Yolo County Red Cross

There are Red Cross clubs at:

• UC Davis Red Cross Club
  

• Davis High Red Cross Club

What YOU can do

• Volunteer at the American Red Cross!
  

• Intern at the American Red Cross!
  

• Give Blood at a Blood Drive!
  

• Participate on a National Service Day >>>see very bottom for a list of events and dates
  

• Take a Class to prepare yourself and your family for a disaster, to learn CPR/First Aid or to get certified for Baby Sitting
  

>See below for more Information

Mission Statement

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Network

• Humanity: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

• Impartiality: It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

• Neutrality: In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

• Independence: The Movement is independent. The national societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

• Voluntary service: It is a voluntary Movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

• Unity: There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

• Universality: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

Some Quick Facts about our Work Force

• Every year the Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters—including approximately 150 home fires every day.
  

• About 11 million Americans turn to us to learn first aid, CPR, swimming, and other health and safety skills. Last year, more than 158,000 people volunteered to teach those courses.
  

• Half the nation's blood supply— six million pints annually—is collected by more than 155,000 Red Cross volunteers .
  

• Among our emergency services for the men and women of the armed forces is the delivery of urgent family messages—around the clock and around the globe.
  

• More than 30,900 volunteers serve as chairs, members of boards of directors, or on advisory boards for local Red Cross units - chapters, Blood Services regions, and military stations.
  

• As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Red Cross reconnects more than 8,000 families separated by conflicts and disasters around the world through international tracking services and Red Cross messages.

Information on the Yolo Red Cross

• The American Red Cross of Yolo County has been present in this area since the late 1800s
  

• The chapter has been located since 1953 at its present site, 120 Court Street, Woodland
  

• The Yolo Chapter encompasses a population of 222,500
  

• 52.13 % of the population are minorities, of which 33.46 % are Hispanic
  

• Most of the money spent goes towards Health and Safety

A short History on the ARC and International RC

Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, founded the Red Crescent Network and the International Red Cross. In 1859, during his travels, Dunant witnessed a battle between French and Austrian forces, which left over 40,000 dead and wounded. Seeing the grotesque scene of soldiers lying on the battlefield with no medical assistance made an impression on him. He immediately began to organize a group of locals to provide help for the wounded.


When Dunant returned to Switzerland he could not forget the horrific scenes he had experienced. He first wrote a novel, A Memory of Solferino (1862), and later began a campaign for wounded soldiers, arguing that the wounded deserved humane treatment no matter which side of the battle they were on. The Geneva Society for Public Welfare helped establish a committee called the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded in Time of War.


In 1864 the International Conference had representatives of 16 European states attend. This led to the Geneva Convention, a treaty meant to diminish suffering of military personnel and to save lives. The emblem would be the Red Cross (the reverse of the Swiss flag, which sports a red background with a white cross) and would signify protection, equipment and most importantly, neutrality.


The Geneva Convention led to other laws including the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as well as the second Geneva Convention, to protect those participating in maritime warfare. Many revisions were added later to include prisoners of war and civilians in the time of war, as well ass civil-war victims.


Clara Barton, a Civil War nurse, founded the American Red Cross in 1881. By 1900 the ARC revised a charter from Congress under which it still operates. The charter included the organization’s responsibilities and established an executive structure.


The ARC used to be primarily responsible for the relief of victims in war and natural disasters. However, since WWII, many other organizations have crowded the field such as the UNICEF, WHO, FAO and more. Still, the ARC is a leader in providing services to its communities and societies in need.

Volunteer Options and Needs

1. Disaster Action Team (DAT) = a local team that responds to any disaster in Yolo County. Must be 16 years of age, on-call schedule 5pm-8am, and have taken the appropriate classes: Orientation, Intro class to Disaster Services, Mass Care, Family Services, Shelter Operations, and First Aid Certified.

2. National Disaster Response (DSHR) = this position especially requires dedication and time. Often volunteers are needed for 2-3 weeks. Volunteers should be healthy, responsible, adaptive to different conditions and team players.
Requirements: must be 18 years of age, CPR/First Aid certified, pass a background check, approved by the local chapter and available to leave within 48 hours of a disaster!

3. Local Large Disasters = respond to Yolo county disasters only. For example winter flooding. This position is similar to DAT except that volunteers are not on a set schedule.

