Why Volunteer?

If you can read this, you are amongst the lucky 10.4 % people in Pakistan who have
the luxury to use the internet. If you can understand this you are amongst 18
million Pakistanis who can read & write in English. If you can take out the time to
download latest movies, interact with friends on social media & subscribe to
unlimited calls on your mobiles. Volunteering for you should not be a choice but a
responsibility!
However,
a) Rising demands of professional & educational careers make it difficult for you
to devote your time and energy to volunteer projects.
b) You may have the drive but limited opportunity to make a difference to the
lives of the people around you.
c) You may be hampered by cultural restrictions to take part in field activities.
If you can identify with any of the above Pakistan Red Crescent Society gives you
the opportunity to make volunteering a part of your life

without drastically

changing it!
For volunteering for us is all about utilizing & developing your talent, ideas & skills
to serve humanity. We aim to invest in Pakistans future by building your capacity
as active citizens and responsible Pakistanis.

Come join us to make a world of difference!

Volunteering is good for others
The world is not a perfect place, and many people,
animals, places, and communities need help.
Governments and professionals
try to meet everyones needs, but its impossible
for them to do it all.

Volunteering is good for You

Making new friends

Gaining important skills and experience

Seeing more of your community and world

Building confidence

Feeling needed and important

Feeling satisfaction at getting things done

and helping others

Meeting people who could be role models

Who we are?
Sr PRCS Branch
.
1
2
3
4

NHQ
KPK
Sindh
Punjab

Position as
on 31st Dec,
2008
1151
16540
19256
64281

5
6
7
8

Balochistan
AJK
Gilgit Baltistan
FATA
Total

4507
2621
2458
2248
113,062

2009

2010

201112

Grand
Total

448
5,000
4,119
28,749

1147
10720
3553
42,100

1100
10622
4295
6,147

3,347
2,100
937
380
45,08
0

2470
1037
2400
428
63,85
5

2500
3596
1576
1392
31,22
8

3,846
42,882
31,223
141,27
7
12,824
9,354
7,371
4,448
253,2
25

The Pakistan Red Crescent Volunteer corps is one of the strongest and largest
volunteer bases in the country. Being one of the oldest Humanitarian organizations
in Pakistan, PRCS can boast of remarkable personalities like Madri-Milat Fatima Ali
Jinnah as the first voluntary Chairperson of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society. It is
the legacy of such individuals that PRCS is committed to foster a high performance
and diverse group of volunteers.
After the establishment of the PRCS in 1947, the first PRCS volunteer corps was
extensively involved with rehabilitation of migrants from India. Since then our
Volunteers have been serving humanity in peace time and conflicts with noteworthy
contribution in the war of 1965, 1971, earthquake of 2005 & 2007, IDPs crises and
the recent flood emergency.
According to latest statistics (as of 2012) PRCS volunteer base has increased to 0.25
million with active participation of over 92 districts of the country.

Fundamental Principles
We at the Pakistan Red Crescent Society adhere to the following principles as
members of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement
Humanity
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born
of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the
wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and
national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering
wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect human life
and health and to ensure respect for the human being.

Impartiality

RCRC Movement makes no discrimination as to nationality,

race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors
to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by
their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of
distress.

Neutrality
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the
Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any
time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or
ideological nature.

Independence
The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while
auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments
and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must
always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all
times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement

Unity
There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in
any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its
humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in
which all Societies have equal status and share equal
responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

Voluntary Service
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner
by desire for gain.

Who is a Volunteer?
According to the PRCS Youth & Volunteer Policy, Strategy & Code of Conduct A
volunteer is anyone who offers his/ her services by his/her free will to perform a task

on behalf of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society without monetary compensation or

expectations of compensation.

Who can become a PRCS volunteer?

Following our tradition of being an impartial organization we encourage people
from all backgrounds, age, cultures, and religious beliefs to come & volunteer with
us. Depending on demographic backgrounds and areas of interest, we have
classified our volunteers into:

General Volunteer/ Community Volunteers

This category includes professional or non-professional individuals belonging
to all age groups who are willing to offer their services to work as a volunteer
for PRCS.
Professional Volunteers
This category includes individuals of all age groups willing to offer
professional services like doctors, paramedics, IT professionals, lawyers,
teachers, journalists, logisticians etc.
PRCS Junior/Youth Clubs
This category includes students belonging to schools /colleges & Universities.
This group is further classified into Juniors (age group 10-15) & Youth (age
group 16-29).

How to become a PRCS Volunteer?

