ARCTAN
American Red Cross Team And Network of MIT

There are many volunteer opportunities available. A brief overview of some of them is shown below. To request an application, email arctan-info@mit.edu or come to an ARCTAN general meeting, held at the beginning of each semester.

Please note that some volunteer positions require specific Red Cross training.

Blood Services

Blood Services volunteers provide a safe, friendly environment for blood donors at blood drives and donor centers. Volunteers register donors, work in the donor room and staff the canteen area. Last year, the American Red Cross Blood Services New England Region collected over 180,000 units of whole blood. Without volunteer support, this life-saving effort would not have been possible.

The Boston Red Cross Blood Services visits MIT five times every year, hoping to collect enough units to supply the constant demand for blood in our region. ARCTAN volunteers help with scheduling, publicity, registration, and the canteen area for these blood drives.

Disaster Relief Services

The American Red Cross is mandated by Congress to provide disaster relief services throughout the country. Every year fires, floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters affect over 1,500 families in the Massachusetts Bay area. Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers provide food, shelter, clothing and compassion on the scene. Volunteer caseworkers continue the recovery process by working with clients until their lives are resettle.

The MIT Disaster Action Team responds to disasters in our area every weekend, from 8am Saturday through 8am Sunday.

Health and Safety Services

Volunteer Health and Safety Services instructors teach courses in First Aid and CPR and staff Emergency First Aid stations at major events, such as the Boston Marathon. Volunteers are needed for public speaking, attending health fairs, and promoting health and safety programs in community settings. Office help is also always needed.

Food Pantry

The American Red Cross operates a food pantry at the Massachusetts Bay chapter in Back Bay. The pantry is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 9AM-12PM for low income individuals and families. Help is always needed in the areas of food packaging and distribution and client registration and check-in. In particular, volunteers that speak Russian, Spanish and Chinese are encouraged to help out. The work is light and there are many opportunities to make new friends.

Youth Programs

Volunteers are needed to serve as mentors to youth participating in Red Cross clubs and volunteer programs. Student activities include the international friendship box program; educational programs in Health & Safety or Disaster services; administrative help; leadership development and more.