Why do You Deploy: Conversations with Those Who Love to Help
by Lafe Low - Red Cross communications volunteer When disasters like hurricanes, floods and wildfires strike, American Red Cross volunteers from around the country are among the first to respond. These Red Cross teams bring support, compassion, and relief to communities and people that have suffered damage and loss. There are Red Cross volunteers ready and willing to spend two to three weeks, whether in their home state or across the country, helping people with food, shelter, and logistical support. When disaster strikes, the Red Cross provides safe shelter, food, relief supplies, financial assistance and comfort. The Red Cross responds to about 65,000 disasters a year in the United States. Boots on the Ground While the Red Cross provides extensive and ongoing training for new and existing volunteers, there is no rigid training framework required to be able to deploy to a disaster site. “There’s no set, ‘You have to do this before you get deployed.’ At least that was my expe...
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