Becoming a PRCS volunteer involves the following steps

Make an informed decision by learning about the organization.

Visit your nearest PRCS Branch for information.
Or
Visit our website www.prcs.org.pk for information on the Pakistan Red
Crescent Society
Schedule an interview with the Youth Officer.
You can arrange a meeting with the Youth officer for additional information
about volunteering opportunities with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society.
Or
Drop in your query through this website which will be answered shortly.
Fill in the Volunteer Registration form
The PRCS volunteer registration form is available at PRCS Branches
Nationwide.

Check your updates on trainings and other PRCS activities.

We will regularly update information on the data for volunteering
opportunities and capacity building trainings. Depending on your location you
can register for the training programs or contact your Youth officer for more
information.

Contact Information
Deputy Director Youth & Volunteer program

Assistant Director Youth & Volunteer Department

Pakistan Red Crescent Society , National Headquarters, H-8,

Pakistan Red Crescent Society , National Headquarters, H-8,

Islamabad

Islamabad

Contact No: 051-9250404 Mob :- 0345-9344335

Contact No : 051-9250404 Mob:-0343-580745

Email : dawar.nhq@prcs.org.pk

Email: roma.prcs@yahoo.com

Assistant Director Youth & Volunteer Department

Assistant Director Youth & Volunteer Department

Pakistan Red Crescent Society , Balochistan Provincial

Pakistan Red Crescent Society , Sindh Provincial Branch

Branch Contact No: 0814001132

Contact No: 021-5833973

Mob: 0333-7935855

Mob: 03002149834

Email: aneel_3d@yahoo.com

Email: atifhussain_y2k@yahoo.com

Assistant Director Youth & Volunteer Department

Assistant Director Youth & Volunteer Department

Pakistan Red Crescent Society , KPK Provincial Branch

Pakistan Red Crescent Society , GB Provincial Branch

Contact No: 091210836 Mob: 03009004124

Contact No: 05811-920372 Mob: 03212071680

Email: ahmadhussainprcs@gmail.com

Email: wajidaliprcsgb@yahoo.com

Assistant Director Youth & Volunteer Department

Assistant Director Youth & Volunteer Department

Pakistan Red Crescent Society , FATA Regional Branch

Pakistan Red Crescent Society , AJK State Branch

Contact No : 091-5254383 Mob: 0300-5820683

Contact No: 05822-433567 Mob: 03129042005

Email: riazdawar@gmail.com

Email: shoaibrajaa@yahoo.com

Assistant Director Youth & Volunteer Department

Pakistan Red Crescent Society , Punjab Provincial Branch
Contact: 042-36312253

Mob: 03217197008

Email: ismail_prcs@yahoo.com

What we do?
The Youth & Volunteer department at the PRCS is extensively involved in supporting
the overall Movement in achieving their mission of reducing the suffering of
Humanity. In this connection PRCS volunteers work

for the promotion of humanitarian principles and values.

for efficient & effective Disaster preparedness & response .
for improving Health & Care in the Community .

What sets this department apart however is its commitment to develop the
potential of the Youth of Pakistan as future leaders by investing in their personal &
professional development. Volunteering for us is not about sacrifice but an
investment in ones own future. Through our programs and activities we provide you
the opportunity

to increase your self esteem by tapping into your talents and abilities .
to improve your sense of belonging by interacting with people from all walks
of life.
to obtain professional training under the guidance of our staff.
to obtain professional references from the leading Humanitarian organization
in Pakistan.

Youth Development
We strive for what we believe & we believe in Change
In a developing country like Pakistan with 66% of its population comprising of the
Youth, there is immense responsibility on the shoulders of the government and the
civil society alike, to invest in their present for a better future. Realizing its role as a
humanitarian organization aiming for sustainable development in the country, PRCS
has launched Youth development programs in the very core of Pakistan i.e. its
districts & tehsils. The main objectives of these programs are as follows:

To empower the Youth of Pakistan with life skills that are essential for
personal development and community welfare.
To instil civic responsibility amongst the masses.
To challenge stigmas & dogmatic traditions through introspection.
To engage communities for welfare through community mobilization
tools.

