Hispanic Heritage Month Profile: Chanda Arnold

by Carmen Wright, volunteer contributor

N Texas Diversity Leadership Chair
Chanda Arnold

What better way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month than to learn about Red Cross volunteers who are dedicated to making the American Red Cross as diverse as the people it serves. 

Meet Chanda Arnold. As chairperson of the North Texas Region Diversity Leadership Council, that’s exactly what she does. 

Chanda joined the Red Cross as a disaster relief volunteer about seven years ago. She became involved with the Diversity Council because she wanted to see a more diverse group of volunteers and wanted to raise awareness of the variety of people who work and volunteer with the Red Cross. 

“Disaster doesn’t strike a certain color—it affects everybody. Because we help a diverse group of people, it’s important to have volunteers in place who can relate to them,” she says. 

While the Diversity Leadership Council meets to discuss supplies, emergency services and volunteer roles, and works closely with different Affinity groups such as the Latino Affinity Group, it also teaches its members about understanding and empathizing with different types people. As part of an ongoing lecture series, the council invites a guest speaker every quarter to discuss topics ranging from disabilities to census information on the Hispanic population in the North Texas region. 

Chanda recalls one meeting in which the council members had to navigate through a room blindfolded to better understand the blind. She is also excited about the prospects of having a deaf volunteer join the council because she knows it will make the work Red Cross does that much better. 

Thank you, Chanda for the work you do and for reminding us to celebrate diversity in all its different forms! 

To begin your Red Cross story, join today at www.redcross.org/dfw. 

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Calling Young Artists! Help Us Design a Holiday Card For Our Military Members!

Each year the American Red Cross provides assistance to more than 2 million service members and many of our nation’s 24 million veterans. And each winter, we deliver holiday cards from thousands of Americans to veterans, military families and active-duty service members at hospitals and installations around the world, thanking them for their service and wishing them a happy holiday season.

Here in North Texas, we’re about to kick off our 2013 mail campaign & we need your help! We’re looking for talented young artists, 10 and younger, to design the perfect holiday card for our service members. Card designs should fit on a 5.5x8.5 card cover.

Got a great card design to bring holiday cheer to our troops? Mail or drop off your entry to our Dallas Chapter at:

ATTN: Communications/Holiday Mail For Heroes
American Red Cross
4800 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75235

Or email an electronic version to american.redcross@yahoo.com. Entries should include:

• Card design
• Name
• Age
• Hometown

Deadline for entries is October 4. Thanks for your help!

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First Day of Fall Project: DIY Emergency Survival Kit

by Sydney Holt, volunteer contributor

Y’all may not have even realized, but today is the first day of the fall. While the start of this colorful season typically signifies cooler weather, those of us in Dallas-Fort Worth and the surrounding areas are still experiencing highs in the upper 90s and even 100s! I don’t know about you but I don’t plan to spend my Autumnal Equinox digging sweaters and jeans out of my closet when I won’t need them for another few weeks, even months.

Instead, I plan to catch up on a few do-it-yourself projects, one being a DIY survival kit. Not handy? Don’t sweat it – this project is easy and can be done completely inside. 

Below are a few tips for helping you get Red Cross Ready for the entire year. 

1. Grab A Container! While a shoebox or extra container might seem like the easiest option, remember to choose an easy-to-carry, durable container such as a backpack or lightweight container with handles.

2. The Minimum. At a minimum you should have the following supplies. 

• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit 
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area

3. Comfort Items. While the bare necessities are absolutely your first priority, having an array of comfort items is always a good idea – especially when dealing with children and pets. Examples include:

• Small games (non-electronic), puzzles, coloring books, cards
• Rain gear
• Blankets, sleeping bags and pillows
• Pet supplies – food, toys, carriers and sturdy leash or harness
• Wet wipes
• Towels
• Bug repellant

4. Awareness. Finally, be sure your kit is easy to access and all members of your household are aware of its location. Use this time to talk about your plan in case of an emergency situation and review the FREE Red Cross resources, such as our suite of mobile apps and the Plan & Prepare section of our website.

For more on what goes in an emergency survival kit, check out RedCross.org. Hint: It shouldn't look like this.

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Working at Peace: How Red Cross Volunteers Bring Hope to the World

by Carmen Wright, volunteer contributor

Social Activist and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said in a national broadcast given on Armistice Day: 

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”  

Today, we celebrate the International Day of Peace and the Red Cross volunteers around the world who work tirelessly to bring peace to war-torn countries through their actions and compassion. 

The Middle East

Headlines about Syria have been filling newspapers for several months, but amidst the stories of destruction there are also ones of hope, particularly the success the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the help of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, has had in helping civilians when other foreign organizations have been forced to leave Damascus. The ICRC and SARC repair infrastructure, provide shelter for the displaced, and distribute clean drinking water and food to millions of people. 

