5 Unique Ways You Might Not Know You Could Volunteer With the American Red Cross

by Amy Yen, Digital Communications Manager, American Red Cross North Texas Region

We <3 our volunteers!

Volunteers are the heart, soul and engine of the American Red Cross. Nationally, they make up more than 90% of our work force; here in North Texas, it’s closer to 95%. But while you might know that Red Cross volunteers help serve meals in shelters, drive blood units to hospitals and teach CPR in the community, you might not realize that there are more than 70 different roles available for volunteers to fill in North Texas alone. 

Some of these are the kind of opportunities you might expect—we need clerical help just like everyone else—but some are unique positions requiring specific backgrounds, interests and training. Because we look for people with specific skill sets for these roles, we’re always in need of people who might be a good fit. Who knows? You may have exactly the experience and interests that we need and not know it!

Here are five unique ways to volunteer with the Red Cross. If any of these sound like something you could do, please visit RedCross.org/DFW today and fill out an application. We need your help!  

1. International Services Caseworker: Got a little detective in you? Being an International Services caseworker might be for you. Caseworkers work on our Restoring Family Links program, which helps reconnect families separated by international armed conflict or disaster. To find someone whose loved one lost contact with them, a caseworker will use every resource available—from property records to Google searches—to help reunite a family. Social work is a common background for caseworkers, but anyone with good organization skills, compassion, tolerance and a love of detective work can succeed at it. Check out this blog post for more details about what it’s like to be an IS caseworker.


2. Disaster Action Team (DAT) Member: While massive disaster relief efforts after tornadoes and hurricanes get a lot more attention, the most common service provided by the Red Cross happens multiple times a day, every day, in every city and town in the nation: the single-family house or apartment fire. Our Disaster Action Teams (DAT) respond to these and other local emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing for the immediate food, shelter and clothing needs of the affected families, as well as first responders on the scene. If you have a passion for helping others and are willing to be on-call a few days a month, being a DAT member is sure to be fulfilling. Here’s a story about one of our Dallas team members.


3. Photographer/Videographer: Photography buff? Video whiz? You can help tell the Red Cross story, so we can show the public, the media and our donors what we’re doing to help. We rely on photographers and videographers with professional-level skills and equipment to capture the moments we want to share, from a group of community supporters putting together care packages for disaster victims to our emergency response vehicles going into debris fields. 


4. Disaster Mental Health Worker: Providing emotional support in the wake of an emergency remains one of the most important services we offer. Our disaster mental health counselors help children and adults cope with the emotional and environmental impact following a disaster by assessing their needs, helping them adjust and assisting in the recovery efforts. This is one of our most difficult volunteer positions to fill because disaster mental health workers must be licensed mental health professionals. If you have an active license in social work, psychiatry, counseling, psychiatric nursing, marriage and family therapy, psychology or other mental health discipline, you can truly make a difference during some of the most traumatic times in someone’s life. Here’s more from one of our counselors about what it’s like to volunteer in this role.


5. Digital Volunteer: Did you know you can volunteer in your pajamas? Our digital volunteers can do just that, working remotely to help tell the Red Cross story online via social media. Digital volunteers help run Red Cross social feeds, including Facebook and Twitter, posting severe weather information, preparedness tips and where people can get and give help. They also help monitor, respond and engage in the social space with people affected by disasters. Have a passion for social media and want to make a difference with your online presence? Being a digital volunteer may be for you.

To learn more about any of these roles or to see other volunteer opportunities with your local American Red Cross chapter, visit RedCross.org. If you have a specific role that you’re interested in, be sure to let us know during your application process.  

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Celebrating the Power of Youth Volunteers on International Youth Day

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor

American Red Cross summer intern & youth volunteer Natalie Becerra, age 17

Youth are crucial to the Red Cross mission. 

United Nations International Youth Day is designated to celebrate achievements of the world’s youth and to encourage their participation in enhancing society.

According to TimeandDate.com: “It also aims to promote ways to engage them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities.”

