How to Join the Citizen Corps

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:JoinCitizenCorps
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How to Join the Citizen Corps

Introduction

The Citizen Corps is a government organization devoted to helping interested citizens participate in community safety. Volunteers learn emergency skills, first aid and how to help in the event a disaster overextends the resources of municipal emergency services.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Get Involved With Your Local Citizen Corps

Steps

1

Step One

Visit the Citizen Corps website (see Resources below). From there, you may either register or find links to the site specific to your state or municipality. If you register on the national website, understand that it may take more time for a local Citizen Corps volunteer to contact you regarding your interest in the program.
2

Step Two

Decide which program(s) in which you are interested in participating. On the national level, your choices will include police volunteers, neighborhood watch, emergency response teams, medical reserves, fire volunteers and Citizen Corps council membership. Other programs may be available, depending on your specific location.
3

Step Three

Fill out the required fields on the Citizen Corps website. Double-check to ensure that you have filled in all your information accurately.
4

Step Four

Read the privacy disclaimer before you click the button to join or submit your application information. If you encounter any aspect of the Citizen Corps' privacy policy that you do not agree with, do not submit your application.
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Step Five

Review the emails you receive from the Citizen Corps following submission of your volunteer application to join. They will contain updates on current Citizen Corps initiatives in your state and region, as well as information on how to get more actively involved.
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Step Six

Attend a meeting of the program of your choice. Citizen Corps officials will inform you at that time if there are any additional steps involved to join.
7

Step Seven

Commit to participation only if you are absolutely certain of your ability to take full part in the program. Make sure the schedule of events works with your own, as your employer is not obligated to permit you to take time off to meet extraneous volunteer commitments.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • If you fill out an application form and later change your mind, remember that you are never under any obligation to participate in local Citizen Corps programs.
  • You may be required to undergo an extensive criminal background check to join your local Citizen Corps. Understand that your personal history will be accessed and evaluated. Consider volunteering elsewhere if you wish to maintain the privacy of your sensitive personal information.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Valid email address
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