Call to Action! Volunteers Needed in Nashville

Call to Action! Volunteers Needed 

Volunteers needed to support disaster response in the Nashville Area Chapter

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 19, 2023 — Volunteers in the Nashville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to many historic disasters both locally and throughout the nation in the last twelve months. These dedicated volunteers have served communities dealing with floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires in back-to-back disasters.

Severe weather is part of a worsening national trend in which the American Red Cross has responded to nearly twice as many large disasters across the country as it did a decade ago.

As rapidly intensifying, weather-related events pose serious challenges to its humanitarian work and the people it serves, the Red Cross has announced an ambitious national plan to take urgent action. With more climate-driven disasters upending lives and devastating communities, the organization is racing to adapt its services and grow its disaster response capacity across the country.

In the Tennessee Region, this includes training volunteers on how to respond to disasters locally and across the country.

The Nashville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross responds to these disasters and many home fires weekly, sometimes daily. Volunteers make up about 90 percent of the American Red Cross workforce, helping to make it possible to provide immediate support to our neighbors in time of need.

The Red Cross is asking for help. Disaster Volunteers receive training to respond to the scene of home fires and other disasters. Volunteers provide emotional support, safe shelter, vital supplies, emergency assistance, and information to help families begin recovery. The Nashville Area Chapter is conducting a local volunteer recruitment and training for those looking to make a lasting impact for others.

Upcoming in-person informational and training session at the Nashville Area Chapter, 2201 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203:   

Friday, Sept. 22: Information Session from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

General overview of opportunities for volunteers to get involved in the Disaster Cycle Services Team, with an emphasis on upcoming deployment opportunities and explanation of the onboarding process.

Friday, Sept. 22: Shelter Fundamentals and Feeding Activity Introduction from 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Shelter Fundamentals is a basic level course that introduces participants to working in shelters, as well as describes the structures and operations of shelters, the important functions that occur in shelters, and tasks participants may be asked to complete as shelter service workers.

Feeding Activity Introduction will familiarize participants with basic information about Red Cross feeding, the types of feeding we provide, and the tasks that are performed by the Mass Care Feeding Activity during a disaster response.

If you are interested in attending either of the above sessions or have questions about the need for volunteers or how the American Red Cross responds in your community, please contact Henry Pipes, Disaster Program Manager, at henry.pipes@redcross.org.