What We Do
Members of the AmeriCorps Together We Prepare Program work in a number of areas, including the following:
Preparedness and Prevention Education Classes
The ATWP teaches Education classes to students ranging in age from kindergarten through adult. To our youngest participants, we teach Scrubby Bear, a fun curriculum that teaches how germs spread and about proper hand washing techniques. Children in 1st-3rd grade learn First Aid for Children Today (FACT), while those in 4th-5th are taught Basic Aid Training (BAT); both courses educate children about how to stay safe and basic ways to take care of themselves and others in an emergency. For middle school, high school and adult students, we offer education and certification classes in Babysitting, First Aid, effective usage of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Adult, Infant & Child CPR, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer.
Community Disaster Education
Community Disaster Education (CDE) classes communicate the importance of preparing for, preventing and responding to disasters. The increased awareness and practice will help students stay calm and confident should an emergency or disaster situation arise. AmeriCorps members develop curriculum and activities for CDE classes, focusing on Michigan’s most common disasters: fires, floods, tornadoes, and winter storms. They also teach general preparedness and encourage family disaster plans and kits. Through CDE classes, the ATWP empowers and educates students about what they can do in the event of a disaster.
National Disaster Assignments
Disaster response first starts at the local level, but if an individual Red Cross chapter’s resources are overwhelmed, as in large-scale flooding or widespread tornado damage, the disaster may be declared as one that needs a national response. Once a disaster gets to the national level, volunteers are pulled from all over the country. ATWP members take turns being on the availability list to be called to a national assignment. Assignments typically last three weeks and can be in varying capacities. On assignment, ATWP team members have the opportunity to use their Red Cross training in an intense environment while serving diverse populations.
Services to the Armed Forces
The American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program ensures that service members, veterans and their families have worldwide, around-the-clock access to timely and reliable comfort and support. AmeriCorps members send Red Cross emergency communications, work with service members and their families to secure emergency financial assistance, and make referrals for counseling, information, and other social services.
Volunteer Recruitment
As a non-profit organization, the American Red Cross accomplishes 98% its services through volunteer work. Volunteer recruitment and development is a vital part of ATWP’s work in the Greater Grand Rapids office. AmeriCorps members conduct orientations, assist in volunteer placement, and work to engage the community in the many volunteer opportunities the chapter has to offer.
Youth Services
The Empower Me youth program exists to provide teens and young adults the environment, resources, and opportunity to expand their knowledge of humanitarian values. This is done through practical applications, which include but are not limited to general volunteerism, the Measles Initiative, community service projects, Disaster Action Teams, disaster preparedness, and education. AWTP members recruit Empower Me volunteers, and create, implement, promote, and manage youth projects.
Local Disaster Response
The ATWP team takes turns being on rotation in the Emergency Services Department. While on this rotation, the ATWP member responds to local emergencies (typically house fires), does follow-up case work with clients, and helps to build shelter and merchant agreements in the community.
Service Projects
ATWP gets involved with local organizations by participating in monthly community service projects. The AmeriCorps team has the opportunity to complete Community Service Projects in a variety of organizations throughout Michigan.
