MAYOR'S CITIZEN CORPS Funded through a grant from The Corporation for National and Community Service Contacts: Tim Lovell and Jessica Hill 918-596-B-RDY (596-2739) citizencorps@cityoftulsa.org http://www.citizencorpstulsa.org "Although emergencies cannot always be prevented, there are many things we can do to be better prepared as individuals, families, businesses and organizations. Tulsa's emergency and disaster programs are continually upgraded and revitalized as we reassess potential threats and fine-tune our response and mitigation plans. Working together, we can reduce disaster losses from man made or natural causes and build a disaster-resistant Tulsa." Mayor Bill LaFortune • Following the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001, state and local government officials have increased opportunities for citizens to become an integral part of protecting the homeland and supporting local first responders. Officials agree that the formula for ensuring a safer and more secure homeland consists of preparedness, training, and citizen involvement in supporting first responders. In January 2002, President George W. Bush launched USA Freedom Corps, to enhance the spirit of service that has emerged throughout our communities following the terrorist attacks. • Citizen Corps, a vital component of USA Freedom Corps, was created to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures to make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds. • Citizen Corps programs build on the successful efforts that are in place in many communities around the country to prevent crime and respond to emergencies. Programs that started through lo cal innovation are the foundation for Citizen Corps and this na tional approach to citizen participation in community safety. • Tulsa, Oklahoma was one of 17 communities nationwide to receive a special grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to involve citizens in the efforts against terrorism, crime and natural disasters. Locally, a host of Tulsa area businesses and agencies, public and private, are working together to build a safer and more secure community. Citizen Corps partners include a variety of public, private and nonprofit entities, such as: American Red Cross Tulsa Area Chapter Citizens Crime Commission Community Service Council of Greater Tulsa Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Tulsa (RSVP) Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency Tulsa Volunteer Center Tulsa Fire and Police Departments and other first responders The Mayor's Citizen Corps is overseen by the Citizen Corps Council. This council brings together the community's first responders, firefighters, emergency health care providers, law enforcement, emergency managers and the volunteer community to involve all citizens in emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, crime prevention and emergency medical training. Get A Plan — Get A Kit — Get Involved Tulsa Citizen Corps MAYOR'S CITIZEN CORPS Volunteer Opportunities Citizen Corps connects volunteers with programs that match the volunteer's interests and skills. Programs include: Alert Neighbors. Administered by the Citizens Crime Commission, this program addresses crime and terrorism prevention issues such as home and personal safety, auto theft, gang awareness, home security and neighborhood watch. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). CERTs take action to help others until professional responders (police/ fire/medical) can arrive. Volunteers mobilize to assist their own families, neighbors and coworkers to help assess damage and administer first aid to the injured. Language and Culture Bank. Volunteers with foreign language skills or multicultural experience may choose to be available on an "on-call" basis to assist community agencies with public health and safety issues in emergencies. Medical Reserve Corps. The Medical Reserve Corps trains, manages and mobilizes volunteers to help the medical and health communities during emergencies and to provide year-round public education services. Active and retired doctors, nurses and emergency medical technicians are needed as MRC volunteers. Safe and Secure Teams. To avert, minimize or respond to disaster, teams of volunteers facilitate, educate and train neighborhoods, businesses and nonprofit agencies as part of a city-wide volunteer mobilization strategy. Tulsa Human Response Coalition. Those with professional experience in the fields of public health, public safety, mental health, emergency response and disaster mitigation may make their skills available to first responders by being "on-call" to assist when needed at the site of an emergency. Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS). VIPS assist the Tulsa Police Department by performing administrative duties that would otherwise be done by uniformed officers, allowing those officers to serve in uniform field assignments. Related Web Resources Local: Mayor's Citizen Corps/Tulsa Partners Community Service Council of Greater Tulsa Tulsa Volunteer Center Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Tulsa Citizens Crime Commission Volunteers in Police Service www.citizencorpstulsa.org www.csctulsa.org www.tulsavolunteercenter.org www.rsvptulsa.org www.tulsacrimecom.org www.tulsapolice.org/vips National: Citizen Corps Department of Homeland Security USA Freedom Corps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Corporation for National and Community Service www.citizencorps.gov www.dhs.gov, www.ready.gov www. usafreedomcorps.gov www.seniorcorps.org/joining/rsvp www.cns.gov To become a Mayor's Citizen Corps volunteer, visit www.citizencorpstulsa.org or call 918-596-BRDY.