Free Red Cross Disaster Volunteer Classes

The American Red Cross, Cape Cod and Islands Chapter will offer Free introductory courses to become a Red Cross Volunteer in Disaster Services. The classes will be held at the Cyrus Peirce Middle School on Nantucket beginning October 8, 2009. Each class will run 3 hours, every Thursday for 6 consecutive Thursdays.

After the training, you will become a certified Red Cross Volunteer, and with some experience can be deployed locally as well as nationally. The class is open to anyone 17 years and up who would like to become a Red Cross Disaster Action Team Member. There are no other prerequisites and all classes are free.

“Become a Red Cross Volunteer” classes will be held at the Cyrus Peirce Middle School, 10 Surfside Road, Nantucket, MA 02554 in the Cafeteria.

The schedule is as follows:
October 8: Fulfilling Our Mission
October 15 Mass Care
October 23: Shelter Operations
October 29: Shelter Simulation
November 5: Psychological First Aid
November 12: Client Casework Workshop

Classes start promptly at 6PM and usually run 3 hours. A Federal Background check is required of all participants. You must attend all six classes. However, there may be some make-up dates available. Other Red Cross volunteers may take a class depending on classroom space availability.

After the “Become a Red Cross Volunteer” classes, you will understand the Mission and Philosophy of the Red Cross that reaches worldwide. You will learn how to work in a shelter and assist affected people while driving an ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle). You will learn the steps taken to assist clients in the event of an emergency. You will also learn first hand from other volunteers who have traveled near and far, talk about their experiences with the Red Cross. Once you have completed this course, you will be a certified Red Cross Volunteer and eligible to take CPR/AED, and First Aid Training classes Free of charge.

To register, please contact the Training Administrator at 508-775-1540 ext. 24 and indicate: Disaster Volunteer Class on Nantucket. Please provide your name, town, and telephone number. You can also register by sending an email to Michael Robbins or Becky Alden at train@cciredcross.org

The training of volunteers is only possible thanks to the donations from members of the local community, individuals, businesses and foundations. The Red Cross does not receive government funding for its disaster relief services.

For more information about the Cape Cod and Islands Chapter, American Red Cross, go to the website, capecodandislandsredcross.org, call (508) 775-1540 or write to American Red Cross, Cape Cod and Islands Chapter, 286 South Street, Hyannis, MA 02601