cAmerican Red Cross, significance of Disaster Response Volunteer Award

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Lisa Meister, who recently was honored with the Disaster Response Volunteer Award at the 2025 Strobel Volunteer Awards hosted by Hands On Nashville powered by United Way of Greater Nashville. During the interview, Lisa shares her experiences and insights as a volunteer with the American Red Cross, highlighting the organization's main service areas and the importance of disaster preparedness. Lisa Meister, Tennessee Regional Information & Planning Program Lead, Tennessee Regional Preparedness & Situational Awareness Manager's Volunteer Partner has logged more than 10,000 hours as a volunteer and has been deployed to 29 disaster responses. Lisa emphasizes the significant impact of volunteerism in preventing and alleviating human suffering during emergencies, both locally and globally. Lisa encourages others to get involved with the American Red Cross through various means, stressing the personal fulfillment and positive impact that volunteering can have on both the volunteer and those in need.

Red Cross Volunteerism and Impact
Lisa Meister, the 2025 Disaster Response Volunteer Award recipient, discusses her journey into volunteering with the American Red Cross, inspired by her mother's philanthropic spirit. She highlights the organization's five main service areas, emphasizing disaster cycle services, including response to large-scale events and everyday home fires, as well as their smoke alarm installation program. Lisa stresses the importance of public awareness about the Red Cross's diverse humanitarian efforts and the impact of volunteerism in preventing and alleviating human suffering during emergencies.

American Red Cross Volunteer Overview
Lisa provides an overview of the American Red Cross's other main service lines, including blood services, training, certification, and international humanitarian aid, highlighting their significant impact on communities both locally and globally. She shares her personal experience as a volunteer, starting during the 2020 Nashville tornadoes, where she worked in an emergency response vehicle distributing meals, water, and supplies to affected communities. Lisa was struck by the resilience and gratitude of the people she helped and notes the organization's vast network of volunteers, with over 16 million worldwide.

American Red Cross Volunteer Experience
Lisa shares her passion for working with the American Red Cross, highlighting her experiences responding to disasters across the country and her commitment to providing support and hope to clients during their worst times. She emphasizes the importance of being prepared for home fires and discusses how her experiences have equipped her to better respond to emergencies, both for herself and for others.

Emergency Preparedness Planning Discussion
Lisa discusses the importance of being prepared for emergencies by having a "go bag" with essential items and knowing the escape route. She emphasizes the need to be proactive and plan ahead, especially for families. Jeremy agrees and highlights the importance of ensuring children know the escape routes and meeting points in case of an emergency.

Volunteering's Rewarding Impact
Lisa expresses deep fulfillment from her volunteer work with the American Red Cross, highlighting the meaningful connections and recognition she receives. She was honored to be nominated and receive the award, inspired by the iconic humanitarian Mary Catherine Strobel and the Strobel family. Lisa encourages others to volunteer, emphasizing that it is incredibly rewarding and soul-changing, as it not only helps others but also enriches the volunteer's own life.

Volunteering for Hurricane Preparedness
Lisa discusses the importance of volunteering with the American Red Cross, highlighting the need for volunteers as they prepare for an anticipated challenging hurricane season. She emphasizes that 90% of their workforce are volunteers and encourages people to get involved by donating time, blood, or financially.

Visit https://www.redcross.org to learn more and to get involved with the American Red Cross.