- Updated 01/03/08 -

1. What type of volunteer jobs are available?
   
   
2. What is the time commitment required to volunteer?
   
   
3. How old do I have to be to be a volunteer?
   
   
4. Are there internship opportunities available?
   
   
5. How do I start the process of becoming a volunteer?
   
   

Q. What type of volunteer jobs are available?

A. The following volunteer jobs are currently available at the chapter:

Blood Drive Volunteers -

-         Blood Drive Coordinator: be responsible for particular drives in your community to include volunteer staffing, canteen supplies, and any additional in-kind donations

-         Refreshments/Canteen: serve donors with a beverage and snack after donating blood, keeping an eye on donors to make sure they are feeling okay after donating, encouraging donors to “pre-sign” for their next eligible blood drive, thanking donors for their time and their gift

-         Escort: assisting donors from their donor table to the canteen area

-         Greeter: welcoming donors to the drive, checking donors in upon arrival, ensuring proper flow of donors

-         Plastics Labeling: (with specialized training that would be provided) prepare the blood donation bags and vials

-         One Stop: (with specialized training that would be provided and the prior knowledge of how to take a blood pressure) take donors health history, blood pressure, temperature, and conduct a finger stick to check donors blood for iron

-         Volunteer Coordinator: assist Blood Services and Volunteer Services Departments in staffing various blood drives throughout the area

-         Donor Recruiter: contacting potential blood donors and encouraging them to make an appointment for a particular drive

Development/Fund Raising - 

-         Campaign Assistant: work with upcoming fundraising campaigns by preparing mailings of information and other materials

-         Fundraiser: assist with soliciting of donations for the Chapter

-         Special Events Volunteer: assist with all aspects of coordination of the Chapter’s special fundraising events

Disaster Volunteers -

-         Local Disaster Volunteer: assist with disaster response in your community

-         National Disaster Response: register with the national disaster response system to be deployed to national disasters (must take required trainings that would be provided)

-         Disaster Mental Health: (with current certifications/licenses) provide mental health counseling to disaster victims

-         Disaster Health Services: (with current certifications/licenses) provide health services to disaster victims

-         Community Disaster Education: help teach disaster preparedness to the community at large

This is an excellent opportunity for people who are team players and really like to help others. No experience is necessary and all training is provided free of charge.

Health & Safety Education -

-         Babysitting Instructor: (must take required trainings) teach proper babysitting techniques

-         CPR/First Aid Instructor: (must take required trainings) teach individuals CPR/AED and First Aid

-         Pet First Aid Instructor: (must take required trainings) teach individuals pet first aid

-     Office Support/Data Entry: aid the department with various office tasks.

HIV Prevention Education -

-         Grant Researcher: aid this grant funded department in acquiring additional funding by researching different grants and their requirements

-         Grant Writer: assist with writing proposals for grant funding

-         Event Planning: assist with special events and programs the department presents

-         Community/FACTS Instructor: (must take required trainings) educate the community on diseases and prevention

-         Community Donations Organizer: assist with sorting and distribution of donated materials

-         Office Support/Data Entry: aid the department with various office tasks

Volunteer Services- 

-         Health Fairs/Public Awareness Events: assist with Red Cross informational tables at various events throughout the community

-         Receptionist/Office Support: man the front desk at the Chapter to include answering the main phone line and greeting clients/customers; aid the department with various office tasks

Youth Council (for youth ages 14-18)- join with other youth members from the community to present programs by youth to include blood drives and special events, etc; and to learn about the Red Cross.

Q. What is the time commitment required to volunteer?

A. The time commitments vary according to the particular volunteer opportunity that you choose.

Q. How old do I have to be to be a volunteer?

A. Youth volunteers must be between 14-18 years of age. All other volunteers must be at least 18 years old. No one under the age of 18 will be sent to the site of the relief operation.

Q. Are there internship opportunities available?

A. Yes!  There are various opportunities to conduct internships within the different service areas.  Please contact Kelley Hopa, Director of Volunteer Services at 570-823-7161 ext.324 or hopak@usa.redcross.org for more information.

Q. How do I start the process of becoming a volunteer?

A. Contact Kelley Hopa, Director of Volunteer Services at 570-823-7161 ext.324 or hopak@usa.redcross.org to set up an appointment to discuss where you can best fit within the Red Cross.