We Want Your Input!

Volunteer Satisfaction Survey

The American Red Cross is interested in learning about your experiences in volunteering with us. Your feedback will help us improve activities for future volunteers. Please click HERE to fill out a volunteer satisfaction survey.

The first question will ask you to provide a chapter code. The chapter code for Mass Bay is 21501.

As always, thank you for all that you do

Allie Dryden
Program Manager
Human Resources & Volunteer Management

Volunteer Recognition Committee

I would like to take the time to recognize all of the hard work of the Volunteer Recognition Committee. The committee members are:

Kay Paciorek
Janine Eaton
Doreen Breland
Kelly Bachand
Seth Batstone
Nick Martin
Lori Shapiro
Deb Duxbury
Michael Bookman
Margaret Githinji

They are always willing to help out when needed and have been a tremendous addition to the Volunteer Resources Department. THANK YOU ALL!

Allie Dryden
Program Manager
Human Resources & Volunteer Management

A Special Thank You

I want to say a big thanks to ALL the MassBay volunteers. Without your dedication we could not do what we do.  If it’s a fire call at 3 AM, running or staffing a shelter, working on a DR or assisting with departmental tasks you are there.  You should all be proud of what you do. Give yourself a big pat on the back as I cannot reach that far to make sure I personally give you a pat and say thanks.

My heart felt thanks to all of you.

Sincerely
Larry

Larry Rosenberg
Chair
Emergency Services

Recognizing Melissa Sieminski

I would like to recognize Melissa Sieminski. I would like to bring attention to Melissa Sieminski of Scituate, MA who is a volunteer for the MA Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross. She dedicates more volunteer hours than any volunteer I have met in the chapter. Melissa is the team leader for the South Zone on Wednesday evenings. She welcomes all new volunteers and freely recognizes the volunteerism of all of the members of the team. Melissa exemplifies the concept of a leader. She encourages the RA's and rotating team leaders on Wednesday to step up and learn our roles, while simultaneously standing behind us with any and all support we need to take the steps of leadership. She never engages in self-aggrandizement, but quickly sends accolades to her team. If Melissa is busy with another Red Cross volunteer activity in lieu of merely stating her prior commitment, she makes sure the Wednesday night team is covered. Melissa is also involved in so many other Red Cross volunteer leadership positions; I truly cannot keep track of them. Melissa leads the MA care committee for our chapter. She assumed the leadership role in the distribution function during the floods. Melissa regularly goes on national deployment representing our chapter in the most favorable light. When I think of all that Melissa does on a regular basis, I think the Red Cross should hire her as a full time employee. Accolades to Melissa Sieminski and thank you for being such a wonderful mentor to us on the Wednesday night DAT, South Zone.

Louise Graham
DAT Member, Wednesday South Zone

National Volunteer Week - Recognize a Fellow Volunteer!

Have you noticed the dedication and hard work of another Volunteer? Well, take the time to let them know! All volunteers who make a submission will have their name entered into a raffle to win one of four prizes. Winners will be announced on Friday afternoon. Make your submissions now...email them to massbayvol@usa.redcross.org!

Show Off Your American Red Cross Pride!

Youth Talent Competition - Hope for Haiti

This friendly competition showcases youth from our coverage area and gives them a platform to perform through theater, dance, and music. All proceeds from the event will go to Red Cross disaster relief efforts in Haiti. We expect over 300 youth, families, and supporters of the Red Cross. This event is being organized by Youth Programs with help from our Youth Advisory Board (YAB) members. Members of the Youth Advisory Board will help to serve as masters of ceremonies for the event.

WHEN: FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2010 at 6:30pm
WHERE: MORSE AUDITORIUM
602 COMMONWEALTH AVE
BOSTON, MA

Tickets to the event are $5.00 and can be purchased by contacting Amelia Aubourg at (617) 274-5320 or by mailing your payment to:
American Red Cross
Youth Programs
139 Main Street
Cambridge, MA 02142

Volunteers are needed to help with the following:
• Set up
• Stage managers
• Sales for the concession stand
• Ushers
• Clean up
Please email to massbayvol@usa.redcross.org if you are interested in assisting!

A Warm Welcome to our Newest Addition to the Disaster Team: AmeriCorps VISTA, Rebecca Richards!

It is our pleasure to introduce Rebecca Richards as our newest AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) in Disaster Services. Rebecca began her year of service with the Chapter on February 8th. Rebecca is a 2009 graduate of Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, Florida) where she studied International Relations and was very involved with numerous volunteer programs.
Rebecca will be working to strengthen the Chapter’s partnerships with local communities and to build the Chapter’s capacity to provide disaster preparedness information to the public. She will work closest with our Community Disaster Education and Community Liaison programs. Welcome, Rebecca!

Kelly Bachand
Program Manager, DSHR and Training
Disaster Services

"Ring in the Red" Holiday Party

"Ring in the Red" Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 16, 6-10 PM
Red Sky, 16-18 North Street, Boston, MA

Now that you've helped your community by volunteering and you've helped yourself by learning CPR, it's time to reward yourself with a little holiday cheer! Join the Boston Young Professionals Society of the American Red Cross at our first annual "Ring in the Red" holiday party! Bring your friends or co-workers along for free appetizers. Cash bar and admission is $10. Please RSVP by e-mailing MassBayBYPS@usa.redcross.org .

Individual Volunteer Plan

I just finished the interview portion of my Individual Volunteer Plan (IVP). It was probably one of the most helpful hours I have spent to-date discussing my involvement with the Red Cross. I've been happy with my role in the Red Cross, but I really didn't see how I fit in the big picture. My interview was with Megan Dickman. Megan and I talked about what I wanted to do. Did I want to remain doing what I was doing? Was I interested in the promotional path? After we talked I had a clear picture of where I fit in, where I wanted to go with my volunteering effort and how I was going to get there. For me, completing the steps of the IVP really made me feel like I have a place in the Chapter.

