Escapees BOF (Birds of a Feather) groups are comprised of people who share a common interest. In order to belong to a BOF, one must be a member in good standing of the Escapees RV Club.
To recruit Escapees for the American Red Cross Disaster Services. To assist Escapees in obtaining training as disaster operations volunteers. To provide Escapees with timely information about disaster relief operations. To volunteer our help to the American Red Cross whenever and wherever practical.
A Little History
In 1864, a diplomatic conference of 16 governments (to which the US sent observers) agreed on the terms of the first international Geneva Convention dealing with the humane treatment of those wounded in battle. The international Red Cross movement is a volunteer organization which renders help to such wounded. Presently, it is the largest humanitarian volunteer organization in the world, with over 175 member countries. Its seven guiding principles are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. The American Red Cross was chartered by Congress to discharge the responsibilities assumed by the US’s ratification of the second Geneva Convention held in 1882. Unlike the original international organization, the American Red Cross serves the US in peace as well as in war, and especially in times of disaster or national calamity. Today, the American Red Cross, as a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross response to a disaster includes the efforts of many volunteers, some possibly traveling great distances, to provide help. The organization is comprised of numerous local chapters, combined into state organizations, and these reporting into a national headquarters. Smaller incidents may be handled by a local Red Cross chapter while major calamities require the help of volunteers from many chapters throughout the country. Our BOF was formed to aid in these efforts.
There are many opportunities for volunteering within the Red Cross organization. Some require virtually no training while others necessitate advanced skills. Various levels of training are provided to facilitate the assumption of additional responsibilities. And as volunteer responsibilities grow, maintenance and travel expenses for several week assignments to disaster sites within the US and its territories may be paid by the Red Cross.
Join the Red Cross and visit exotic locations at non-exotic times.
Upcoming Rallies and Events BOF Voice Mail Information: 888-757-7701 ext. 8083