Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?
Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.
The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. The mission of the American Red Cross is to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. The Western North Carolina Chapter serves a 16-county region.
Currently, we are asking volunteers to join the local Disaster Action Team (DAT) which respond to local small-scale disasters in the community. Red Cross volunteers provide comfort and financial assistance to community members affected and help those most affected develop a plan moving forward. Volunteers are on-call to respond and choose their availability. Online and in person training is provided by the Red Cross.
Volunteer Roles Include:
- Works as part of an assigned team to respond to local disasters within two hours.
- Delivers immediate direct client assistance in accordance with Red Cross standards and procedures.
- Works with on-scene lead to assess whether additional resources/support are required and communicates those needs to DAT Leadership.
- Attends regularly scheduled team/DAT meetings as required by Chapter/Region.
- Commits to being available during assigned shifts, and communicate scheduling conflicts with DAT Leadership.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by DAT Leadership.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Demonstrates a commitment to mission the of the American Red Cross
- Remains current with all required training.
- Ability to respond reliably when on call.
- Able to follow Red Cross DAT and other related standards and procedures.
- Ability to learn and use Red Cross systems and online interfaces.
- Ability to work in challenging and stressful conditions such as poor air quality, uneven ground, adverse weather, etc.
- Must have a valid driver's license and/or a timely, reliable way to get to the scene.
- Ability to take direction from steady state and operational leadership.
- Strong written and verbal communications skills.
- Background check once application is completed.
Current Health and Safety Measures:
- Able to respond virtually
- Practicing social distancing measures
- Screening questions
- Giving out masks/gloves if needed
In order to sign up for this volunteer project, simply
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is not responsible for opportunities managed by partner agencies. If you are onsite at a volunteer opportunity and don't feel safety guidelines are being followed, please connect with onsite project organizers and if not addressed, please let us know by completing our Volunteer Experience Form.