The American Red Cross is always promoting its volunteers who all make positive contributions to the organizations. And youth are an important part of the Red Cross’s volunteer network. 

Although they don’t deploy to disaster scenes until age 18, younger volunteers keep awareness of the Red Cross alive on school campuses across the North Texas Region through Red Cross Clubs, said Susie Spartano, regional director of volunteer services.  They raise money, give blood and give their energy and passion. 

And the American Red Cross North Texas Region has more to celebrate Aug. 12 for International Youth Day as it has seen an increase in youth volunteers recently. 

“We typically do see an increase in youth volunteers in the summer,” she said. “And this summer we have been fortunate to have several interns working across the chapter – both college age and high school.”   

One volunteer that will be recognized is Natalie Becerra, 17, a summer intern through the Dallas Mayor’s Summer Internship Program. Natalie spent her eight weeks developing the region’s annual volunteer report. 

“I don’t think most youth realize the kind of power we have, and the changes that we are capable of,” Becerra said. “We really can make a difference, it’s just the matter of going out there and fixing what we see needs to be fixed. My connection to International Day would be that I love volunteering and I know that it’s definitely something that I will continue to do in the future.”

This report communicates the value volunteers have brought to the North Texas Region in the previous year both in terms of economic value and in the delivery of service.

“Her work has made an lasting impact and will provide value throughout the year,” Spartano said.

Becerra’s impact is one of many contributions the Red Cross will recognize for International Youth Day.  

Want to get involved?
The best way for youth to get involved in the Red Cross is through Red Cross clubs on their high school or college campus.  If one doesn’t already exist, they can start one.  They can visit http://redcrossyouth.org to find out how.  

“I think more of the younger generation should volunteer because it really is a great feeling knowing that you helped somebody who was going through a rough patch, or just made them smile when they were feeling down,” Becerra said. “Volunteering opens up so many doors while at the same time, makes you feel good knowing that you made a difference.”

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Being Thankful for Red Cross Friendships on Friendship Day

by Tonya Solis-Mosby, volunteer contributor

VFF (Volunteer Friends Forever)

We are a teacher, public relations people, photographers, a radio legend, and more.  Thanks to a common interest in volunteering with the American Red Cross, we are now friends!

Travel if you will with me down the Red Brick Road (Dorothy’s road was yellow, but not mine) as I introduce you to another reason I love volunteering for the American Red Cross. As I began my volunteer journey, I was sent on my first assignment with Dan Halyburton.  Just as Dorothy’s scarecrow was a little unsteady, Dan and I were a little uneasy when we first arrived on the disaster scene.  It was an apartment building in Corsicana that had been damaged by straight-line winds leaving several people homeless.  We were with our fearless leader, Anita Foster, and with her, we were representatives of the Public Affairs team. Excited? Yes we were! Were we uneasy about the uncertainty of our duties? Yes, we were.  But by the end of the day, we had learned some of our duties and had truly become friends in volunteerism! 

My volunteer friend journey didn’t stop there.

Next, as I followed the Red Brick path of volunteerism, I came to meet who would soon be my next volunteer friend. We weren’t learning the ropes together as Dan and I had, but when I met Kristina Brevard, I could tell she was one I could look to for answers. She was not seeking a heart as was Dorothy’s Tin Man, Kristina was all heart for those she encountered through volunteering no matter if they were client or fellow volunteer. We became fast friends.

And the story didn’t stop there.

As I continued, my Red Brick volunteer path led me to more volunteer friends.  No not, the cowardly lion because none of the Red Cross volunteers appear to be cowardly.  But just as Glinda was good, nice and friendly, Michelle Tanner, Allison Slomovitz and Kim Purintun, and of course, Anita Foster, certainly fit Glinda’s description and have become my friends in volunteerism, as well. This list doesn’t stop there, and I expect it will continue to grow.
I thought volunteering was going to be personally rewarding because I might have the opportunity to help someone else.  But the reality is that volunteering with the American Red Cross has helped me, too! I have learned through my new relationships that there is so much more to gain as a Red Cross volunteer.