4. CPR/First Aid Instructors = after teaching 3 classes the costs for certification will be reimbursed (its about $160.00)
Must be 18 years of age, complete FIT class, complete CPR/First Aid/AED class

5. Health/Disaster Fairs and Community Outreach = these events occur on weekends, often between 8am and 5pm. The role for volunteers is to be knowledgeable about the Red Cross to increase awareness. Volunteers will hand out fliers, organize paperwork and be sociable

6. Office/Display Design = work encompasses data entry, making copies, answering phones, writing letters, fair displays, cleaning manikins, setting up for classes, etc. Volunteers should be computer savvy and know Microsoft Word.

7. Chapter Development = researching from home to update information and develop programs such as student nursing programs, making flood maps, youth programs, etc.

8. Fundraiser Events = these are one-time events. Major fundraisers are: Heart Kitchen of the Home Tour (May) & Heroes Luncheon (December)

CONTACT KATIE KELSCH, THE EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR, FOR MORE INFORMATION: (530) 662-4669

Intern at the ARC!!!

1. Disaster Services
2. Health and Safety
3. Grants
4. Event Planning
5.Youth Outreach
6. Military Programs
7. Public Relations/Marketing
8. IT/Computer

HOW TO APPLY: Please contact Katie Kelsch, BSN, RN at emergencyservices@yc-arc.org or visit 120 Court Street, Woodland, CA 95695
REQUIREMENTS:

• approval of Yolo County Chapter staff after interview
  

• student or recent graduate
  

• commit 10-15 hours a week preferably for the school year but sometimes only for a quarter
  

• must have excellent communications skills, be flexible, ability to multi-task, knowledge of Microsoft Excel, work independently

Give Blood

Blood drives are held at their offices at 120 Court Street, Woodland.

• August 16th, 2010 1pm-5pm Baskin-Robbins coupon: "A Pint for a Pint"

Take a Class at the ARC

Other Programs

Lifeguard Classes are offered December through May.
Aquatic Programs available:
Learn to Swim, Lifeguard Training, Swim Instructors, Water Safety Professionals

Calendar of Classes 2010

National Service Days

JANUARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
KINDNESS AND JUSTICE CHALLENGE
A perfect project for college students who wish to help younger kids, the annual “Do
Something Kindness and Justice Challenge” begins on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day and
focuses on character education, leadership training and community service.Youth and
young adults across the country perform acts of kindness by helping others and acts of justice
by standing up for what is right.While designed for use in schools, anyone can register
and download the Do Something curriculum and leadership guide.
For more information, visit www.dosomething.org

THE KING DAY OF SERVICE
In an effort to bring people together around the common focus of service to others and
break down the social and economic barriers that divide us as a nation, the Corporation
for National Service, in consultation with the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change,
provides grants to public and nonprofit organizations to mobilize Americans to observe the
Martin Luther King, Jr., federal holiday as a day of service to others.
For more information, visit www.mlkday.org

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER BLOOD DONOR MONTH
National Volunteer Blood Donor Month (NVBDM) is a joint effort of the American
Association of Blood Banks, the American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers and
has been held every January since 1970.A Presidential Proclamation designates January as
NVBDM each year. Years may come and go, but one thing remains the same: the need for
blood.There’s no better time to hold a drive and to donate than NVBDM.

FEBRUARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GROUNDHOG JOB SHADOW DAY
Groundhog Job Shadow Day offers the opportunity for young people to “shadow” a
workplace mentor as he or she goes through a normal day on the job, providing an
up-close look at how the skills learned in school are put into action in the workplace.
For more information, visit www.jobshadow.org

MARCH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RED CROSS MONTH
Each year the President of the United States proclaims March “Red Cross Month.” Use
this opportunity to promote your unit’s services to the campus community, recruit college
student volunteers, raise funds and increase the visibility of the American Red Cross in
your community.

APRIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
During National Volunteer Week, thousands of volunteers participate in service projects
while others become volunteers for the first time. Countless recognition ceremonies and
events also are held to honor volunteers for their commitment and contributions.
For ideas and more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org

NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY
Sponsored by Youth Service America, National Youth Service Day highlights the positive
contributions that young Americans are making in their communities through service and
volunteering. Every year, the American Red Cross works with Youth Service America and
39 other national organizations to encourage millions of young people in all 50 states and
abroad to help, feed, tutor,mentor, share with and care for others.
For more information—including a comprehensive online resource guide on community
involvement that features volunteer recruitment, project development, fundraising and
public relations guidelines—visit www.servenet.org

NATIONAL ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION AWARENESS WEEK
National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week provides an excellent opportunity for
volunteers to begin encouraging more people to consider becoming organ and tissue
donors.
To learn what young adults can do to promote organ and tissue donation, check out
www.organdonor.gov

EARTH DAY
Earth Day is the largest environmental event in history. Its objective is to mobilize and
empower citizens around the world who care about the environmental challenges facing
all of us.
For more information, visit www.earthday.net

MAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WORLD RED CROSS DAY
World Red Cross Day provides an opportunity for national societies as well as local units
to express solidarity with the International Red Cross and its millions of supporters. It also
provides an excellent way to involve young people in the Red Cross and to attract new
volunteers.

NATIONAL STUDENT NURSE DAY
National Student Nurse Day is a great day to recognize the accomplishments of student
nurses and the contributions they make to their communities. It also is a good opportunity
for student nurses to participate in community health projects and educate the general
population about the valuable services nurses provide.
For more information, visit www.nsna.org

OCTOBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Fire Prevention Week honors the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire and increases
awareness of the dangers of fire. Every year the President of the United States proclaims
the Sunday-through-Saturday period in which October 9 falls national Fire Prevention
Week.The National Fire Prevention Association works to make fire prevention a priority
and counts on the participation and effort of tens of thousands of fire and safety professionals,
American Red Cross volunteers and individuals to reduce the risk of fire and the
toll fires take on our society.
For more information—including a free online Fire Prevention Week Kit—visit
www.nfpa.org

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY
Make A Difference Day is a national community service effort
designed to challenge and reward volunteers. Every year, on the
fourth Saturday in October, USA WEEKEND and the Points
of Light Foundation co-sponsor Make A Difference Day.
More than a million citizens spend one Saturday “making a
difference” in their communities by participating in service
projects.
For more information—including help with project ideas and
award grants—visit www.usaweekend.com/diffday

NOVEMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INTERNATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK
Random Acts of Kindness Week is an awareness campaign and celebration of the power of
random acts of kindness.The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, established in 1995,
creates and distributes information and educational materials to facilitate celebrations. It
also recruits, trains and assists volunteer coordinators and counsels individuals, groups and
institutions to help them design meaningful activities.
For more information on how to host a Random Acts of Kindness Week Celebration and
a list of suggested kind acts, visit www.actsofkindness.org

HUNGER AND HOMELESS AWARENESS WEEK
Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week combines a wide variety of activities that focus on
educating the college campus population, increasing participation in community service
and building coalitions.The week provides great fund-raising and education opportunities
for the American Red Cross.The important Red Cross work of feeding and sheltering
those in need both here and abroad fits perfectly with the goals of Hunger and Homeless
Awareness Week.
For more information, visit www.pirg.org

DECEMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY
The fifth of December is International Volunteer Day—an annual celebration by communities,
people and governments of the achievements of voluntary work and volunteers
around the world.The United Nations encourages activities and events to mark this special
day. UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan said,“Year by year, generation by generation, there
is progress. Behind that progress lie many factors. One is the willingness of many individuals
to devote their time, efforts and resources to the welfare and advancement of all.We call
them volunteers.” Why not recognize your volunteers on December fifth?

WORLD AIDS DAY
Red Cross youth and young adult volunteers are involved in helping to prevent the spread
of HIV every day through peer education, community information booths and awareness
events.World AIDS Day offers Red Cross volunteers the opportunity to be a part
of the World AIDS Campaign. For ideas on how to participate in World
AIDS Day and to request a free World AIDS Day Pack that includes a display, posters,
leaflets and stickers, visit www.avert.org/worldaid.htm

Comments:

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2008-04-04 16:57:16   Love! —JabberWokky

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2008-04-04 17:42:58   Right now they're trying to raise money with their annual 'Heart of the Home Tour', which is a tour of kitchens in Yolo County. It's an opportunity to see some amazing kitchens. —MamaLoebs

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2010-08-19 11:08:04   This page needs a lot of work! —NeeleH

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2010-08-30 11:25:18   Amazing work —NeeleH