Some task involved:

1. Prep our CEO and Board Chair for public appearances

2. Serve on our communication committee or our board

3. Write press releases

4. Develop messaging

5. Disaster public affairs volunteers for chapter and national disaster responses

6. Develop publicity for special events

7. Respond to press inquiries during times of disaster

8. Develop communication plans

9. Respond with our local response team, providing public affairs information to community media

10. As temporary staff, fill the responsibilities of the chapter communicator while the communicator is on a national disaster relief assignment

11. Write stories for our web site and other publications

12. Work on the team that prepares our annual report

13. Provide local publicity for award winners and other people and programs we would like to spotlight

14. Research

15. Writing human interest stories, speeches, PSA's and others

16. Speakers to present Red Cross information to community groups

17. Graphic design for brochures, flyers, annual reports and other printed materials

18. Media interviews to promote chapter activities

Standard Training Courses:

1. Orientation to the Red Cross - You're in Good Company: American Red Cross Orientation (ARC 2671 and ARC 2671V) is used throughout the organization to familiarize new paid and volunteer staff members with the organization.  It includes information on the history, mission, fundamental principles, and services of the American Red Cross and the local unit in which they work. 2 hours.  Presented by any Red Cross instructor or as a self-study.

2. Introduction to Disaster Services (ARC 3066) is a video-based course designed to provide participants fundamental information about disasters, the community response, and the role of American Red Cross disaster services.  This is a pre-requisite course for all other American Red Cross Disaster Services training courses. 3.5 hours.  Presented by any Red Cross instructor or as a self-study.

3. Public Affairs in Disaster I (ARC 3080-1) prepares Red Cross paid and volunteer staff to work in the public affairs function on a local disaster response and to initiate the public affairs response on a large disaster relief operation.  6.5 hours Presented by a Red Cross Disaster Services basic-level instructor authorized to teach Public Affairs.

4. Public Affairs in Disaster II (ARC 3080-2) examines the role and responsibilities of the Public Affairs function in response to a large disaster relief operation.  Through a simulated disaster, participants gain an understanding of the planning, initial response, on-going activities, transition, and preparedness tasks involved in the Public Affairs function.  10 hours.  Presented by a Red Cross Disaster Services intermediate-level instructor authorized to teach Public Affairs.

Benefits:

1. Involvement in a worthy cause

2. Opportunities to help people

3. Implement and apply new principles and practices

4. Use skills not normally used in everyday work

5. Increased opportunities to work with local and national media

6. Increased networking opportunities with community leaders

Skills, knowledge, abilities and qualities needed for successful Public Affairs volunteer in many areas:

1. Effective writing

2. Persuasive speaking

3. Knowledge of various media

4. Understanding of management process

5. Financial and business acumen

6. Problem solving

7. Decision making

8. Ability to work with people

9. Stability and common sense

10. Drive and enthusiasm

11. Wide-ranging interests and intellectual curiosity

12. Good listening skills

13. Tolerance for frustration

14. Style