On this Friendship Day, I say thank you to the American Red Cross for helping those in need in times of trouble.  I also say thank you Red Cross for helping me to find the friends I might not have otherwise found – my friends in volunteerism!  We are not just a group of volunteers; we are a group of friends!

You too can find your friends in volunteerism by signing up today to become a Red Cross Volunteer. Download the new ARC Volunteer App – Team Red Cross – from the iTunes store or the Google Play store. You can also go to www.redcross.org to join the team!

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American Red Cross: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Every day at the American Red Cross we celebrate the individuals who come together to serve their neighbors during disasters. Our volunteers understand because our mission is dedicated to serving every woman, man and child despite economic situation, religion, ethnicity or any other factor that may segment people, we must have a force who mirrors the people we serve. This month, during National Diversity Month, we look around at our volunteers and are proud to see a unique force sharing a common goal.


Please visit our website if you are interested in learning about our volunteers and how you can get involved.

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Hurricane Isaac Relocates Volunteers: Florida

Written by Kyla Campbell, staff contributor

Twenty years ago today, Hurricane Andrew, the first named storm of the season, slammed into southern Florida causing major destruction around Florida City, Miami and parts of the Louisiana coastlines. This hurricane season has already produced Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debbie, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon and Helene by Andrew's landfall anniversary. 

While the severity of Isaac appears no where close to Andrew's strength, teams of Red Cross volunteers across the nation are prepping for landfall and the impact it may have on local residents. As of today, 16 volunteers from the North Texas Region swiftly packed their go bags, charged up electronics, packed their Red Cross wellies, threw on the red vest and headed south. Many of these volunteers were only home a few days from Oklahoma when the call came that residents in Florida could need them. 

A sincere thank you to the volunteer who leaves the comfort of their home to help others.

If you are interested in helping others here at home or around the country in times of emergencies, you may be a future Red Cross volunteer. To find out more visit redcross.org.

If you wish to help financially, a gift is always appreciated. Donor support means we are able to mobilize these highly trained volunteers to areas we expect to be hardest hit by disasters.

Whether a disasters here at home or across the country, count on the Red Cross being there!

Update as of 8/26/12: Nineteen volunteers deployed to Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida while numerous others help plan here in Texas.

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Mother Nature Brings Hurricane-Like Winds Followed by High Temperatures For Cleanup

Volunteer crews loaded up early this morning and fanned out across Tarrant and Johnson counties to provide much needed support to those who woke up this morning with no power and destruction caused by last night's severe weather. With extremely high temperatures expected, their work today ensures those working in today's conditions stay hydrated.



With volunteer crews still on-scene supporting firefighting efforts that began over the weekend and now responding to neighborhoods hit hard by the hurricane-like winds, the American Red Cross continues to need your support. If you wish to support the Red Cross by volunteering or donating, please visit redcross.org or text 90999 to REDCROSS make a $10 donation.

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The Power of One: Red Cross Volunteer Tom Elliot

As a Red Cross transportation and logistic volunteer, Tom loves:
 takin' care of business and working overtime!

written by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor

When we think of powerful people at our chapter, we think of our powerful volunteers. One of our best known powerhouses is Tom Elliott.

Tom has logged so many volunteer hours he has exceeded all of volunteer awards. That's why we recently awarded him the Citation for Exceptional Service to celebrate the more than 9,0000 Red Cross volunteer hours he has worked.

When I called Tom to interview him about his involvement with the Red Cross I explained that I was not on site and that I was "just a volunteer."

Tom quickly responded: "There's no such thing as just a volunteer."

And while interviewing Tom, I quickly learned he is not just any volunteer himself.

"I do everything," he summarized.

A retired sergeant from the Dallas Police Department, Tom learned quickly after his departure that he "can't play golf or go fishing every day."

He heard a radio ad calling for volunteers around the time that Hurricane Gustav hit the Gulf Coast.


"I was on the back porch reading a book," he said. "And said I can do that."

Soon after he was working in our warehouse and helping operate the Red Cross shelters, loading our Emergency Response Vehicles and delivering supplies.

