Baby boomers have been rewriting American culture for decades. Now, as the first wave of retiring boomers exits the work force, we are encouraging them to redefine another great American institution, volunteerism.

Through volunteering, boomers can be a positive influence on young lives, offer their extensive professional skills to local nonprofit groups, lend their talents and experience to strengthening our communities in countless other ways and maintain an active lifestyle.

The Southeast Louisiana American Red Cross understands the immense impact boomers are capable of making and believes that volunteering with us will prove to be an extremely meaningful engagement.

Our chapter provides relief to those affected by disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for & respond to emergencies.  We currently service more than 1.6 million people throughout Orleans , Jefferson , Plaquemines, St. Charles , St. John , Assumption, Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.  While these numbers seem large, there are always more individuals in need of assistance, and the only way to assist all of them is through the efforts of our volunteers. 

The Southeast Louisiana American Red Cross has numerous volunteer positions available including:

Disaster Action Team (DAT) Member is a volunteer position for the selfless.  These individuals work to support the Red Cross mission by responding to disasters whenever they are called upon.  Whether it’s a one person house fire or a flood that requires hundreds to be evacuated, DAT members are always available to help.  Additionally, DAT members provide assistance to the individuals and families affected by disaster including, food, clothing, shelter and comfort. 

After The Fire Safety Education volunteers begin their work at the scene of a fire and the surrounding areas, where they distribute brochures, smoke detectors and batteries.  These volunteers work with the disaster and community education staff to teach the public precautionary fire safety techniques that end up saving lives.

Community Disaster Education (CDE) presenters promote and conduct Disaster Education presentations within the community.  Through their efforts, the Red Cross mission is delivered to community organizations and agencies that learn how to prevent disasters and cope with emergencies.  These presentations are conducted in a variety of locations including, but not limited to; businesses, faith-based organizations, senior centers, community centers and neighborhood meetings. 

Some Community Disaster Education presenters choose to participate in the Youth in Emergency Services (YES) Program as a CDE Presenter for Youth Audiences.  These individuals get the opportunity to work with young people, aged anywhere from preschool through 12^th grade, from a variety of backgrounds.  They provide the youth population with vital information about potential disaster hazards as well as preparation strategies and response strategies for emergency situations.

These are just some of the many volunteer opportunities available at the American Red Cross.  For more information, contact Brenda Singelmann at 504-620-3156 or bsingelmann@arcno.org.

In order to be eligible to volunteer with the Southeast Louisiana American Red Cross you must be over the age of 18, or 14 with parental consent, and able to pass the background check. Younger aged students can volunteer under the direct super vision of their parents.