National Volunteer Week

(from redcross.org)

The week of April 27 to May 3 marks National Volunteer Week, a time to celebrate those who make a difference in their communities and inspire others to discover their power to be agents for social change. National Volunteer Week has been recognized every year since 1974, when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order to establish the week as an annual celebration of volunteering

As the nation’s largest volunteer organization, the American Red Cross is a leader in providing meaningful opportunities for people from all walks of life to help those in need. The Red Cross depends on volunteers to provide relief to victims of disaster, donate blood for those facing medical emergencies, teach lifesaving skills such as first aid and water safety, and respond to calls for assistance from our sister societies in other nations.

If you’d like to make a difference, contact the Santa Cruz County Chapter at 831-462-2881 or visit our website, www.sccredcross.org.

Disaster Drill to be held May 17, Community Members Needed!

On Saturday, May 17 from 9am-2pm the Santa Cruz County Chapter of the American Red Cross will host a disaster drill.

During the drill, emergency service volunteers will practice the skills they need during disaster:

 

– opening up a shelter for people displaced by the disaster

– preparing a meal for a large group

– providing for medical and mental health needs

– issuing client assistance

 

We need community members who are willing to act as our disaster victims. Lunch will be provided. This is a great chance to see what the American Red Cross of Santa Cruz County can do if our community is struck by a disaster. Please join us!

If you’re interested in helping or have any questions, please call us at 831-462-2881 x20.

March is Red Cross month - think internationally!

What are the Geneva Conventions? What countries agree to them?

How does the Red Cross support the Geneva Conventions?

What is International Humanitarian Law?

Celebrate Red Cross month with dessert & a brief introduction to

The Geneva Conventions & International Humanitarian Law

7:30 – 8:30 PM

Thursday, March 27, 2008

at our Chapter’s large classroom, 2960 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Presenters Diane Bridgeman, PhD, and Phyllis Cole, PhD, are local volunteers
trained by International Services of the American Red Cross to
facilitate discussions about International Humanitarian Law

Carmel Area Chapter Welcomes International Speakers

The Carmel Area Chapter, located at 8th Avenue and Dolores Street in Carmel, will welcome Benjamin Ajak and Dr. Ashis Brahma to their chapter on March 12, 2008 from 4-5:30 p.m.

Benjamin Ajak is one of the Lost Boys of Sudan and co-author of the acclaimed book “They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky”.

Dr. Ashis Brahma served with the International Rescue Committee as the sole physician in the Oure Cassoni refugee camp in Chad.

Anyone is welcome. For more information, please call the Carmel Area Chapter of the American Red Cross at 831-624-6921.

Red Cross response to Southern Tornadoes

A blog is now available for information on the Red Cross response to the recent tornadoes in several southern states:

http://redcrosstn.wordpress.com/

Volunteers from Santa Cruz County have not yet been called, but are standing by. In the event that they are needed .

If you are looking for loved ones in the effected area, please visit our Safe and Well site at https://disastersafe.redcross.org/

This Valentine’s Day, Protect the Heart of the Person you Love

There’s nothing worse than a broken heart… this Valentine’s Day, learn how to protect the hearts of your loved ones!

Statistics show that more than 200,000 Americans die of sudden cardiac arrest every year. Up to 50,000 of these deaths could have been prevented if someone had initiated the Cardiac Chain of Survival, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) had been available for immediate use at the time of the emergency.

The American Red Cross has a goal of one person in every home being trained in First Aid and CPR lifesaving skills, and all Americans being within four minutes of an AED and someone trained to use it in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.

All American Red Cross Adult and Child CPR courses contain defibrillation skills and information. We invite you to learn more about the technology and training that could save the life of a co-worker, family member or a friend by contacting us at 831-462-2881, or emailing Lindsay at Lsegersin@sccredcross.org.

You can also become a volunteer CPR/AED and First Aid instructor, and teach others how to save the lives of their loved ones. Use your skills to save the lives of countless individuals. Become and Instructor Today!

Nominate your Hero for the 2008 Heroes Breakfast Awards!

Each year, the Santa Cruz County Chapter of the American Red Cross recognizes 10 local heroes, nominated by the people of Santa Cruz County. We are now accepting nominations for our 2008 event!

Click here for a nomination form.

2008 Hero Nominees may be:

• A friend, family member, neighbor, co-worker, etc.
• A professionally trained life saver such as a paramedic, doctor, fireman or policeman
• A Good Samaritan or a role model that has had a significant impact on the community
  

Criteria for Nominations:

• Nominees must live or work in Santa Cruz County
• The heroic act does not need to have occurred in Santa Cruz County
• The heroic act must have occurred after January 1, 2006
• If you have submitted a nomination form within the last two years and your hero has not been selected to receive an award, he or she is still eligible. Please re-submit your nomination for consideration.

How to Nominate your Hero:

Complete a nomination form. Please mail, email or fax your nomination form to:

American Red Cross, Santa Cruz County Chapter

2960 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

Fax: 831-462-5996

Email: Lsegersin@sccredcross.org

 

 

All forms must be received no later than April 1, 2008. Forms are also available on our website: www.sccredcross.org.

