I have returned from my 10 day stint with Red Cross. (1st Impressions)

[IdaBriggs]

I got home tonight. I'm exhausted, and not sure I ever want to go back to another disaster ever again. At the same time, I am feeling terribly guilty about not being there to help out anymore, especially because of the close relationships that developed between myself and my team mates. My husband says this is pretty common for "soldiers in a war zone," and I guess he's right: that's pretty much what it felt like.

I never made it to a shelter. I was trained in a "quickie" class on "Introduction to Disaster," "Mass Care" and "Shelter Management", but my computer skills ended up placing me at the staff headquarters in Montgomery, Alabama. I helped develop a system for tracking Trucks, Drivers, Destinations and Supplies for the Bulk Distribution team, and I have to tell everyone -- our teams worked their butts off! From the warehouse folks (a lot of Navy nuke men - shout out: I Love You Guys!) to the drivers, to the dispatchers, to the people scrambling to figure out what needed to go where, and how to keep track of who got what when -- it was craziness! It was chaos! It was ... amazing. There was a clear sense of "the mission" -- getting supplies (water, toilet paper, food, diapers, etc.) -- to the people who needed it, and doing whatever it took to get the job done.

The biggest problem was the bureaucracy. Volunteers roll in and out (all of us doing this for free), and frustrations happen. The "out processing" part was just patently ridiculous, and I flat out refused to participate in several parts of it. I had gotten "sign offs" from: 1) Mental Health, 2) Staff (Medical) Health, 3) Accounting, 4) Hotels, 5) my "supervisor", 6) his superior, and the "7) okay you can leave now" folks. I refused to get signatures from four additional departments who would sign that I had not received a 1) cell phone, 2) rental car, 3) phone card or 4) radio; I am a "rebel" and simply put "N/A" through those sections. Its a small complaint, but when two hours for "out processing" is considered "quick," as a volunteer my answer becomes "la bite me."

I'm tired. It was frustrating, and exhausting. I swear to God some of the official "staff" people were there just to piss the rest of us off -- at least, that's how it felt sometimes. But one "old timer" explained to me that this was how every disaster was: chaotic, disorganized, frustrating, and annoying, but somehow, everything still got done, because everyone just keeps putting their shoulders to the wheel, and somehow, somehow, everything gets to where it needs to go.

We made screw-ups. The warehouse guys loaded up several pallets of flashlights, and didn't catch that batteries weren't included on a couple of trucks. What an "OUCH!" moment! A couple of trucks had to be loaded multiple times when weight became an issue. And the whole "baby wipes" fiasco will probably be pretty funny in a few years, but it isn't right now. Sigh. At the same time, dozens of men loaded hundreds of trucks with heavy boxes non-stop for days in 90-100 degree heat, while others drove them hundreds of miles on no sleep to get them there as quickly as possible -- and you know what the biggest complaint I heard was?

"Why can't we do MORE?"

The shelter workers wanted to get there quicker. The truck drivers wanted the trucks loaded faster, and screw the whole "sleep" thing, while the warehouse guys just lost weight in front of your eyes. The doctors and nurses, social workers and teachers -- every single one of the people there was there solely because they wanted to help!

I'm tired. I'm on no sleep. It was incredible, and I never want to go back again. I'll probably call in the morning to see when I can do another rotation.

It really was about helping the victims, and I'm extremely proud that I was privileged enough to meet and work with these incredible people. I'm glad I did it, I'm glad I'm home, and I'm glad I was a part of the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief effort. I even bought a t-shirt.

But I'm still not filling out anymore damn paperwork. :)

[Lars39]

1. Good on you! Ida Briggs!!!

:toast:

[Radio_Lady]

42. You have my grandmother's name, Ida Briggs, and I wanted to

thank you so much for serving your fellow man (oh, make that people).

I try to think of ways I could volunteer in these disasters, but can't come up with anything firm.

Believe it or not, I'm trying to stay upbeat while packing and organizing for our scheduled three-week long October trip to Hawaii -- with children, grandchildren, my daughter's in-laws and finally, my 81 year old aunt.

