Mission Statement
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Location
120 Court Street, Woodland, CA
Hours
(Monday-Thursday 8:30am to 4:30pm)
Phone
(530) 662-8386
Web
http://www.redcross.org/ca/sacramento
Regional Manager
Lorainne Alvarez Opper; [email protected]
Youth Services Coordiantor
Heidi Elneil; [email protected]
ARC established since
Late 1800's

There are Red Cross clubs at:

What YOU can do

  • Volunteer at the American Red Cross!
  • Intern at the American Red Cross!
  • Participate on a National Service Day >>>see very bottom for a list of events and dates
  • Take a Class to prepare yourself and your family for a disaster, to learn CPR/First Aid or to get certified for Baby Sitting

>See below for more Information

Mission Statement

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Network

  • Humanity: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
  • Impartiality: It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions (but it will based on sexual orientation - they refuse blood from all gay men). It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
  • Neutrality: In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
  • Independence: The Movement is independent. The national societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
  • Voluntary service: It is a voluntary Movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
  • Unity: There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
  • Universality: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

Some Quick Facts about our Work Force

  • Every year the Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters—including approximately 150 home fires every day.
  • About 11 million Americans turn to us to learn first aid, CPR, swimming, and other health and safety skills. Last year, more than 158,000 people volunteered to teach those courses.
  • Half the nation's blood supply— six million pints annually—is collected by more than 155,000 Red Cross volunteers .
  • Among our emergency services for the men and women of the armed forces is the delivery of urgent family messages—around the clock and around the globe.
  • More than 30,900 volunteers serve as chairs, members of boards of directors, or on advisory boards for local Red Cross units - chapters, Blood Services regions, and military stations.
  • As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Red Cross reconnects more than 8,000 families separated by conflicts and disasters around the world through international tracking services and Red Cross messages.

Information on the Yolo Red Cross

  • The American Red Cross of Yolo County has been present in this area since the late 1800s
  • The chapter has been located since 1953 at its present site, 120 Court Street, Woodland
  • The Yolo Chapter encompasses a population of 222,500
  • 52.13 % of the population are minorities, of which 33.46 % are Hispanic
  • Most of the money spent goes towards Health and Safety

A short History on the ARC and International RC

Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, founded the Red Crescent Network and the International Red Cross. In 1859, during his travels, Dunant witnessed a battle between French and Austrian forces, which left over 40,000 dead and wounded. Seeing the grotesque scene of soldiers lying on the battlefield with no medical assistance made an impression on him. He immediately began to organize a group of locals to provide help for the wounded.

When Dunant returned to Switzerland he could not forget the horrific scenes he had experienced. He first wrote a novel, A Memory of Solferino (1862), and later began a campaign for wounded soldiers, arguing that the wounded deserved humane treatment no matter which side of the battle they were on. The Geneva Society for Public Welfare helped establish a committee called the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded in Time of War.

In 1864 the International Conference had representatives of 16 European states attend. This led to the Geneva Convention, a treaty meant to diminish suffering of military personnel and to save lives. The emblem would be the Red Cross (the reverse of the Swiss flag, which sports a red background with a white cross) and would signify protection, equipment and most importantly, neutrality.

The Geneva Convention led to other laws including the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as well as the second Geneva Convention, to protect those participating in maritime warfare. Many revisions were added later to include prisoners of war and civilians in the time of war, as well ass civil-war victims.

Clara Barton, a Civil War nurse, founded the American Red Cross in 1881. By 1900 the ARC revised a charter from Congress under which it still operates. The charter included the organization’s responsibilities and established an executive structure.

The ARC used to be primarily responsible for the relief of victims in war and natural disasters. However, since WWII, many other organizations have crowded the field such as the UNICEF, WHO, FAO and more. Still, the ARC is a leader in providing services to its communities and societies in need.

Volunteer Options and Needs

1. Disaster Action Team (DAT) = a local team that responds to any disaster in Yolo County. Must be 16 years of age, on-call schedule 5pm-8am, and have taken the appropriate classes: Orientation, Intro class to Disaster Services, Mass Care, Family Services, Shelter Operations, and First Aid Certified.

2. National Disaster Response (DSHR) = this position especially requires dedication and time. Often volunteers are needed for 2-3 weeks. Volunteers should be healthy, responsible, adaptive to different conditions and team players. Requirements: must be 18 years of age, CPR/First Aid certified, pass a background check, approved by the local chapter and available to leave within 48 hours of a disaster!

3. Local Large Disasters = respond to Yolo county disasters only. For example winter flooding. This position is similar to DAT except that volunteers are not on a set schedule.

4. CPR/First Aid Instructors = after teaching 3 classes the costs for certification will be reimbursed (its about $160.00) Must be 18 years of age, complete FIT class, complete CPR/First Aid/AED class

5. Health/Disaster Fairs and Community Outreach = these events occur on weekends, often between 8am and 5pm. The role for volunteers is to be knowledgeable about the Red Cross to increase awareness. Volunteers will hand out fliers, organize paperwork and be sociable

6. Office/Display Design = work encompasses data entry, making copies, answering phones, writing letters, fair displays, cleaning manikins, setting up for classes, etc. Volunteers should be computer savvy and know Microsoft Word.

