How to Volunteer During American Red Cross Awareness Month

Red Cross Awareness month fosters the humanitarian efforts of ordinary individuals. This awareness initiative started in 2004 to prepare people for a natural disaster or life-threatening event. During the month of September, the government partners with the private sector and charity organizations like The Red Cross to offer more chances to volunteer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Red Cross office
• Timetable for events

Use Your Skills to Volunteer at a Red Cross Awareness Program

1. Attend a preparedness fair designed especially for Red Cross Awareness month. You'll find many events where you can volunteer during this special time. Find what area of service appeals to you the most to have an enjoyable and productive experience.
2. Call upon your educational background to decide where to volunteer. For instance, if you have medical skills, be prepared to work in a healthcare capacity. A large part of the Red Cross services is conducting blood drives. You can choose to start a blood drive or simply volunteer at one.
3. Follow the Red Cross guidelines for who can administer and donate blood and be able to communicate this to people. If you're a nurse, there are many places to help out during American Red Cross awareness month, from medical clinics to youth centers.
4. Volunteer at a food bank or evacuation shelter during this special month. You will gather items for those displaced due to a hurricane, flood or fire. Many shelters and community centers also need people to check in donations, retrieve them and transport them to homes and churches.
5. Assist one night during the awareness month at a homeless shelter. The American Red Cross offers opportunities for caring individuals to meet members of group homes to offer social interaction, job advice and goodwill.
6. Use your educational skills to volunteer as a youth group liaison. This is a good fit for someone with a background in teaching or education. You will be able to work with community youngsters on fundraising projects, as well as supervise activities and games.
7. Offer your writing skills to help out the Red Cross. Opportunities exist for volunteers to perform grant and research writing, all to help in the development of the organization and funding for projects. Find a location near you at the Red Cross website (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• If you're a public relations or communications specialist, you can lend your experience during American Red Cross Awareness month. Get involved in a variety of special projects such as promoting a blood drive or coordinating a fundraiser.