My heart is not in vacationing this morning. I'm grateful that my life hasn't been affected yet; but with projections of $5.00 or more for PER GALLON for gas, or possible shortages, the fear is rising. I have no idea how it will impact us here in Oregon.

I had to turn off the TV news after seeing the bus disaster near Dallas this morning. I'm trying to catch my breath because if I get depressed, it will not be helpful.

Our weather is beautiful on this first day of autumn. The sun isn't up yet, but I am.

Ida Briggs, rest easy. I don't know who you are or where you are, but I thank you again.

[IdaBriggs]

55. Thank you -- and please, enjoy the time with your family!

When you get back, and if you still want to help out, let me offer these suggestions:

1) Fund raising for your LOCAL chapter;

2) Gathering "supplies" and finding someone to drive them down to the affected areas to drop off at a local church;

3) Offering shelter to nearby evacuees if you have a big enough home or even an extra room;

4) Answering telephones or doing office work for a few hours at your local chapter;

5) Organize a Blood Drive;

6) Taking a class or two from your local chapter on Standard First Aid/CPR and/or local disaster services so that if something happens locally, you have the knowledge to help step up;

7) Pick your skill (or hobby) of choice -- you know what it is -- and see how it can be used to help others; and finally,

8) Clean out your closet of the stuff you don't wear anymore, and take it where it can best be used.

These ideas are just off the top of my head, and aren't intended to imply you don't do some or all of them already; I want you to know every bit helps, and YOU CAN make a difference!

:) Best, Ida

[Radio_Lady]

81. Thanks, Ida. These are good suggestions and I'll do you one better...

I'll read them on my weekly hour long audio program, heard locally in Oregon and southern Washington State -- also on the Internet.

OT: Do you know the song with the lyric about "Ida -- sweet as apple CI-DAH"? It's a very old song, but good. Someone put it on-line as:

http://www.geocities.com/dferg5493/ida.html

Chorus

I-DA! SWEET AS AP-PLE CI-DER,
SWEET-ER THAN ALL I KNOW,
COME OUT! IN THE SILV-'RY MOON-LIGHT,
OF LOVE WE'LL WHIS-PER, SO SOFT AND LOW!
SEEMS THO' CAN'T LIVE WITH-OUT YOU,
LIS-TEN OH! HON-EY DO!
I-DA! I I-DO-LIZE YER,
I LOVE YOU I-DA, DEED I DO

I loved to sing the song "Linda" to my daughter -- too bad no one every wrote a song about my name "Ellen". But I did meet a seven-year-old part Japanese child in my granddaughter's class last Wednesday. She had almond eyes and a Disneyland shirt on. Ellen Midori told me she got it at the Tokyo Disneyland where she went on vacation this summer!

[Trevelyan]

82. Well, Bless you Ida Riggs and you Teammates - Great to Read

a positive story of Americans helping and wanting to do more.

There are some on AOL Messageboards but so many blame the victim and ask why the government should be a babysitter and say they are not going to contribute to welfare lazies.

I ignore it and cut and paste the posts by the brave souls who argue but I keep on posting paragraphs from truthsites about the FEMA camps and obstruction of aid and email and petition opportunities to get involved and truthsite URLs.

Thank you for your article. When you rest I hope you will make another diary entry. Very interested in your experiences.

[applegrove]

2. That is what happens when neos get control of an agency. They

up the bureaucratic mess to make Private contractors look better relatively speaking.

Great for you. I hope you disregard the bad stuff and take pride & pleasure in all that you have learned.

[whistle]

3. Elizabeth Dole's legacy for the Red Cross....85% to the bureau-crazy

....15% to the victim..... the financial black holes of disaster charities!

[faithnotgreed]

4. thank you so much ida - so youre coming to dc tomorrow right

ha
just kidding ...

get some great sleep

[Book Lover]

5. Please, if you can stand it, do just one more thing

Write down everything you did and that you remember now, while you're still on that adrenaline high. Don't worry about organization, spelling or anything - just record what you remember now. Please. Thank you.

[dooner]

6. Wow. Thank you for your service!

I'm sure that the more experience volunteers have, the easier it gets "next time". It sounds frustrating and terrible and wonderful and exhilarating. I'm grateful that you were able to go and add your expertise, and I'm sure the people you helped are also.

