Become a Red Cross Volunteer: Emergency Services

Here are a few of the open volunteer positions in Emergency Services:

Disaster Services
Service to Armed Forces
International Social Services  

Disaster Services (DS)

In Washtenaw County, the Red Cross maintains a system of emergency preparedness to deliver assistance 24 hours a day to families and individuals affected by disaster.  Our Chapter responds to many types of disasters including floods, tornadoes and fires. Chapter volunteers provide relief for immediate disaster-caused emergency needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.  Volunteers who train and respond on the local level may, if they choose, become eligible to respond to large, national disasters as well.

Disaster Action Team (DAT)

• DAT members provide immediate emergency assistance to victims of disasters by offering mass care services, conducting damage assessment, and administering casework services.
• DAT members provide relief to emergency personnel in the form of canteen services.
• Weekday, daytime availability (on-call one week/month; 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) for daytime team members.
• Weekday evening, overnight, and weekend availability (on-call one week/month; 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 a.m. on the weekdays and 24 hours/day on weekends and holidays) for after hours team members.
• A valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation are required.
• DAT members must live less than a 30 minute drive from the WCARC.
• DAT members must be at least 16 years old; DAT members between the ages of 16 and 18 must volunteer with a parent who is also a DAT member.

Community Disaster Education (CDE)

• CDE volunteers present information about how to prevent and prepare for emergencies to community members and students of all ages throughout Washtenaw County.
• Events take place during the day and in the evening on both weekdays and weekends.

American Red Cross/Veterans Affairs Partnership

• Volunteers assist with activities and events coordinated by staff members and volunteers at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital.
• Varying hours on weekdays and weekends.

International Social Services (ISS)

In Washtenaw County the American Red Cross collaborates with community partners to educate the public about world health concerns and humanitarian principles through programming such as the Measles Initiative, Tracing and Red Cross Messages, International Humanitarian Law, and Exploring Humanitarian Law.

ISS Volunteer

• Community Outreach - Volunteers teach classes, lead discussions, staff information tables, and distribute information about the Measles/Malaria Initiative and other international outreach programs/projects.
• Training Opportunities - Volunteers take and teach International Humanitarian Law and Restoring Family Links.

Weekday, daytime availability is preferred but occasional evening and weekend opportunities are available.