Using his police experience, Tom quickly became engaged in the Life Safety Awareness Training (LSAT) team work. Soon he was deployed to Galveston for 21 days. Since then he has been deployed to help with other major disasters: to Tennessee in May 2010 to help with flooding, to Mississippi in May 2011 following the tornados and to East Texas in September 2011 for the wildfires.

For those disasters, Tom was running Red Cross relief logistics, shelters and kitchens.

Currently his primary title is regional disaster fleet transportation manager. He is responsible for 67 vehicles and 36 trucks in our 11 county regions. Tom is working on getting disaster plates for all the vehicles.

"The Red Cross is not relaxation, but it's satisfaction that you're out helping people," Tom said. “I don't have much free time anymore. I'm pretty much full time."

“I don't do this for the award," he said. "I've got things to do."

And we thank you, Tom, for ALL that you do, proving to us all that at the Red Cross just one person can get an awful lot accomplished when they have your dedication and stamina!

To learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, visit us at redcrossdallas.org.

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Red Cross Service Spotlight: How Mental Health Workers Serve After Disasters

Written by Amy Yen, volunteer contributor

Thank you, Patsy, for your unique and critical service to the Red Cross!

Mental health response is an often overlooked yet vitally important part of the American Red Cross response following a disaster. In honor of National Mental Health Month this May, we talked to Patsy Guest, one of our disaster mental health workers here in the DFW area, about why mental health is such a concern.


Thirteen years ago, Patsy became a mental health volunteer with the Red Cross in Dallas after retiring from the Cedar Hill School District where she served as a counselor. During this time, she’s responded to everything from local apartment fires to large scale national disasters like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. Recently, she deployed to Lancaster and Forney after the April tornados destroyed and damaged hundreds of homes.


“I’m there to support the individual survivors of the disasters,” explains Patsy. “I’m there to identify not only the immediate needs these individuals might have, but also any needs they may have long-term.”


As a mental health professional, Patsy has been trained to identify signs of possible post-traumatic stress or other problems people may face. However, disaster mental health workers do not give therapy in the field. Instead, they make sure that someone follows up, making referrals and connecting people who have been in disasters with someone in their area who can help.



“I never leave an individual without knowing that individual is getting help, until I know they’ll be okay.” she says. “I also make sure they’re connected to all the resources they need.” Mental health workers also work closely with case workers to identify immediate needs, like clothing and food, or nurses if there are medical needs.


In addition, mental health workers work with first responders, like fire fighters or EMTs, to make sure they are coping with the stress of their jobs. “I let them know that we’re there,” Patsy says. “That they’re not alone. Just like the survivors, most of the time, they just want someone to listen.”


Patsy’s specialty is with children and she never ceases to be amazed by their resiliency in the face of disaster.


“More than once, I’ll talk to kids after their house has been destroyed and all their things are gone and they’ll say, ‘Our house is broken. But we’re going to fix it.’ Somehow they know, they’re going to be okay,” she says.

She experienced similar unexpected optimism in Lancaster after the recent tornados, finding that most people were able to bounce back quickly and move forward.


“There was this one lady whose house was pretty much destroyed and she said to me, ‘Well. I’m going to get a new kitchen.’ It was just great that she could find hope in the middle of everything,” said Patsy.


Psychological First Aid is a required training course for all mental health volunteers working in the field following disasters and Patsy says the training is incredibly important preparation for what to expect and how to deal with survivors and first responders.


Disaster mental health is a relatively new area for the Red Cross and, while it continues to grow, Patsy says there is definitely a shortage of qualified personnel. Mental health workers must be licensed by the state as licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and they usually work as social workers, counselors or psychologists. When there is a disaster, the Red Cross has a need for volunteers with this specific skill set.


Patsy says it’s worth the time. “When there’s a big disaster, everyone wants to be able to do something. This is your chance. It’s so gratifying to help.”

If you have a background in mental health and would like to help, contact Red Cross DFW for more information.