7. Chapter Development = researching from home to update information and develop programs such as student nursing programs, making flood maps, youth programs, etc.

8. Fundraiser Events = these are one-time events. Major fundraisers are: Heart Kitchen of the Home Tour (May) & Heroes Luncheon (December)

CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION: (530) 662-8386

Intern at the ARC!!!

1. Disaster Services 2. Health and Safety 3. Grants 4. Event Planning 5.Youth Outreach 6. Military Programs 7. Public Relations/Marketing 8. IT/Computer

HOW TO APPLY: Please contact Heidi Elneil, Youth Services Coordinator, at [email protected] or visit 120 Court Street, Woodland, CA 95695 REQUIREMENTS:

  • fill out application and pass background check
  • approval of Yolo County Chapter staff after interview
  • student or recent graduate
  • commit 10-15 hours a week preferably for the school year but sometimes only for a quarter
  • must have excellent communications skills, be flexible, ability to multi-task, knowledge of Microsoft Excel, work independently

Take a Class at the ARC

Good Samaritan/ Lay Responder Classes
Specialty Classes
Adult CPR/AED $37.00
Child Care CPR & First Aid $75.00
Adult, Child, & Infant CPR/AED $47.00
CA Child Care Preventative Health & Safety Issues $45.00
Adult CPR/AED & First Aid $52.00
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer $70.00
Adult, Child, & Infant CPR/AED plus First Aid $57.00
Babysitter's Training $40.00
First Aid Only $32.00
Child & Infant CPR training for Babysitters $35.00
Adult CPR/AED & First Aid for Mature Adults $50.00
Wilderness First Aid $100.00
Nursing Assistant Training COMING SOON!
Instructor Classes
Re-certification Classes
Fundamentals of Instructor Training (FIT) $35.00
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Challenge $40.00
First Aid, CPR/AED Instructor Training $130.00
Adult, Child, & Infant CPR Review $40.00

Other Programs

Aquatic Programs
City of Davis (530) 757-5626
City of Woodland (530) 661-5880
UC Davis (530) 752-1730

Lifeguard Classes are offered December through May. Aquatic Programs available: Learn to Swim, Lifeguard Training, Swim Instructors, Water Safety Professionals

Calendar of Classes July 2013

Dates
Classes
July 1st
Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED 9am-4pm
July 6th
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED 9am-3pm
July 6th
Adult CPR/AED 9am-12:30pm
July 6th
Babysitters Training w/ Pediatric First Aid/CPR Pt.1 9am-3:30pm
July 10th
Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED 9am-4pm
July 10th
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED 9am-3pm
July 10th
Adult CPR/AED 9am-12:30pm
July 12th
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Review 9am-12pm
July 12th
Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Review 9am-1pm
July 12th
Adult CPR/AED Review 9am-11am
July 13th
Babysitters Training w/ Pediatric First Aid/CPR Pt.2 9am-3:30pm
July 15th
First Aid 9am-12:30pm
July 17th
CPR/AED Professional Review 6pm-9pm
July 20th
Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED 9am-4pm
July 20th
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED 9am-1pm
July 22nd
Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED pt.1 6pm-9:15pm
July 22nd
Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED pt.2 6pm-9:15pm
July 26th
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED 9am-3pm
July 96th
Adult CPR/AED 9am-12:30pm
July 17th
CPR/AED Professional 9am-4pm

National Service Days

JANUARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KINDNESS AND JUSTICE CHALLENGE A perfect project for college students who wish to help younger kids, the annual “Do Something Kindness and Justice Challenge” begins on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day and focuses on character education, leadership training and community service.Youth and young adults across the country perform acts of kindness by helping others and acts of justice by standing up for what is right.While designed for use in schools, anyone can register and download the Do Something curriculum and leadership guide. For more information, visit www.dosomething.org

THE KING DAY OF SERVICE In an effort to bring people together around the common focus of service to others and break down the social and economic barriers that divide us as a nation, the Corporation for National Service, in consultation with the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, provides grants to public and nonprofit organizations to mobilize Americans to observe the Martin Luther King, Jr., federal holiday as a day of service to others. For more information, visit www.mlkday.org

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER BLOOD DONOR MONTH National Volunteer Blood Donor Month (NVBDM) is a joint effort of the American Association of Blood Banks, the American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers and has been held every January since 1970.A Presidential Proclamation designates January as NVBDM each year. Years may come and go, but one thing remains the same: the need for blood.There’s no better time to hold a drive and to donate than NVBDM.

FEBRUARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GROUNDHOG JOB SHADOW DAY Groundhog Job Shadow Day offers the opportunity for young people to “shadow” a workplace mentor as he or she goes through a normal day on the job, providing an up-close look at how the skills learned in school are put into action in the workplace. For more information, visit www.jobshadow.org

MARCH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RED CROSS MONTH Each year the President of the United States proclaims March “Red Cross Month.” Use this opportunity to promote your unit’s services to the campus community, recruit college student volunteers, raise funds and increase the visibility of the American Red Cross in your community.

APRIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK During National Volunteer Week, thousands of volunteers participate in service projects while others become volunteers for the first time. Countless recognition ceremonies and events also are held to honor volunteers for their commitment and contributions. For ideas and more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org

NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY Sponsored by Youth Service America, National Youth Service Day highlights the positive contributions that young Americans are making in their communities through service and volunteering. Every year, the American Red Cross works with Youth Service America and 39 other national organizations to encourage millions of young people in all 50 states and abroad to help, feed, tutor,mentor, share with and care for others. For more information—including a comprehensive online resource guide on community involvement that features volunteer recruitment, project development, fundraising and public relations guidelines—visit www.servenet.org

NATIONAL ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION AWARENESS WEEK National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week provides an excellent opportunity for volunteers to begin encouraging more people to consider becoming organ and tissue donors. To learn what young adults can do to promote organ and tissue donation, check out www.organdonor.gov

EARTH DAY Earth Day is the largest environmental event in history. Its objective is to mobilize and empower citizens around the world who care about the environmental challenges facing all of us. For more information, visit www.earthday.net

MAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WORLD RED CROSS DAY World Red Cross Day provides an opportunity for national societies as well as local units to express solidarity with the International Red Cross and its millions of supporters. It also provides an excellent way to involve young people in the Red Cross and to attract new volunteers.

NATIONAL STUDENT NURSE DAY National Student Nurse Day is a great day to recognize the accomplishments of student nurses and the contributions they make to their communities. It also is a good opportunity for student nurses to participate in community health projects and educate the general population about the valuable services nurses provide. For more information, visit www.nsna.org

OCTOBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FIRE PREVENTION WEEK Fire Prevention Week honors the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire and increases awareness of the dangers of fire. Every year the President of the United States proclaims the Sunday-through-Saturday period in which October 9 falls national Fire Prevention Week.The National Fire Prevention Association works to make fire prevention a priority and counts on the participation and effort of tens of thousands of fire and safety professionals, American Red Cross volunteers and individuals to reduce the risk of fire and the toll fires take on our society. For more information—including a free online Fire Prevention Week Kit—visit www.nfpa.org

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY Make A Difference Day is a national community service effort designed to challenge and reward volunteers. Every year, on the fourth Saturday in October, USA WEEKEND and the Points of Light Foundation co-sponsor Make A Difference Day. More than a million citizens spend one Saturday “making a difference” in their communities by participating in service projects. For more information—including help with project ideas and award grants—visit www.usaweekend.com/diffday

NOVEMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INTERNATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK Random Acts of Kindness Week is an awareness campaign and celebration of the power of random acts of kindness.The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, established in 1995, creates and distributes information and educational materials to facilitate celebrations. It also recruits, trains and assists volunteer coordinators and counsels individuals, groups and institutions to help them design meaningful activities. For more information on how to host a Random Acts of Kindness Week Celebration and a list of suggested kind acts, visit www.actsofkindness.org

HUNGER AND HOMELESS AWARENESS WEEK Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week combines a wide variety of activities that focus on educating the college campus population, increasing participation in community service and building coalitions.The week provides great fund-raising and education opportunities for the American Red Cross.The important Red Cross work of feeding and sheltering those in need both here and abroad fits perfectly with the goals of Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. For more information, visit www.pirg.org

DECEMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY The fifth of December is International Volunteer Day—an annual celebration by communities, people and governments of the achievements of voluntary work and volunteers around the world.The United Nations encourages activities and events to mark this special day. UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan said,“Year by year, generation by generation, there is progress. Behind that progress lie many factors. One is the willingness of many individuals to devote their time, efforts and resources to the welfare and advancement of all.We call them volunteers.” Why not recognize your volunteers on December fifth?

WORLD AIDS DAY Red Cross youth and young adult volunteers are involved in helping to prevent the spread of HIV every day through peer education, community information booths and awareness events.World AIDS Day offers Red Cross volunteers the opportunity to be a part of the World AIDS Campaign. For ideas on how to participate in World AIDS Day and to request a free World AIDS Day Pack that includes a display, posters, leaflets and stickers, visit www.avert.org/worldaid.htm

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2008-04-04 16:57:16   Love! —JabberWokky


2008-04-04 17:42:58   Right now they're trying to raise money with their annual 'Heart of the Home Tour', which is a tour of kitchens in Yolo County. It's an opportunity to see some amazing kitchens. —MamaLoebs


2010-08-19 11:08:04   This page needs a lot of work! —NeeleH


2010-08-30 11:25:18   Amazing work —NeeleH