Red Cross to implement new volunteer management system
The American Red Cross is in the process of launching a new volunteer management system called Volunteer Connection. The system allows volunteers to personalize their experience with the organization via a personal login. This includes the facilitation of matching volunteers’ skills and interests with opportunities and needs within the organization. One target benefit of the system is increased efficiency in deploying volunteers with specific skill sets to disasters. Currently, there are 19 pilot chapters or regions for the new system, including the Gateway to the Golden Arch (Bay Area, CA) and the Greater Boston Area.
This system is supported by a $3 million grant from W.W. Grainger, Inc. which also sponsors the Ready When the Time Comes program that trains Red Cross disaster volunteers and others.
“This modern volunteer management system will be good for the Red Cross, good for our volunteers, and, most importantly, good for the communities we serve,” said American Red Cross president and CEO Gail J. McGovern. “Volunteer Connection will help mobilize the power of Red Cross volunteers, moving their compassion into action more quickly.” [Contributing source: Philanthropy News Digest]