Bless you!

[GainesT1958]

7. IDA, all I can say is:

God bless you!!!:D

I feel as though I'm not worthy to sit at your feet because of ALL the wonderful things you just finished doing. And, of course, you're wondering when you can go back for more, even as you hope you never have to again. That's just like someone like you. You helped--nay, you were INSTRUMENTAL in--putting all of those other terific volunteers together to do their parts, and to make sure all those parts followed one another in a logical, helpful, effective order. Many of them may never know you, but their herculean efforts were made easier, and they helped far more people, because of your efforts.

From the bottom of my heart, this DUer thanks you!

B-)

[area51]

8. I salute you. (n/t)

[Maccagirl]

9. You and all of the other volunteers

are truly the heroes. Please get some rest-and thank you for your incredible selflessness. The people you helped WILL remember.

[meganmonkey]

10. Thank you for telling your tale

I remember your post before you went. I am glad you are home safe - and thank you for your courage and strength!!!

:patriot:

[txindy]

11. Well done! Now pop on down to Tx. I'm sure we'll need your help.

I can make no promises about the paperwork, unfortunately. I have the feeling Gov. PerfectCoif is all about forms and procedures.
Results, though,...not so much.

[Coastie for Truth]

12. At the shelter

you really feel "accomplishment" - even if it's just resolving neighborhood scores - or leaning on the Family Service volunteers "down town" to locate mommie or daddy -- or just sitting with an evacuee until 4AM and letting them verbalize worries and fears - and then getting up at 5 AM to start breakfast.

My glucose and H1AC were screwed up for a while - but it was worth it.

[Lancer]

13. Thank you so much. eom

[alittlelark]

14. I am sooo proud of you (and all the other on-the-ground) volunteers!!!

I hope others like you can help us out in the SF Bay Area when we get another 'Big One'. It sounds like an experience you will remember forever - and share with others!:headbang: :yourock: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[cooolandrew]

15. good for you

[jrthin]

16. I am so proud of you. nt

[Garbo 2004]

17. Kudos to you and the other volunteers. Thanks for your report. n/t

[EFerrari]

18. Check. No more damn paperwork!

Thanks so much for this account.

:hug:

[incapsulated]

19. Thank you for your service!

:patriot:

And all those you mentioned as well!

[Generic Other]

20. Good job Ida!

What you did will make lots of other people's jobs easier now.

[hedda_foil]

21. I am SO proud to be your friend, IdaBriggs!

What a wonderful thing to have done. :yourock:

[NNadir]

22. Thank you for your hard work.

[SeattleGirl]

23. Welcome home, IdaBriggs!

And thank you so much for what you did, you and the others you worked with. Bless you for your work, your heart, your soul.

:loveya:

[Missy Vixen]

24. IdaBriggs, this phrase gets thrown around a lot on DU

but I'll bring it out one more time.

You are a patriot. It takes someone who loves their fellow Americans to get out there and help in a chaotic, disorganized situation, solely because you wanted to help someone in the middle of a worse one. For FREE.

:applause:

I'm hoping for tens of thousands just like you over the next several days as we all deal with the aftermath of both Katrina and Rita. If we each help in whatever way we can, we can do anything.

Julie

[kalibex]

25. Thank You. n/t

[VolcanoJen]

26. Ida!!!

Ida, thank you for wrapping your arms around the world.

You make DU proud... thank you for this account and for your dedication!

[pacalo]

27. Thanks, Ida!

My family ended up in Russellville, Ark., on Monday night. When the Red Cross rolled into town in the next couple of days, it organized with the churches in the area, & I can't begin to tell you how wonderful these people were.

We had offers after offers of help, but since I was able to pack everything we needed before we left home, we politely expressed our appreciation & asked that they provide assistance to those who were more in need. There were 3 other families in the same motel where we stayed, & one woman said her family had to leave quickly after she returned home from work & she had not had time to pack enough things. This family's home was flooded & I wouldn't be surprised if they were still in Russellville. She was very grateful for what the Red Cross provided.

The Red Cross is amazing during disasters. I'm very impressed that you were a part of it, Ida. Thanks so much!

[Demonaut]

28. you're amazing, well done!!

