Volunteer Opportunities
In Rhode Island, there are several volunteer opportunities for people who want to help with emergency preparedness or disaster response and recovery efforts. Most programs require some type of training ahead of time so that individuals are prepared and remain safe while they are volunteering during a response or recovery effort.
If you are looking for a local volunteer opportunity, contact your local Emergency Manager Director.
American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter
The American Red Cross has volunteer opportunities for every age and ability. Join as a disaster responder, shelter support, distribution of food and relief items and much more. Licensed mental health and medical professionals (nurses, CNAs) are especially needed. Hours and time commitments can vary to fit your needs and schedule. Training is comprehensive and free.
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Community Emergency Response Team
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
How do I find out more? CERTs are organized at the local level. Please contact your local Emergency Manager.
Does the CERT training have a fee? CERT training is free!
What does the CERT training consist of? Disaster Preparedness, Fire Suppression, Medical Operations, Light Search and Rescue Operations, Psychology and Team Organization, Course Review, and Disaster Simulation. The course takes about 20 hours of classroom work.
What do I receive upon successfully completing the course? A course completion certificate and CERT backpack w/ CERT logo, a CERT hard hat, Leather Work Gloves Safety Goggles Safety Vest, Flashlight, Gas Wrench and much more.
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Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team & Rhode Island Medical Reserve Corps
Preparedness Branch Initiatives Training Calendar Training Request Stop the Bleed Sound the Alarm Power Up Storm Ready CERT Exercise Exercise Request Additional Resources The primary focus of the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team (RIDMAT) and the Rhode Island Medical Reserve Corps (RIMRC) is to provide clinical evaluation and/or medical care during a public health emergency or disaster response. While the majority of RIDMAT and RIMRC volunteers are clinicians, non-clinical individuals interested in providing administrative or logistical support are always encouraged to join. Volunteers are required to complete an online application and New Member Orientation before participating in training events and emergency activations.
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Rhode Island Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
The Rhode Island Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is the State chapter of the National VOAD. The RI VOAD consists of volunteer organizations active in disaster response throughout the State. The purpose of the RI VOAD is to bring organizations together in order to share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle – preparation, response, and recovery – to help disaster survivors and their communities.
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United Way 2-1-1 of Rhode Island
A free and confidential 24-hour information and referral helpline, United Way 2-1-1 identifies the needs of Rhode Islanders and connects them with food, shelter, medical care, job-skills development programs, and other critical resources.