The Local Response is a facilitator-led course that introduces Red Cross communicators to the critical tasks necessary to initiate a chapter disaster public affairs response. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in case-based scenarios, group exercises, practice activities and open discussions. These participatory activities reinforce important concepts and meet segment objectives. 

Purpose 

• The purpose of this course is to prepare Red Cross Disaster Public Affairs employees and volunteers to initiate the public affairs activity at their local chapter by— 
• Providing an overview of the American Red Cross Disaster Public Affairs, enabling chapter communicators to begin working in the Disaster Public Affairs role.
• Explaining the Disaster Public Affairs structure on a local level.
• Preparing any Red Cross employee or volunteer to effectively respond to local media inquiries and to proactively present Red Cross messaging. 

Learning Objectives

• After completing this course, participants will be able to— 
• Describe the mission of Disaster Public Affairs.
• Explain the role of chapter communicators during a local disaster.
• Gather and organize information from a disaster scene.
• Identify and discuss Disaster Public Affairs tasks performed on a chapter-level disaster response.
• Define the roles of the media and the importance of a successful partnership.
• Describe the Red Cross policies regarding the media and the process for successfully working with them before, during and after a disaster.
• Understand the importance of preparedness and personal readiness.
• Identify opportunities for ongoing Disaster Public Affairs involvement. 

Audience 

Participants are Red Cross employees and volunteers, public information specialists, chapter executives and chairpersons and others who may find themselves acting as spokespersons for a chapter disaster response. 

Prerequisites Required: 

• Fulfilling our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action (DSGEN200A, 07/06)
• Disaster Public Affairs Overview (DSOSS201C, 07/07) 

Recommended: 

• Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance (DSCLS202A, 07/06)
• Mass Care Overview (DSMCC200A, Rev. 04/07)
• Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment (DSIMS200B, 08/06)
• Disaster Fundraising: Preparing and Responding in Chapters (A3074-3, 03/06)
• Shelter Operations (ARC3068-11, Rev. 09/05) 

Length This one-day course can be taught in 6 1/2 hours.