[Peter Frank]

29. WOW!!!

I am so impressed that as exhausted as you are, you still have the will and the energy to tell your story here.

I am genuinely humbled by your commitment to your spiritual values -- in the face of such incredible need, and all the needless red tape.

Get a well deserved rest for as long as you can stand it. ...And then, please post your new plans.

People like yourself renew my pride in being an American.

[Peter Frank]

30. Gotta' Kick the True American Spirit... n/t

[KT2000]

31. WoW! Very impressive

You are a good person!!:bounce:

[Peter Frank]

32. Indeed...

...as in, "in deed."

[IdaBriggs]

33. Wow. Just ... Wow! Thank you, everyone!!!

I'm awake to let the puppies outside, then going back to bed for some more "catch up sleep." Naturally, I checked DU -- and found all of your kind and wonderful comments.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! :loveya:

I will try to type up a more "coherent" timeline / story later today if I have time. I'm seeing my mother and a couple of dear friends ASAP, and there is this whole "laundry" thing happening, too.

But again, THANK YOU for your kindness! It was a wonderful start to the day.... :)

[lildreamer316]

34. Bless your soul woman!!

A shining example. Thank you.......

[blondeatlast]

35. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Get some rest--you well deserve it. nt

[fudge stripe cookays]

36. Ida, all I can say is...

You RULE!

How I wish my health hadn't deteriorated before this disaster, or I would have been down there helping you!

Karma will come back to you 100-fold.
FSC

[ewagner]

37. Idabriggs

there's a special place in heavan waiting for you.. O8)

[underpants]

38. Good for you and thanks

:hi:

[LiberalinNC]

39. Well done!

:applause:

[shaniqua6392]

40. God bless you!!

It is people like you who are our angels on earth. Thank you for helping our fellow Americans who needed you!

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

41. Thanks for the insights...

...my hat is off to you.

[OhioChick]

43. A big Thank You

to you and all of the other volunteers!

[fed-up]

44. Thanks from all of us that wish we could help-how about an LTE?

Your post made me cry, especially these parts:

""Why can't we do MORE?"

The shelter workers wanted to get there quicker. The truck drivers wanted the trucks loaded faster, and screw the whole "sleep" thing, while the warehouse guys just lost weight in front of your eyes. The doctors and nurses, social workers and teachers -- every single one of the people there was there solely because they wanted to help!

I'm tired. I'm on no sleep. It was incredible, and I never want to go back again. I'll probably call in the morning to see when I can do another rotation."

[SmokingJacket]

45. People are great. You're great.

These hurricanes are not going to stop coming. Maybe the govt should start paying people to do this work instead of relying on volunteers -- it's as important work as I can think of.

:toast:

[ChickMagic]

46. Ida, I adore you!

You've inspired me. I have been in a perpetual state of helplessness, grief and melancholy with no outlet. I'm checking with Derby to see if we can possibly take the training to purge the bad humours in my system.

One question - does the Red Cross provide transportation to the disaster zone?

:loveya:

[IdaBriggs]

52. Yes, they do.

They also provide a place to stay (but warn you that it may be floor), and food. They even kick in for some expenses, with a "this is how much we slot for you each day, and we trust you to be honest enough to do right by it" attitude. Your local chapter can provide details....Welcome aboard! :)

[pitohui]

47. thanks you made a difference EOM

/

[xchrom]

48. what can i say -- you're my hero for today!

thank you from your fellow citizens for all the wonderful, life-saving work you did.

thank you.

[Pobeka]

49. Way to go! Thank you Ida! n/t

[Dolomite]

50. Can't be said enough: Thank you!

I'm working at the ARC shelter here in Milwaukee at State Fair Park.

The only thing more impressive than the graciousness of our guests is the amount of support everyone in our community is providing.

But do take care of yourself first and foremost. There are more volunteers out there working right now. They’re going to need a break too eventually, and the best thing you can do for them is return refreshed and well rested.

