According to the Corporation for National Community Service, volunteering by United States residents is at an all-time high. Thirty percent of adults are supporting their communities by donating their time and energy to causes important to them. Americans, whether or not they volunteer, donated over 400 Billion dollars to charities in 2018. (Giving USA).
Knowing this about our nation is important at a time when constant news keeps us aware of sensational events of crime and even terror acts occurring around the world. Especially, important is considering that Citizen Corps, many fire departments, and disaster relief efforts are volunteer programs. Emergency management is both a profession and a calling, whether we are paid in salary or not, Americans respond when disaster arrives.
If you’ve considered a volunteer position, there are several organizations to turn to for information and support. Here are just a few:
Red Cross
AmeriCorps and SeniorCorps
The National Alliance of State Animal and Agricultural Emergency Programs (NASAAEP)
If you are looking to combine a volunteer experience with your academic or career goals consider an internship for credit at FCC or an Apprenticeship in Maryland through the DLLR Maryland Registered Emergency Management Specialist. (http://apps.frederick.edu/fccforms/MACEMFTP/Apprenticeship/Apprenticeship%20Program%20Information/ApprentProgramDesc.pdf)
See the Volunteering In America report here: https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve/via
