Advice on Volunteering....

[expatriot]

I really want to volunteer and even mentioned it my boss today and he said, even though I didn't ask, that he thinks if I was serious about that he could give me a leave of absense for 2-3 weeks (my wife is the real bread winner we are dependent on). But are they calling for volunteers right now? I went to redcross.org and there is no general appeal for them. I wouldn't want to go there and just stand around for a couple weeks because 1)it would be a heartbreaking waste of my time, I would be there just depressed as hell with not being able to do anything... and 2) if I am not needed, it be very bad of me to burden the already strained resources of the area. As a former field coordinator in the 2004 elections I also know how annoying/burdensome volunteers can become if there is not a organized plan on how to use them and from the looks of things, very unfortunately, there seems to be no fucking plan at all. Any advice? Volunteer locally? (I live in Yuma, AZ.... Southern La. would be a good 2 days drive.

[DebJ]

1. The last that I heard they don't want people flocking to the area,

but cash is needed. The German Red Cross has offered to mobilize and come help, if only someone here would ASK for help...but they don't even know what the hell they need. The United States lack of preparation for disaster, post 9-11, is being revealed to all the world. I'm sure Osama is eating this up.

[cally]

2. On our local newscast (KRON) in SF

A redcross coordinator out of the South Bay was recruiting volunteers. Folks are enrolling in a two day 'boot camp' to learn emergency skills. This training is normally given over 3 months. You need to be in good physical and mental health and able to commit to at least two weeks. Check out the Santa Clara (CA) Red Cross and then try to find a similar program in your area.

I'm considering this as well. I need to check with my doctors to see if it's feasible for me to go.

[elehhhhna]

3. Go answer the phone the Jerry Lewis Telethon locally this weekend:

They're raising funds for Katrina & Jerry chipped in a Mil. already.