[merh]

51. As a Katrina Survivor, I thank you IdaBriggs -- :-)

And I send you tons and tons of cyber hugs and love!
((((((((((( :hug: :hug: :hug: :loveya: :hug: :hug: :hug: ))))))))))

We survivors on the MS Gulf Coast know that the volunteers are the ones that are making things happen and the bureaucrats are the ones that are screwing things up. We don't blame the volunteers for the frustrations and the angst, we blame the corporate bullshit, the paperwork and the failure to coordinate.

Thanks so for your help. :hug: :loveya:

[IdaBriggs]

62. You are most welcome, Merh. I wish I could have done more.

I feel very "out of touch" with my DU family/friends, so can I ask how you've been doing lately? The response to this thread is just blowing me away!

:hug: :loveya:

[merh]

75. I lost my house, my vehicle and almost all but the shirt on my back

to that bitch Katrina. I have waited in lines for everything from gas, to MREs, to ice, to water, to FEMA assistance. I have pounded my head against the table and pounded my fist in frustration trying to get through to the Red Cross so that I can get the financial assistance they promise to give us. I have gone from one location to another trying to find the Red Cross financial distribution center, only to wait in line and be turned away because they ran out of vouchers or money. They change locations daily, like one big shell game.

But for all of the frustrations and discomfort and anger, I have met some terrific volunteers. Some of the volunteers have been from churches all around the nation while others have been Red Cross volunteers. Each volunteer I have meet has been supportive and compassionate. Some have had tears in their eyes as they stood at the ruins of my home, some have been as shell shocked as we survivors and some have been so kind, it has brought me to tears.

I don't blame the wonderful volunteers for the problems associated with the financial distribution centers or the 1-800 number. I blame that on management - the administration that "runs" the Red Cross and "organizes" the efforts. I don't blame the volunteers for the failure to get the Red Cross to cities in need (D'Iberville, Moss Point, Delisle, etc.) within the first week of the disaster. (For D'Iberville, it was 3 weeks before they received aid from the Red Cross, Moss Point, 2 weeks and parts of Hancock County just received it this past week.)

Once volunteers have been allowed to give, they give 200%. I have eaten the hot meals the Red Cross has offered from their trucks and have smiled and forgotten for a moment that things are tough when given a candy bar and a soda by a caring volunteer. I received my tetanus shot on my street as I tried to clear some of my lot, the nurses traveling with the Red Cross volunteers were happy to vaccinate me right there on the spot.

I question where all the money collected will go and I wonder if I will see more than the stipens they offer (if I can ever get through on the 1-800 number or find the financial distribution center.)

But I will never question the dedication and heart of the volunteers. And again, I thank you for all you have done to help us, the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. :hug:

:loveya:

[tabasco]

53. Thank you for your wonderful efforts !

But soldiers in a war zone have it much, much worse.

[IdaBriggs]

56. I agree -- my analogy was about how difficult it was to leave

"my buddies" behind to keep doing the heavy lifting, especially during such an emotionally intense time. Apologies if I was unclear, or the efforts of the men and women in our services appeared to be denigrated; that was NOT my purpose, or my point....

[Lisa]

73. disaster workers will go until they collapse ...

So I'm glad that they are making you go off duty now, so you can get some rest. Please don't feel guilty (everybody I've talked to who's worked in this capacity, formally and informally, has those feelings). Possibly they instituted this system because they knew that people would try to stay behind and do even more work -- and risk burnout.

I'm so glad there are people like you.

[Joe Chi Minh]

54. I suddenly found that very moving, Ida -

in addition to being very heart-warming.

The reason was the sudden realisation of the stark contrast between the heroic carers and on the ground, working themselves into the ground, and the high-rankng sociopaths who caused so much loss of life, and obstinately continued to do so by impeding the life-saving efforts of the former, for so long.

In that situation, it went way beyond, "red tape", since the obstructionism could only have had deadly consequences. For this reason alone, Katrina will never be viewed by future generations, either in America or the world at large, as simply (if horrendously) an avoidable disaster, compounded by wholesale bungling, but to use a euphemism, "slaughter". Sad thought that "slaughter" could be a euphemism in any context, isn't it? How much more so in those circumstances.

[Name removed]

57. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[IdaBriggs]

61. I *NEVER* heard or saw anything like that --

and I interacted with HUNDREDS (if not thousands) of other ARC volunteers for ten days. We complained about the Red Cross bureaucracy, but NO ONE *EVER* said anything like what your relative reports.

