Training & classroom support
Help classes run smoothly and support learners
- Assist with setup, check-in, and handouts
- Help students during skills practice
- Support youth and family-focused classes
Volunteer
Volunteer with DRS
Your time can change how a community survives a disaster.
Volunteers are at the heart of Disaster Response Services (DRS). Whether you are helping teach
First Aid and CPR, supporting CERT programs, assisting with the mobile classroom, or offering
professional skills behind the scenes, there is a place for you here.
You do not need to be a firefighter or paramedic to help. We need steady, kind, community-minded
people who are willing to learn and support the mission in practical ways.
Ways to volunteer with DRS
DRS offers many ways to serve. Some roles are public-facing and hands-on, while others help
quietly behind the scenes. Both matter.
CERT & community preparedness
Support outreach, readiness, and local resilience
- Help with CERT class logistics and exercises
- Assist with neighborhood outreach and preparedness events
- Support drills, activations, and community gatherings
Mobile classroom & trailer operations
Help bring training and support into the field
- Support interior and exterior trailer setup
- Help manage equipment and supplies
- Assist with comfort and accessibility for participants
Media, podcast, & creative projects
Help tell preparedness stories that people remember
- Audio, video, and editing support
- Social media and outreach content help
- Script, story, design, or graphic support
Technology & A.I.D. support
Support digital tools that strengthen training
- Basic app or website testing
- Data entry and documentation
- Helping refine training tools and content
Administrative & grant support
Behind-the-scenes help that keeps DRS moving
- Writing, editing, and documentation support
- Grant research and basic tracking help
- Communications with partners and agencies
What DRS looks for in volunteers
Steady, respectful people who are willing to learn
You do not have to know everything, be perfectly fit, or have decades of experience to be helpful.
DRS is looking for people who are reliable, kind, and able to work well with others.
- Reliability: showing up, communicating clearly, and following through
- Respect: honoring privacy, confidentiality, and community trust
- Safety-mindedness: willingness to follow guidance and work within limits
- Team attitude: low-drama, cooperative, and mission-focused
- Community awareness: comfort working with diverse people and real-world needs
Training & support for volunteers
You will not be thrown into something alone and unprepared
DRS volunteers receive orientation, clear expectations, and support from staff or lead instructors.
The goal is to help people find a role where they can contribute with confidence, not pressure them
into something that does not fit.
If a role is not the right match, DRS can talk through other options. It is okay to change lanes
as you learn more about where you can help best.
How to get started as a DRS volunteer
The best way to begin is with a conversation. Tell DRS who you are, what you are excited about,
and how much time you realistically have. From there, we can help match you with a good starting place.
If you are part of a CERT team, fire department, school, tribe, or agency and want to explore
a group volunteer or training partnership, include that in your message.
a group volunteer or training partnership, include that in your message.