbook and two-hour training program. Hours of commitment vary.
Special Events Volunteer
The Community Development office hosts several special events throughout the year. Volunteers are needed to assist and help out on event day. The department is looking for people with business-hour availability and a background in grant writing or journalism.
Business Office
Filing Clerk
Volunteer will help every other week with filing and sorting of general business forms and paperwork. Training requirements: Business or Accounting experience helpful, but not necessary. Availability of 1-3 hours bi-weekly.
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