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Red Cross Volunteer Megan Mercer: From Barbies to Brain Surgery and Back Again

By Lilly Watson, American Red Cross Communications Assignments Coordinator

Rex Anne Waggoner, contributor, American Red Cross volunteer

Megan and her happy baby that we lovingly call Johnnie Mac!

Just a few years ago, Megan Mercer was a self-sufficient early intervention specialist working with special needs children in the Dallas area. A routine MRI as part of a physical she needed to join the Peace Corps suddenly changed her life dramatically. Megan discovered that day that she had tumors surrounding the stem of her brain. Over the next few years Megan would have to leave her career, undergo multiple brain surgeries and re-teach herself how to complete tasks as simple to us as walking and talking. As Megan worked to reclaim her life and confidence, she drew from her family history of volunteering and philanthropy and found the American Red Cross in Dallas, Texas.

“Helping others and self sacrifice were big deals in our family. I grew up volunteering with my family,” Megan told us. “When I was not able to work due to my recoveries from brain surgery, volunteering helped me retain my professional skills, be more social and confident, and helped pass the time.”

What do Barbie, MASH and the Red Cross have in common? Megan explained to us how many of her favorite childhood experiences came together to form a passion for helping people affected by disaster.

“When I was younger, I would take all my Barbies and pile them up like a tornado had hit and then I would take one Barbie (the prettiest, of course) who was a "nurse" who would drag the people out and lay each one on stretchers made out of toilet paper sheets,” Megan said. “I watched MASH with my siblings, so I guess that is why I did that. I have always known of the Red Cross but first had contact with them because we had to take CPR for work. I was so busy with work, that I couldn't volunteer, but that all changed in 2006 when I had my first brain surgery.”

Megan’s brain surgery impacted her physical body – she had to use a walker, had vision and hearing impairment and had weakness in the right side of her body – but her spirit for helping others and her cognitive brain function were still raring to go, so she came to the Red Cross to utilize those talents, working in our Dallas Area Chapter as a Volunteer Coordinator.

“I was impressed by how kind everyone was. The position was great for me. No heavy lifting, no movement, just talking to people on the phone. And I got to practice things like sitting in a chair, typing on a computer, walking to the coffee bar, pouring a cup and not spilling it everywhere - simple stuff that I had to relearn. It was awesome therapy!

“The Red Cross helped me feel like a normal human being! Everyone was so helpful and so respectful. In many ways, it helped me realize that although my body had changed, I was still the same old Megan. I am so thankful for my Red Cross experience.”

Hearing stories like Megan’s make all of us at the Red Cross so proud to be part of the world’s largest volunteer organization. When we asked Megan what advice she would give someone looking to volunteer at the Red Cross, she summed it up perfectly, “All you need to volunteer is a desire to give of yourself, time and an open heart and mind to learn. Just take the plunge and see where the Red Cross river leads you!”

To become an American Red Cross volunteer anywhere in the country, click on redcross.org to find your local Red Cross chapter.

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Things to Do When the Sky is Blue—Preparing for When Disaster Strikes

by Lilly Watson, American Red Cross contributor
Already this year, many of our fellow Americans lost their lives, their loved ones or their homes and belongings in severe storms and tornadoes. In early March alone, the Red Cross relief efforts stretched across 11 states where 22 shelters opened comforting friends and neighbors.

Those of us at home watched and asked, "How are these communities so resilient?" And also, "What would I do if this happened to me?"

There is no way to keep a tornado from arriving in your neighborhood with little notice, but you can prepare your home and family should you ever find yourself in the face of severe weather.

The video below reviews some of the most important things to remember in the eye of the storm.

You know when you are preparing to fly and the attendant tells says you must secure your mask before helping others? Well, helping in disasters is exactly the same. Your emergency preparedness kit and plan for your family comes first, then you can turn to your neighbor to help them put on their "mask."

The best time to prepare for an emergency is when one isn't happening. On top of viewing the video above, download these free tips from the American Red Cross so that you and your family will be ready when the time comes. Be safe everyone! http://rdcrss.org/eekGXz

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Honoring a Red Cross Hero

Thank you, Albina. We Will Miss You

Written by Catherine Carlton, Volunteer Contributor

We lost one of our own last month. Albina Young, a long-time Red Cross volunteer, passed away at the age of 100. 