Today we honor these volunteers not only because they work towards peace by providing aid regardless of how the conflict unfolds but also because they sacrifice so much in doing so. SARC lost twenty volunteers in the conflict, and those who cross the front lines face rocket fire, sniper fire, and roadside bombs. Nonetheless their focus remains on providing humanitarian aid and their main concern is not being able to reach the wounded who are in the most dangerous areas of Damascus. 

Africa

Working with local Red Cross organizations, the ICRC has also made significant contributions to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Sudan, Somalia, and the Central African Republic. They help those who suffer from internal violence by providing medical attention, reuniting families, providing clean water, and visiting detainees in prisons. Many of these organizations have been operating in these countries for many years. The Red Cross has been in Sudan since 1978 and has helped carry its people through struggles by doing something as simple as delivering messages between family members to providing aid to victims in Darfur. 

South America

Colombia has suffered one of the longest armed conflicts in the world, and ICRC has been there for the past 40 years to help people in rural areas where violence is most prevalent. With the help of the Colombian Red Cross, the ICRC provides medical aid, rebuilds infrastructure, offers projects to promote self-sufficiency, and renovates schools and sanitation centers. In an effort to maintain humanitarian laws, the ICRC also addresses breaches to laws with security forces and negotiates with armed groups so they can safely provide medical attention to victims. 

These are just a few examples of the commitment of volunteers. There are many more stories from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Mexico, the Balkans, and other countries around the globe. Regardless of the location, their commitment to humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and universality in the midst of violence inspire us to believe in peace so maybe we too can transform that faith into action. 

To learn more about the American Red Cross International Services, go to RedCross.org.

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National Preparedness Month: Getting Red Cross Trained Can Save Lives

by Mary McCormack, intern contributor

Red Cross volunteer instructor
Natalie Steadman

This September marks the tenth year for National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross is reminding our community how to stay safe, develop disaster plans and get information on being prepared during a disaster.

Locally, the Red Cross provides classes that help those how to become prepared for everyday emergencies. Classes such as CPR/AED training, water safety, babysitting training and disaster training courses are available at local chapters and sometimes even online.

Natalie Steadman, a professor at Texas Tech University’s Health Sciences Center and a volunteer instructor for the South Plains Chapter in Lubbock discusses the importance of why somebody should be prepared.

“It’s important to know even some of the most basic health traning,” Steadman said. “Just taking some simple courses can help you save somebody that you love.”

Steadman receives first aid training for her job every two years. She was able to use her training to help a man she did not know and ended up saving his life.

Littlefield, a small town outside of Lubbock, was hosting a football game one Friday night and Steadman happened to be on the sidelines. A photographer was also nearby when he started having heart complications and became unresponsive.

“I never thought that day would ever come,” Steadman said. “I always wondered, would I freeze when it came down to it, or would all of my training knowledge kick in?” 

Every month, the American Red Cross offers many classes that teach basic skills on how to save somebody who needs immediate medical attention. Without this training, Steadman would not have been able to save someone’s life.

“I’ve learned that the American Red Cross is all about helping those people in need at the very worst times in life,” Steadman said. “They have so many things to offer on how you can help, and I do my best to be an advocate.” 

You can search for health and safety classes near you on RedCross.org. See upcoming class schedules for DFW here.

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A Wave of Hope: 5 Years After Hurricane Ike

by Sydney Holt, volunteer contributor

Hurricane Ike caused widespread damage in 2008.

The 2008 hurricane season was one of the most destructive and costliest seasons in history. Eight storms struck the U.S. coast, with powerful winds and surging floodwaters forcing millions out of their homes – one of these deadly storms being Hurricane Ike. 

In preparation for writing this article, I did the usual Google search as a refresher and during my research stumbled across a number of news stories and interviews dating back to September of 2008 documenting Red Cross relief efforts. Five years after Ike’s destruction, I found myself fascinated by the Red Cross relief process, specifically its involvement even when the rain slows and the wind stops blowing – Red Cross brings a wave of hope before, during and after a disaster. 

Before.

Response begins well before a disaster strikes. In Ike’s case, disaster workers were deployed to safe area within close proximity to communities that may be affected. The workers pre-positioned relief supplies, including clean-up and comfort kits and emergency response vehicles, while aiding in evacuations and establishing shelter locations. 

In DFW, Red Cross teams established safe shelters across the area, including at the Dallas Convention Center, which became home to some 6,000 people fleeing from the Texas coast.
 

Photo Credit: Dallas Morning News

During.