I did, however, hear about a fifteen year old girl who had her home crushed by a tree who hadn't evacuated with her mother because "someone else" was supposed to take her -- and three weeks later, she still had no idea where the rest of her family was (because there was no electricity, etc. in her small town yet). And I personally spoke with a woman who had her home under 9.5 feet of water who was grieving about her wedding album, and other irreplaceable photos of her family. There was also a woman named Ruth (I ran into her at the hotel while waiting for the Red Cross shuttle) who was fretting about her 23 year old son-in-law; he is a New Orleans police officer, and according to her conversations with him, what we've been seeing on television has been the G-rated version of the horror and devastation that he's witnessed.

But "ungrateful" evacuees? Nope. Never heard of or saw one. I'm sure they probably exist, but since I've "been there, done that" I think I'm going to assume the reports of them belong in the same "bullshit" file that comes from folks who think Bush is a follower of the teachings of Christ.

[catrose]

67. Just like Reagan's welfare queen may exist...

...there may be ungrateful evacuees, but I've been working in an ARC service center since the first week, and I haven't seen any. One frightened, lonely young man wanted to know how he could rebuild his life on the pittance I was allowed to give him, but I tried to point him to other sources of help. And he was just plain scared.

Everyone else just weeps with gratitude over the smallest things, like "You'll replace my glasses?" "You'd get me a glass of water?" "Everyone here is so nice." I feel so badly because I can't do more (it's a volunteer thing, Ida), but the truth is that none of these people expected anything, not after the way the government betrayed them.

Maybe all volunteers need to post heart-warming stories as a counter to the ungrateful meme. How we're going to do that without breaking confidentiality may be a trick. I think the bottom line is that the people who post stuff like that are mean and ungrateful themselves, and it rather absolves them (and Bushco) of any responsibility if those poor people weren't grateful anyway.

New meme: Katrina HEROES, not refugees, victims, etc. And they are: when I hear their stories of courage and grit, I'm honored to be in the same room and somehow make a contribution to their welfare. How long did it take for people to start calling everyone associated with 9/11 heroes? I haven't heard it yet for Gulf Coast folks.

Again, it's KATRINA HEROES.

Blessings, Ida. I hope we meet on one of these jobs that we're never doing again.

[klook]

63. Your cousin's "friends" are ugly racists

I won't dishonor our nation's legions of earnest rednecks and dumbasses by calling these "people" by those names.

And as for the emails on Snopes.com -- "Why are all these fat blacks laying around on cots sleeping while white people are lining up by the thousands to SERVE THEM MEALS???" Gee, I dunno, maybe they were kinda tired after sitting on a roof in the hot sun for days, wading through neck-deep filthy water, avoiding dead bodies and filth for miles, walking to the county line and getting turned back, walking to another place where a bus was rumored to be ready to pick them up, walking to the Civic Center where there was no food or water, walking to the Superdome where there was no food or water, searching frantically for lost relatives and friends, getting put on a plane or bus bound for a far-off destination that was revealed only after they got on board, trying to figure out how the hell they and their families are going to survive this....

Or maybe they're just lazy and shiftless, and "this is working out rather well for them."

Are you seriously asking if these rumors are true??? Is that what really concerns you most in all this?????

:grr:

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

64. I just read those snopes.com

reports and I disagree with your charcterization that they confirm these rumors. Is your agenda coloring your interpretation, mayhaps?

[Name removed]

69. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Straight Shooter]

58. First time I've ever heard a first account account of disaster aid.

Incredible. Heartfelt and inspiring. Most people are still good, deep down in their hearts.

:yourock:

[klook]

59. "Why can't we do MORE?"

Wow, sometimes Americans can really be great, can't they? People can really be great, when we make the effort.

Sounds like you feel both depleted and nourished at the same time. And the great thing is that every positive thing you did during this effort will benefit many many people you'll never meet, in ways you can't even know. Including your sharing your story with us.

How many of us will make that trip, load the trucks in sweltering heat, sit with the evacuees next time, because of your inspiring and heart-warming story? You'll never know, but know this: you have made a huge impact.