She spent the majority of her life doing what all of us hope to be able to say about ourselves: she loved and she helped others.

Albina was married for 75 years to her loving husband, Robert. And she spent 67 years selflessly volunteering with the American Red Cross. Her tenure started during World War II by knitting sweaters for soldiers. She did this from the Production Room in Dallas, Texas. If you stop by there today, you’ll see a quilt hanging on the wall indicating it’s “Albina’s Production Room.” 

After the war, the need for sweaters and socks for soldiers had quieted so Albina and her crew began knitting for babies at Parkland and Children's hospitals. They met weekly in the Production Room and engaged home-bound volunteers by delivering materials, picking up finished booties and caps, and then delivering them to children in need. 

When Albina and Bob could no longer drive, they continued to volunteer from their retirement home. At the age of 99, Albina reluctantly retired from her Red Cross service. 

She is described by her Red Cross family as “dedicated, strong, vibrant, confident and capable.” 

“She was born in 1911, the same year the chapter began, which is remarkable,” said Susie Spartano, director of volunteer services for the Red Cross. “She received a 55-year pin and several other awards from the Red Cross and other agencies for her service to the community.”

“When I first began working here, Albina was 89. She was full of fire and full of energy. She was gung ho,” Susie continued. “She could run the production room with complete confidence. Every week for years and years she had a staff of four or five volunteers who would sew under her guidance. She is inspiring.”

Albina’s family has honored her dedication to the Red Cross by requesting that memorial donations from friends and family be made to the American Red Cross. While writing this story, we learned that Bob has now joined Albina. He passed away on Christmas Eve. We are a better organization because of their service. Our heart goes out to the Young family as we also miss this tremendous couple each time we pass her Production Room. 

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Home Fire Victims Become Red Cross Volunteers

Carl Nappier received help from the Red Cross when fire destroyed his home. Now he helps others when disaster strikes.

Carl Nappier and Michelle Muth have gone from receiving American Red Cross help after losing their homes in fires to becoming very active volunteers.

October is Fire Prevention Month, a time to both recognize those who have offer help after fires – as well as to remind people to take steps now to help ensure fire does not strike their home.

Nappier’s home in Moniteau County, Missouri, was destroyed by fire in 2007. Red Cross volunteers from the Capital Area Chapter in Jefferson City responded and ensured Carl received the emergency help he needed to begin to rebuild his life.

In 2009, Nappier became a Red Cross disaster volunteer and began responding to numerous home fires within the chapter’s 21-county service area. He is now a national volunteer, deploying when disaster strikes across the United States. This year he has worked on five national disasters for a minimum of two weeks away from home, including traveling to the East Coast to help those affected by Hurricane Irene.

Michelle Muth never forgot how the Red Cross helped her and today helps others as a Red Cross volunteer.

Several years ago, Michelle Muth’s apartment was destroyed by fire. She awoke on a bitter cold morning to smoke and flames, fleeing her home with little or nothing. The Red Cross from the Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Regional Chapter was there with warm blankets, cups of hot coffee and words of sympathy and encouragement.

Over the years, Muth never forgot how the Red Cross helped her and decided it was time to give back. She became a disaster volunteer to help other victims learn they can rise from the ashes.

To help prevent a fire in your home, check each smoke alarm by pushing the test button at least once a month and replace batteries every year, or as needed. Fire escape plans should include at least two escape routes from every room in the home and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the home. Practice the escape plan at least twice a year and revise as necessary. Families are encouraged to pay particular attention to developing and regularly practicing escape plans for children and older adults.

Additional recommendations include:

• Keep matches and lighters away from and out of reach of children.
• Don’t leave the kitchen, and don’t leave the home while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food.
• Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.

For more information on how to lessen the risk of a fire in your home, visit http://www.redcross.org/ for more steps you can take to remain safe.

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