For Hurricanes Gustav (which occurred simultaneously with Ike at one point) and Ike combined, Red Cross shelters provided more than 468,000 overnight shelter stays. Shelters are more than just a place to sit and wait it out. In addition to food, clothing and a safe place to stay, these havens also coordinate medical and mental health services.

After.

With any unplanned weather event or disaster come learning’s. Growing local partnerships, better distribution of essential recovery items, and helping victims more easily access government and partner benefits were the areas Red Cross carefully examined to improve effectiveness post Ike. Five years after Texas’ most costly hurricane, I feel more confident than ever knowing my friends and family in the great state of Texas, and across the U.S., are more protected than ever.

One way the Red Cross has grown in the five years since Hurricane Ike is in its use of technology. During Ike, the Red Cross didn't send a single tweet or post a single Facebook status update. Since then, social media platforms have become increasingly important in communicating during emergencies. In DFW, the Red Cross now actively recruits digital volunteers to help us get information out during disasters.

Socially savvy and interested in using your social presence to help your community? Learn more about how to become a digital volunteer. Apply online at RedCross.org/DFW and reference digital volunteer during the application process.

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Regional CEO T.D. Smyers Heads to Israel for Information Exchange

Magen David Adom volunteers help the
injured after the earthquake in Haiti.

North Texas Region CEO T.D. Smyers is taking a little bit of Texas to the Middle East.

T.D. is one of a handful of American Red Cross local CEOs that have been personally selected by Red Cross National President and CEO Gail McGovern to join her on a trip to Israel beginning today. 

The trip will serve as a comprehensive information exchange between the American Red Cross and the Magen David Adom (Israel’s Red Cross Society), with the societies hoping to share lessons learned in preparing for, and responding to, mass casualty events such as earthquakes and terrorist attacks. 

The meeting will enable both Red Cross Societies to better serve people in need in their respective countries, and to create opportunities to work together. A recent example of collaboration was when the American Red Cross and Magen David Adom jointly deployed to Haiti following the January 2010 earthquake to deliver life-saving assistance. Additionally, the teams will discuss the launch of a new universal first aid app, based on the success of the American Red Cross series of life-saving apps. The first Hebrew language app is rolling out in Israel this month. 

Safe travels, T.D.!

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Remembering 9/11

by Anita Foster, Regional Chief Communications Officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region

No matter how many years go by, this day always starts the same for me. The minute I wake up, I weep, and I’ll do that all throughout the day as I reflect back on the families I met who endured so much grief after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Over the years, I’ve shared many of those stories with you, so today, I want to share a new perspective. While I was researching this story, I was reminded of the overwhelming uncertainty on that day, but being Red Crossers, we had to respond regardless. The following information is representative of what the American Red Cross did on that day alone: 

• Activated 6,000 Red Cross volunteers to fan out across the impact areas
• Opened 13 Red Cross shelters
• Sent Disaster Mental Health workers to shelters, crash sites, airports and hospitals
• Opened Respite Centers for firefighters, police officers, port authority workers and others
• Received 1 Million calls on the Blood Donation line (the previous record in one day was 3,000 calls)
• Every chapter in the nation supported stranded passengers at airports as air space was shut down
• Lost one Emergency Response Vehicle—destroyed in the collapse as volunteers were responding at the World Trade Center

With no road map, no operating procedures and in complete chaos, your American Red Cross accomplished all of the above. And that was just day one of the response. 

Today, let’s all remember those who died, those who served and those who carry on.

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A Message From T.D. Smyers: Get Up and Give on September 19

by T.D. Smyers, CEO, American Red Cross North Texas Region

Calling all friends of the Red Cross! Want your donation to make an even greater impact toward our mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering? Mark September 19 on your calendars. 

We're joining other area nonprofit organizations for North Texas Giving Day, an annual fundraising event that has helped raise more than $34.4 million for the community in the last four years. Bonus and matching funds added to your donation on September 19 make it the perfect time to give!

So how does it work? Just donate $25 or more through DonorBridgeTX.org next Thursday, September 19th between 7am & midnight & Communities Foundation of Texas will enhance your donation, so your gift will go further! Just search “American Red Cross North Texas Region” and give!

No access to the internet? You can give in person by visiting donation stations at our Dallas and Fort Worth Chapters between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m:

Dallas - 4800 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX
Fort Worth (Chisholm Trail) – 1515 S. Sylvania Avenue, Fort Worth, TX

It’s that easy. I hope you will join us on September 19 for North Texas Giving Day and help us make a difference in our humanitarian mission!

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5 Unique Ways You Might Not Know You Could Volunteer With the American Red Cross

by Amy Yen, Digital Communications Manager, American Red Cross North Texas Region

We <3 our volunteers!