 

Proceeds from the Heroes Breakfast will benefit American Red Cross lifesaving programs and services within Santa Cruz County.

 

If you have further questions, please contact Lindsay at 831-462-2881 ext. 14.

Youth Coordinator position available!

Just out of school? Looking for a great opportunity in non-profit? We have just opened a new position here at the chapter for a Youth Services Coordinator. Our Youth Services initiative has only recently been created; This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills by helping it grow!

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CHAPTER

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

JOB TITLE: COORDINATOR-YOUTH SERVICES

Full-time, Temporary-to-Regular, Grant position

BASIC FUNCTION: The Coordinator of Youth Services is an entry-level training position that is responsible for coordinating Red Cross youth services in Santa Cruz County. This includes collaborating with other organizations in the community, establishing goals and objectives with youth, developing funding sources and strategic relationships related to youth activities, and inspiring a new generation of volunteers and supporters of the American Red Cross.

RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Chief Executive. Provides support to youth and other volunteer committees. Develops and maintains strong working relationships with other Chapter manager and appropriate youth organizations (city, county and private) within the Chapter’s jurisdiction. Recognizes and builds capacity.

QUALIFICATIONS: BA degree in Sociology, Social Services, Child Development or a related field. Ability to multi task and work within a team environment as a member and leader; organizes events or projects with successful results. This individual must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong computer skills, including experience with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. Must be enthusiastic, have a positive attitude and ability to work effectively with others. A valid California driver’s license and own transportation is required. Bilingual in English/Spanish is required, able to work flexible weekend, early morning and/or evening hours.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

● Execute program goals, objectives, and strategies in collaboration with youth leadership.

● Recruit, train and support Youth Services volunteers for the successful implementation of ARC youth

programs.

● Work with other department staff to include youth involvement in all Chapter functions.

● Develop, establish, promote, and coordinate Chapter’s youth activities such as the Youth Leadership

Development Conference, Red Cross Clubs, Chapter Youth Council and Youth involvement in

Board projects.

● Evaluate and continuously improve the quality of youth service programs.

● Assist staff in the developing and maintaining community relations, serving as an advocate and

ambassador for youth programs.

● Consolidate and summarize youth program statistics for reporting purposes.

● Monitor and stay within the Youth Services department budget.

● Be an active member of the Chapter’s strategic planning process.

● Work closely with the Chapter CEO to identify funding sources for youth.

● Coordinate and implement fundraising projects and activities sufficient to generate no less than $25,000 by

June 30, 2008 and an additional $10,000 by November 1, 2008.

● Ensure Youth Services Department programs and services meet the requirements set out by youth grants.

● Work in conjunction with Regional Youth activities and National Youth Council.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the individual occupying this position. An employee is expected to follow any other job-related directions and to perform other job-related duties requested by the employee’s manager. Able and willing to lift program and event materials, stoop, sit, reach over ones head and climb stairs. Position will be based at the Watsonville Service Center from Monday’s-Thursday’s and the Santa Cruz office on Friday’s.

Compensation: $11 - $14 p/hour depending on experience.

To Apply:

Email or mail a cover letter and resume to the attention of: Youth Services Coordinator Applicant

Email: djones@sccredcross.org

Mail Address: American Red Cross
2960 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Applications will be reviewed as received and qualified candidates will be contacted. The position will be filled when the most qualified candidate is identified.

This year, Change a Life – Starting with your own.

Looking for a New Year’s Resolution you won’t want to go back on? Join the American Red Cross family!

When we say that YOU are the American Red Cross – it is not just some goofy tag line. Did you know that the staff of the American Red Cross nationwide is 96% volunteer? Each chapter, in fact, is lead by a 100% volunteer board. The American Red Cross is a civilian organization, where ordinary people can step up and do extraordinary things!

It really is easy to become a part of the Santa Cruz County Chapter. You can do something as simple as give blood at one of our regular local drives, or you can become a Disaster Services volunteer and be deployed to local and national disasters, from single home fires to massive disasters that affect entire communities. You can help members of the military connect with their families in the States while they are overseas. You can learn how to teach CPR and First Aid or our Babysitter’s Training class and teach countless individuals how to save a life. You can help low income and elderly individuals by transporting them to their medical appointments. You can even come to our office and help us file papers. All of these things help the Santa Cruz County Chapter continue to serve our area.

Don’t wait until the next big disaster hits! The more training you have with us, the more you’ll be able to help. All of our disaster training is free – and you’ll have fun working with our team. You can choose to be deployed across the country or stay right here in the county. We will work with your schedule the best that we can.

Want to be reminded of your resolution? We can do that! Just click HERE and we will send you a reminder. Or, give our chapter a call at 831-462-2881. You can also walk in… we are located at 2960 Soquel Avenue (the frontage road to HWY1) in Santa Cruz.

Storm relief volunteers in the news

Yesterday, the Register-Pajaronian printed this fantastic article, complete with pictures, on the work our volunteers were doing in the county.  Check it out here:

http://www.register-pajaronian.com/fe_view_article.php?story_id=2862&page_id=72&heading=0