Ready When the Time Comes
 READY WHEN THE TIME COMES (RWTC) is a program of the American Red Cross that provides volunteers from partner companies and community organizations to be immediately ready to help in the time of a local, large scale disaster. RWTC volunteers serve as “reserves” that can be called up when disaster response requires more than the normal corps of local disaster volunteers.
It’s a win-win for the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus (ARCGC) and partnering organizations. It helps the Red Cross build capacity to respond to local disaster, businesses build teamwork and employee morale, and communities become safer places to work and live.
WHY IS READY WHEN THE TIME COMES NEEDED?
Each year, the American Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disaster incidents – hurricanes, fires, storms, floods, tornados, explosions, etc. – serving those affected with shelter, mass care and financial assistance. This requires not only Red Cross employees and trained disaster volunteers but also specially trained, quickly mobilized volunteers who can fill specific needs. RWTC is designed to recruit and prepare those volunteers.
HOW DOES READY WHEN THE TIME COMES WORK?
Companies and community organizations partner with the ARCGC, recruiting employees and members as volunteers who then are trained by the ARCGC as disaster response volunteers. RWTC partners commit to making these volunteers available for service at least one day per year. When a local, large scale disaster occurs, the Red Cross contacts their RWTC liaisons, who then in turn call their RWTC employee volunteers into action. The ARCGC then assumes responsibility for their deployment and management. Partners are not required to send volunteers. All assignments are voluntary.
RWTC volunteers are trained in the following areas of service:
- Mass Care
- Sheltering
- Logistics
- Disaster Assessment
WHAT IS REQUIRED OF RWTC PARTNERS AND VOLUNTEERS?
- Must recruit a minimum of 10 volunteers;
- Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age;
- Must sign a Statement of Understanding, the content of which is jointly developed with the chapter, which helps establish the partnership;
- Must identify primary and secondary coordinators who can be available 24/7 as contacts for the chapter and, in turn, to activate their volunteer teams;
- Take the lead in recruiting employees, members or parishioners as volunteers to fill specific needs identified by the chapter;
- Volunteers must participate in Red Cross-provided training, be prepared to deploy within 24 hours when requested, and participate in at least one annual disaster drill and, volunteers must agree to a mandatory ARC background check.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Companies and community organizations are asked to commit to the program for one year.
HOW WILL RWTC PARTNERS BE RECOGNIZED?
- Exposure
Names and logos will be added to RWTC marketing materials.
- Public acknowledgement
Included in media coverage and other promotional activities.
- Recognition at annual event
Recognized at an annual volunteer recognition event.
HOW DO I BECOME A RWTC PARTNER?
Contact Jennifer Kunz, Ready When the Time Comes Coordinator, at 253-2740 ext. 2561 or KunzJ@usa.redcross.org |
