Building a More Prepared Western New York: Becoming a Red Cross Instructor
Last month, I had the privilege of completing instructor
training for two of the American Red Cross’s vital preparedness programs: Be
Red Cross Ready and Prepare with Pedro. It was a one-day session held right
here in Buffalo, where I joined five other trainees in person, along with
additional groups connected virtually from across Western New York.
It was inspiring to see people from such different
backgrounds come together with one shared purpose: helping our communities be
better prepared for emergencies.
During the training, we explored how to deliver Be Red Cross
Ready, which teaches adults and families how to prepare for, respond to, and
recover from emergencies such as house fires, blizzards, and severe weather. We
also learned how to lead Prepare with Pedro, a fun, story-based program
designed to help young children in kindergarten through second grade understand
safety and preparedness in a way that is both engaging and memorable.
Both courses were filled with practical tips that can be put
into place right away, from what items to keep on hand to recognizing early
signs that someone might be getting sick. It was eye-opening to see how small
actions can make a big difference when it comes to readiness.
Why Instructors Matter
Throughout the day, our fantastic trainer, Julianna,
reminded us that instructors are truly the heart of these programs. Without
local volunteers willing to step up, it is difficult to reach every classroom,
community center, or neighborhood that could benefit from preparedness
education.
Each instructor becomes a messenger of readiness, helping
their neighbors take simple but crucial steps toward safety. That might mean
helping a family build a home fire escape plan or teaching little ones how to
stay calm and find help during an emergency. These lessons might seem small,
but together they strengthen the fabric of our entire community.
A Day That Made an Impact
What stood out to me most was the sense of connection. Even through video conferencing, there was a shared energy and sense of purpose among everyone involved. We practiced presenting lessons, shared stories about local weather emergencies, and discussed the different ways each of us could make Western New York a little safer and more resilient.
A highlight of the day was watching the excellent “dos and
don’ts” videos on effective teaching. They were full of humor and real-life
examples that showed how little details like maintaining eye contact, inviting
participation, and choosing words carefully can make all the difference when
engaging an audience. We laughed, we learned, and we walked away with practical
skills that will help us connect more effectively with future learners.
By the end of the day, I felt proud to be part of something
bigger, a regional effort rooted in compassion, connection, and community. The
training reminded me that preparedness does not start with policies or
equipment. It starts with people who are willing to share knowledge and lend a
hand.
Get Involved
If you have ever thought about volunteering, becoming a Be
Red Cross Ready or Prepare with Pedro instructor is a rewarding way to make a
real difference right here in Western New York. You do not need teaching
experience, only a willingness to help others and a passion for keeping your
community safe.
Written by: Ellie Bancroft, Communications Volunteer, American Red Cross of WNY