Thanks, more than I could ever adequately express. :loveya:

[EC]

60. Thanks... n/t

[Dunvegan]

65. PLEASE...could you find a moment to quickly bullet points outlining....

...your experience, as someone above mentioned.

It is so important to learn from on-the-scenes volunteers.

I'm a San Francisco first-responder...and I (and I suspect many, many others) would be very grateful to hear about your experiences when you get a chance to post later.

And, I agree...I'd strip the red-tape regarding paperwork just as you did if I were facing FEMA/Red Cross bureaucracy here in SF during an earthquake response to hit the streets ASAP in search and rescue.

Stay strong...I'm another person very grateful for your volunteer activities and being effective on the spot in this emergency action.

Thank you...thank you, and thank you.

[nadinbrzezinski]

66. Two tings Ida

1.- Disastesr are always chaotic, worked some myself, and if it wasn't for manhy reasons that have to do with my experience with management, I'd be there in a heart beat

2.- Your observations regarding ARC management are SPOT ON...

Now go get some sleep... oh and in some years all of this will be funny... I can tell you about my MRE fiasco and the peanut butter... it makes me smile these days

[Autonomy]

68. Thanks for sharing your experience Ida

You sent me a supportive PM just before you left a few weeks ago. Unfortunately I can agree with your conclusion that bureaucracy is a problem. I made lots of calls to several different local Red Cross stations, gave them my name and phone number, but none have yet called back. Sadly, I've given up trying. I'd heard they needed tens of thousands of volunteers, so I am confused. Glad to hear about your experiences. :)

But there's still something I can do about something: on to DC tomorrow!

[AuntieM1957]

70. Thanks for helping out...

You described some of the feelings I've had working here in Houston.

And that's why I so dread Rita, because those who did volunteer are storm-weary. I'm getting my little house ready, and then planning to take a long nap.

Because I know I'll be glad of the rest soon.

Thanks for everyone's prayers and thoughts for us. That monster storm has weakened - and most people got out safely. That is frankly a miracle, in my humble opinion.

[jayctravis]

71. You are a true Democatic Underground hero.

My retired stepmother volunteered, but then came down with bronchitis and was afraid to travel and be anywhere near a disaster zone and had to cancel.

Your service to people in need is awesome. You are a wonderful person!

[captain disgruntled]

72. One last thing though--

I know you said no more paperwork, Ida, but I would echo the pleas of others to somehow document your recollections while they're fresh, and then, if there's any opportunity, to pass on suggestions back to regional/whatever headquarters. Is it possible they have a "exit questionnaire" or something you could use? If your frustration could somehow be prevented in the next volunteer, that would be a good thing.

And thanks again.

[Nothing Without Hope]

74. THIS is what the Red Cross should be about. Its management has been

Bushed with incompetent GOP crony hacks and that cost many lives and untold trauma in the Katrina aftermath, so much so that one county head ASKED THEM TO LEAVE:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4824910
thread title: Diminishing returns: DeKalb County (GA) CEO asks the Red Cross to LEAVE

The Red Cross workers and volunteers, the heart and soul of the organization and the reason for the respect it holds, are still doing great and important work. But the management must be overhauled or the whole charity runs the risk of becoming increasingly distrusted and subject to scandals.

[bliss_eternal]

76. Thank you, Ida! I'm in awe of you and what you just did!

Thank you for sharing your experience here with us. Thank you for going and helping. (((((Ida Briggs)))))

:hug:

You're amazing!

[karlrschneider]

77. Can I have your baby?

:D

Seriously, you rock.

[BlueIris]

78. Thanks for posting. Great info there. nt.

[kat21]

79. Awesome!!

I just signed up to volunteer last Monday and when we went through orientation we were told that this effort was more disorganized than usual because Red Cross does not usually respond before the government. I was also told it would take them 2 months to process my paperwork because so many volunteers were in the disaster areas and there weren't enough people to help in the office. Then I got a call 2 days later asking me if I was available!

Anyway, keep up the good work. I bet you're going to have great karma!

[rasputin1952]

80. You exemplify what this nation is all about...Caring, DOING people...

Bless you, you are the true American Citizen...:patriot: