The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and the American Red Cross of Northwestern Pennsylvania will offer a volunteer training in observance of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.
The volunteer training will be held in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons at Pitt-Bradford from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 11 and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 12.
Volunteers will be trained to serve as shelter workers for the American Red Cross. After completion of the seven-hour training, volunteers will be registered as volunteers for the American Red Cross and will be called upon in the event of a crisis. After the initial training is complete, volunteers will receive ongoing training every three months.
These follow-up “tabletop” trainings are approximately two hours and include training in dormitory management, feeding, safety, client registration and similar topics. Those who receive the shelter worker training will be added to a list of volunteers who can be called on in the event of an emergency.
Pre-registration is highly recommended. The training is open to all members of the community; however, volunteers must be 18 years of age and complete an online background check.
“Not everyone can be a police officer, firefighter or EMT, but everyone has something to give, and that’s what makes the American Red Cross a great choice for people who want to help their community in the face of a disaster,” said Tonya Ackley, director of community engagement at Pitt-Bradford. “During this time of remembrance and reflection, people may feel moved to think about ways they can give back to their communities. We hope by offering this training, we will make it easier for students and community members to connect to service opportunities at the Red Cross.”
Jason Bange, disaster program manager for the Red Cross, said, “We need volunteers more than ever. The American Red Cross is facing increasing demands for services, and volunteers can help us fill this growing need.”
The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance was created to pay tribute to the victims, survivors and those who rose up in service in response to the attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.
To register for the training, please contact Ackley at (814) 362-7592 or tja7@pitt.edu. For more information on volunteer opportunities at the American Red Cross, please contact Rex Rossey, regional volunteer services officer, American Red Cross, Western Pennsylvania Region at 814-723-6000 or 814-230-3123 or rex.rossey@redcross.org. The Red Cross of Northwestern Pennsylvania serves Erie, Crawford, Warren, Forest, McKean, Potter, Elk and Cameron counties.