Volunteers are the heart, soul and engine of the American Red Cross. Nationally, they make up more than 90% of our work force; here in North Texas, it’s closer to 95%. But while you might know that Red Cross volunteers help serve meals in shelters, drive blood units to hospitals and teach CPR in the community, you might not realize that there are more than 70 different roles available for volunteers to fill in North Texas alone. 

Some of these are the kind of opportunities you might expect—we need clerical help just like everyone else—but some are unique positions requiring specific backgrounds, interests and training. Because we look for people with specific skill sets for these roles, we’re always in need of people who might be a good fit. Who knows? You may have exactly the experience and interests that we need and not know it!

Here are five unique ways to volunteer with the Red Cross. If any of these sound like something you could do, please visit RedCross.org/DFW today and fill out an application. We need your help!  

1. International Services Caseworker: Got a little detective in you? Being an International Services caseworker might be for you. Caseworkers work on our Restoring Family Links program, which helps reconnect families separated by international armed conflict or disaster. To find someone whose loved one lost contact with them, a caseworker will use every resource available—from property records to Google searches—to help reunite a family. Social work is a common background for caseworkers, but anyone with good organization skills, compassion, tolerance and a love of detective work can succeed at it. Check out this blog post for more details about what it’s like to be an IS caseworker.


2. Disaster Action Team (DAT) Member: While massive disaster relief efforts after tornadoes and hurricanes get a lot more attention, the most common service provided by the Red Cross happens multiple times a day, every day, in every city and town in the nation: the single-family house or apartment fire. Our Disaster Action Teams (DAT) respond to these and other local emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing for the immediate food, shelter and clothing needs of the affected families, as well as first responders on the scene. If you have a passion for helping others and are willing to be on-call a few days a month, being a DAT member is sure to be fulfilling. Here’s a story about one of our Dallas team members.


3. Photographer/Videographer: Photography buff? Video whiz? You can help tell the Red Cross story, so we can show the public, the media and our donors what we’re doing to help. We rely on photographers and videographers with professional-level skills and equipment to capture the moments we want to share, from a group of community supporters putting together care packages for disaster victims to our emergency response vehicles going into debris fields. 


4. Disaster Mental Health Worker: Providing emotional support in the wake of an emergency remains one of the most important services we offer. Our disaster mental health counselors help children and adults cope with the emotional and environmental impact following a disaster by assessing their needs, helping them adjust and assisting in the recovery efforts. This is one of our most difficult volunteer positions to fill because disaster mental health workers must be licensed mental health professionals. If you have an active license in social work, psychiatry, counseling, psychiatric nursing, marriage and family therapy, psychology or other mental health discipline, you can truly make a difference during some of the most traumatic times in someone’s life. Here’s more from one of our counselors about what it’s like to volunteer in this role.


5. Digital Volunteer: Did you know you can volunteer in your pajamas? Our digital volunteers can do just that, working remotely to help tell the Red Cross story online via social media. Digital volunteers help run Red Cross social feeds, including Facebook and Twitter, posting severe weather information, preparedness tips and where people can get and give help. They also help monitor, respond and engage in the social space with people affected by disasters. Have a passion for social media and want to make a difference with your online presence? Being a digital volunteer may be for you.

To learn more about any of these roles or to see other volunteer opportunities with your local American Red Cross chapter, visit RedCross.org. If you have a specific role that you’re interested in, be sure to let us know during your application process.  

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Preparedness in Your Pocket

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor

Earthquake? Tornado? Hurricane? Fire? 

There’s an app (to prepare) for that. 

The American Red Cross actively uses technology – to educate and prevent emergencies as well as during emergency situations. The American Red Cross app series already has 3 million downloads. 

“These aps have truly changed how people get information at critical times,” said Anita Foster, regional chief communications officer. "We've used them ourselves and know them to be very helpful in emergencies." 

September is National Preparedness Month so there's not better time than now to get ready for the next event. The app series is at RedCross.org/mobileapps; all apps can be downloaded directly from iTunes or Google Play app stores. 

• Tornado App: The Tornado app puts everything you need to know prepare for a tornado – and all that comes with it – in the palm of your hand.
• Hurricane App:  Monitor weather conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out. 
• Shelter Finder App: The Shelter Finder displays open Red Cross shelters and their current population on an easy to use map interface. 
• First Aid App:  The official American Red Cross First Aid app offers videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know first aid. 
• Earthquake App: Get notified when an earthquake occurs, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out.  
• Wildfire App: Get the latest state-by-state Wildfire news and updates, prepare your family, home and pets, let loved ones know that you are safe even if the power is out.
• Team Red Cross: Volunteer App: Make a difference, support your community and join Team Red Cross! 

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