DISASTER SERVICES TRAINING CALENDAR –  1st QUARTER, FY 2009

Ø  New Disaster Volunteer Workshop:  (3 hours) Provides new or potential disaster volunteers with an introduction to Red Cross Disaster Services, an overview of local disaster volunteer jobs including Disaster Action Teams, an explanation of the steps required to become an authorized disaster volunteer, and discussion of other local program activities (meetings, classes, etc.).  Includes online Introduction to Disaster Services, a tour of the building and chapter response supplies/equipment.  Required for all new volunteers. 

Ø  Fulfilling Our Mission:  Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action:  (3 hours) Introduces potential disaster volunteers and members of other local agencies to the role of the Red Cross in the community’s actions in preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters.  Required for all volunteers.

Ø  Client Casework:  Providing Emergency Assistance:  (8 hours) Trains Red Cross caseworkers how to conduct effective client interviews and provide appropriate assistance to help meet a client’s immediate disaster-caused or disaster-aggravated needs.  Prerequisite:  Fulfilling Our Mission.  Required for all DAT members! 

Ø  Fundaments of Chapter Disaster Operations Management:  (1.5 days) Trains leadership employees and volunteers to perform the fundamental roles and responsibilities of directing a disaster relief operation.  Prerequisites:  Fulfilling Our Mission, Client Casework, Community Services Overview or Mass Care Overview, Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment (online component) Financial and Statistical Information Management or Client Assistance Cards: Financial and Statistical Information Management Workers and Collaborating to Ensure Effective Service Delivery.  Application Form 5898H must be submitted to Kim Eller by Friday, October 10. 

Ø  Psychological First Aid:  (4 hours) Provides a framework for understanding the factors that affect stress responses in disaster relief workers and the clients they serve.  Recommended:  Fulfilling Our Mission and Working with Total Diversity.  Recommended for all DAT members!

Ø  Shelter Operations:  (3 hours) Provides participants with knowledge of Red Cross policies and procedures for setting up, running and closing a shelter during a disaster.  Prerequisite:  Mass Care Overview.  Recommended for all DAT Captains! 

Ø  Shelter Simulation:  (3 hours) Designed for learners to acquire knowledge of Red Cross policies and procedures for setting up, running and closing a shelter during a disaster.  Prerequisite:  Shelter Operations.  Recommended for all DAT Captains! 

Ø  Supervision in Disaster:  (13.5 hours) Provides new supervisors with the knowledge and skills required to competently perform their roles and responsibilities according to elevated expectations and using current tools and resources.  Prerequisites:  The basic or intermediate disaster training courses for the activity in which the applicant expects to become a supervisor and experience as a worker in the activity in which the applicant expects to become a supervisor.  Application Form 5898 must be submitted to Kim Eller by Friday, November 7. 

Ø  Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism Overview:  (3 hours) Provides basic information about the issues and concerns in the Red Cross response in an environment involving a Weapons of Mass Destruction and/or Terrorism event.  Prerequisite:  Fulfilling Our Mission.

PLEASE SEE THE ADDITIONAL COURSE SHEET LISTING THE DISASTER COURSES AVAILABLE ONLINE VIA THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS).  IF YOU NEED THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCESS, PLEASE LET KAREN KNOW.  YOU MUST BE AN APPROVED DISASTER VOLUNTEER TO ACCESS ONLINE COURSES.