Louise Gorham

A message from Deborah C. Jackson, CEO ARCMB

Dear Valued Volunteers,

I would like to personally thank all of the dedicated volunteers of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay. It is truly an honor to be part of an organization that is primarily staffed by those who give so unselfishly of their time. Without your continued efforts the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay would not be able to serve our communities as effectively as we do. Whether it be in the food pantry, on the scene of a disaster, or in the office, your contributions to the organization are invaluable. I hope you all will take advantage of our new Volunteer Blog as an opportunity to recognize your fellow volunteers and to receive recognition for all that you do. As always, thank you for your continued commitment to your American Red Cross!

Sincerely,

Deborah C. Jackson
Chief Executive Officer
American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay

Helping the Helpless

Helping those in need is such a fulfilling privilege. It is a feeling that cannot be described by those who have experienced it. To reach out to help others is so satisfying. I like to think of the feelings I would have if someone were there to help in my hour of need. That is what inspires me to continue on.

Debo Ladd
South Zone

Thank You to a New Volunteer!

Laura Dalton is a graduate student in the Masters in mental health program at Bridgewater State College. She is a Mass Bay Red Cross volunteer in the Disaster Mental Health division as an intern in training. She is also a volunteer on the South Zone DAT and on the Sunday day North Zone DAT. The picture is of Laura teaching Psychological First Aid at LoganInternational Airport to the TSA (Transportation SecurityAdministration) employees. In her short time as a Red Cross volunteer she has jumped in to the role of a volunteer enthusiastically.

Thank you.

Louise Graham, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Bridgewater State College

Department of Counselor Education

November is National Youth Involvement Month

It is important that youth get involved and continue to work together. You can participate in the challenges posted on the Red Cross website or educate your peers on how to make a difference, even a small one, in the lives of those who rely on Red Cross services. The American Red Cross depends on our youth volunteers to uphold Red Cross values and continue to help others.

In order to make a difference and real impact, it requires heart, teamwork and collaboration. This is what has guided the work of Red Cross youth volunteers since inception. Youth volunteers work alongside adult volunteers to help create a better environment for others. You can make a difference in your community and/or a community surrounding you by being active and encouraging other youth to follow your example. Please show others how passionate Red Cross youth can be and get involved!

Sincerely,

Liz McDermott and Allie Young
Youth Advisory Board Chairs
The American Red Cross of Mass Bay

Introducing the Volunteer Recognition Committee

The Volunteer Recognition Committee (Kelly Bachand, Seth Batstone, Michael Bookman, Doreen Breland, Allie Dryden, Deb Duxbury, Janine Eaton, Marisa Gjurgevich, Marggy Githinji, Zhi Wei Mai and Kay Paciorek) would like to welcome you to the Volunteer Blog! We know how important the volunteers are to the continued success of the American Red Cross, and we want to make sure that your contributions are recognized. If you have suggestions or ideas on how we can recognize our volunteers, we want to hear from you. If you are interested in joining our committee, please contact massbayvol@usa.redcross.org.

Thank you!

On a daily basis I am reminded how honored I am to work with such amazing people, ARCMB volunteers. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you does not express the depth of appreciation I have for each and every one of our volunteers. It is you who make this organization a truly wonderful place to work. Please know that I am always here for you, to make sure you are completely satisfied with your volunteer experience. Have a wonderful day!
Allie Dryden
Program Manager
Human Resources & Volunteer Management

Thank you to the South Zone Disaster Action Teams

Team Leaders and Response Supervisors of the South Zone Disaster Action Teams have proven time and again the reason why we are here. The people they help on a daily basis are grateful for their commitment. Thank you all for being there and going through the trainings and getting out of bed in the middle of the night; all to help others in your community. You are the unsung heros.

Volunteers Deployed to Georgia Floods

ARCMB Volunteers Melissa Sieminski, Richard Bedgio, and Robin Young, and ARCMB staff member Megan Dickman have recently returned from deployments to assist in the relief efforts for flooding in Georgia. Melissa and Richard were both deployed as Bulk Distribution Supervisors (MC/BD/SV) and played instrumental roles in providing Mass Care assistance to clients. Robin was deployed as a Casework Supervisor (CLS/CC/SV), working on the front lines with other Red Cross volunteers and the clients affected by the wide-spread flooding. Megan was deployed as a Government Liaison (PS/LG/SV) Supervisor, working with liaisons from other non-profit and federal agencies to facilitate and provide relief to those affected by the disaster.

Presentation from Luis Matnog on Senegal Deployment

Special Presentation: Luis Matnog – Senegal Deployment
Many have asked and Luis has graciously agreed to give a presentation on his recent experience as part of the American/Danish Red Cross’ joint international disaster response mission to Senegal, Africa to assist with the flooding relief operations.

Soft drinks and water will be provided but please bring your own lunch. We hope you will join us.

Who: Luis Matnog
Relief Emergency Response Unit Delegate
Beneficiary Selection, Targeting & Distribution
What: Presentation on the flooding relief operations in Senegal
When: Thursday, November 5th 12:00 PM
Where: American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay
5th Floor Boardroom
139 Main Street Cambridge, MA 02142
RSVP: Please reply to HambridgeN@usa.recross.org if you are interested in attending.

Thank You Service to Armed Forces Volunteers

Thank you to all the Service to Armed Forces volunteers who continue to do monthly briefing & support our military and veteran families. Monday November 2 our committee held their 18th Veterans Military Breakfast at Wyman Hotel in Andover.

Thanks again for all your hard work.

Deb Duxbury
Associate Director Emergency Services
Member of Volunteer Recognition Committee