Community-based volunteers are individuals chosen by the community, who have been trained by Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies in various fields such as disaster preparedness, disaster response, health promotion or water and sanitation.
Community-based volunteers are at the front line of emergencies and are the most important resource for Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies. They assist their own communities and provide the critical link to National Societies’ structures during disasters and other crises, such as drought, malnutrition, floods, earthquakes, conflicts and epidemics.
Community-based volunteers are best placed to provide this vital support because:
• Having local knowledge of local risks and vulnerabilities ensures that the actual needs of the community are addressed.
• Local actions prevent risks at their source, by avoiding exposure to local hazards – such as lack of access to water due to drought.
• A prepared, active and well-organized community can reduce their vulnerability and the impact of emergencies.
• Many lives can be saved in the first hours after an emergency before external help arrives.
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