Youth Development programs in Pakistan

Advocacy with National Voluntary Organizations
The challenge that our country faces today requires concerted efforts at all
fronts by the people of Pakistan to revive the spirit of nationhood. We at the
PRCS have initiated good working relationship with other voluntary/training
organizations like the Pakistan Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Red RuK and Pakistan
Youth Parliament to benefit from their expertise & build a productive youth
force for our Country. We encourage other Voluntary Organizations to come
join us in this noble endeavour.
Leadership Development Workshops
Leaders are not necessarily born they are created!
Our
Leadership
Development
&
Teambuilding
Workshops
are
a
combination of theoretical skills and
simulation trainings that bring out the
leader in you. You will be given ample
opportunity to polish your skills through
participation in community improvement
micro projects, management of Trainings
and camps and interaction with people from all walks of life. All it takes from
your side is a commitment to use these skills for the welfare and
development of your communities.

Promotion of peace & brotherhood

The PRCS youth is encouraged to engage in different cultural and religious
festivities in order to develop understanding and appreciation for people with
diverse backgrounds. Youth gatherings and National Camps provide the right
ambiance to showcase our rich traditional histories and understand
civilizations. At the same time International Youth exchange programs &
conventions promote international peace and brotherhood forming a global
youth network working for alleviating the suffering of humanity.
Youth as agents of behavioural change Module
The Youth as Agents of Behavioral Change module is a
unique social mobilization toolkit that employs selfintrospection to understand negative behaviours &
dogmatic mindsets that influence a society. The PRCS
is amongst the first organizations to implement the
YABC toolkit in South Asia and train 32 Peer Educators
of this module. At present work is being done to
inculcate this technique in PRCS programs & activities.
Youth Camps
Youth & Volunteer Camps at the provincial and national level are one of the
volunteer retention tools of the PRCS. With the objective of improving our
volunteers management and leadership skills to support the services of PRCS,
these camps provide the opportunity to interact and learn from people belonging to
different parts of the country. These camps are all about learning through
simulations and exercises which forms a rewarding learning experience. These
camps also aim to promote intercultural dialogue among youth volunteers of
different regions and to ensure the ability of youth to improve programs and
structures to better respond to the needs in their communities.
Objectives
a. To promote intercultural
volunteers of PRCS.

interaction

and

partnerships

between

young

b. To consolidate the capacities of the young people participating in order to

encourage the implementation of practical actions and to promote new
initiatives and creative contributions from youth.
c. To reinforce knowledge about RCRC Movement, Fundamental Principles and its
underpining Humanitarian Values, PRCS programs and issues which young
people are facing today, from the theoretical dimension and from the creation
of practical instruments for the dissemination of the acquired knowledge.
d. To provide an opportunity for youth volunteers to exchange ideas, experiences
and programs.
e. To create networking for disaster response.
f. To provide a concrete, innovative and interactive resource to enhance
volunteer recruitment, motivation, dedication, professionalism and retention.

Three (04) National Youth & Volunteer Camp have been held till date. Total of 599
volunteers attended these camps. The volunteers during these camps were given
knowledge and understanding about different topics, such as principles & values,
promotion of peace & tolerance in the communities, stigma and discrimination,
youth leadership, the environment and climate change, volunteering development,
disaster activities etc. The focus of these camps were on the need to raise
awareness of the youth and the growing concern about their issues within the
national context.

95

75 61
105
2010

PRCS YOUTH & VOLUNTEER PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL FORUMS

PRCS youth has played an active role globally participating in youth exchange
programs, camps, trainings, conventions and workshops to share best practices and
learn from the experience of other Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies. Such
opportunities form a part of our reward mechanism through which PRCS honors the
commitment and dedication of its active volunteers by giving them this exposure for
personal and professional capacity building. List of events are as follows:

2 Youth Members participated in the International Youth Conference in Austria

in 2011
2 x youth members received Korean Scholarship (Hanseo University
Scholarship) 2010-14
8th Asia Pacific Conference --- Jordon 2010
Asia Pacific Youth Summit (YABC Peer Educators Training) --- Jordon 2010
Regional Volunteer Management conference --- Almaty 2010
International Friendship programAustria 2010

47

The earthquake of 2005 brought home the fallibility of the infrastructural

setup in Pakistan that left thousands injured and dead under the rubble.
This picture is the testament of the havoc that the earthquake of 2005
caused in schools and community centres countrywide . The school safety
program has been initiated to Build Safer Communities through Safe Schools.
It is a two tier program with the objective of ensuring the construction of
safer schools in seismic regions through advocacy with local governments
and building the capacity of local communities to cope with disasters. At
present School safety programs are being implemented in PRCS Junior/youth
Clubs established in schools and colleges all across Pakistan.

142
School Safety Programs

2008
2011
2012
Male
69
116
Female
31
Total
100
180
177

National
Y&V Camp

International Youth Exchange program Japan 2007, 2010 & 2012

Asia Pacific Youth Steering Committee Meeting Kualalampur 2010
Journey of an Idea , Geneva 2009
World Red Cross Red Crescent Youth gathering in Solferino --- 2009
International Youth Camp Turkey---- 2009

Message from the Youth Ambassador

I am proud to be here with the dedicated volunteers and assure

that I will be available all the time to promote the cause of the Red
Cross Red Crescent Movement and avail my energies and time to
motivate others to join Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in the
service to humanity.

Fawad Afzal Khan

PRCS Youth Ambassador
A renowned Singer and Actor
Message from the Youth Ambassador

I am proud to be part of the countrys prestigious

organization and I commit myself to be available
whenever required for service to humanity.

Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi
PRCS Youth Ambassador
Tennis Star

Volunteering Development
The Pakistan Red Crescent Society has had extensive experience in disaster
Management. From building DP stocks to mobilizing communities, formation of selfsustainable communities has been the focal concern for the PRCS.
The formation of sustainable communities heavily depends upon mobilization and
structuring of its local volunteers. Being a multi-cultural country, it is imperative to
develop a well-trained volunteer corps that is familiar with the culture and is not
hampered by linguistic barriers.
PRCS organizes and manages its volunteers by a Six-step approach to volunteer
management. These include:
a. Job Development and Design
Specific job descriptions as a planning tool has been developed to efficiently
carryout the tasks assigned to the volunteers with the proper understanding of
results, skills required and organizational expectation.
b. Selection and Recruitment
Volunteer recruitment and selection is driven by PRCS mission statement which
aims to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable population by mobilizing the
power of humanity. PRCS recruit its volunteers in three different categories.
These include:
i.

Youth
PRCS recruits Youth in the following subcategories:
Junior targetting age group between 10-15 years (both male and
female) at school level
Senior Youth targetting age group between 16-29 years (both male
and female) at colleges, universities and communities.

ii.

Professional Volunteers
PRCS recruits skilled, reliable and well trained individuals like i.e. doctors,
paramedics, engineers, logisticians etc, who are willing to work voluntarily
with PRCS during emergencies and peacetime. Their services have been
utilized in recent disasters where our professional volunteers work with
the health, watsan and psycho-social support teams etc.

iii.

Community Based Volunteers

At community levels, different teams comprised of volunteers have been
developed to support PRCS in its programmes and operations. These
teams include; disaster response teams, emergency response teams (first

aid volunteers), CBHFA teams, PSP teams, livelihood teams, watsan teams
and blood donor recruiters.
c. Orientation and Training
Regular orientation sessions and training workshops in PRCS core areas are
conducted to enhance the skills, knowledge and behavior of the volunteers
involved in different PRCS activities.
d. Support & Supervision
PRCS supports its volunteers to make sure that they are satisfied. Continuous
supervision has been provided both in peacetime and disaster to ensure that the
volunteers are doing their job satisfactorily.
e. Maintenance of Volunteer Database
PRCS has a total of about 253,000 volunteers country wide. Data of the said has
been maintained at districts, provincial and national levels.
f. Evaluation, Retention and Recognition
Evaluation, retention and recognition of PRCS volunteers address the
sustainability of volunteer base with the special emphasis on maintaining its
quality by maximizing the performance and satisfaction levels. The process of
efficient evaluation and feedback alongwith merit based process of rewarding
and motivating the volunteers through formal recognition system i.e. awards,
certificates, skill enhancement trainings, souvenirs and shields etc. lead to the
creation of mass interest of volunteers to achieve desired objectives

1. INTEGRATION
To achieve the objective of developing a well-trained volunteer corps, PRCS has laid
the foundation of its volunteer program based on horizontal and vertical integration.
These are explained as follows:
a. HORIZONTAL INTEGRATION
Integration between different programs at the PRCS. This involves data sharing,
consensus on volunteer program development and trainings.
b. VERTICAL INTEGRATION
Data sharing and standardization of volunteer program at all tiers of the National
Society, ensuring a balanced and efficient volunteer corps.
The result of this integration has not only manifested in improvement of service
delivery, but has also resulted in the initiation of new programs run by volunteers
within the framework of disaster management. Some key programs include.
2. VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS
The Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) have transformed the PRCS from a First Aid
training organization to a responding organization. Based on more than 500 trained
volunteers this corps has effectively worked during man-made and natural disasters
to alleviate the suffering of humanity. It has been especially effective in case of the
recent unstable security environment in the country, where in many instances the
volunteers of the PRCS have been the first to respond to the victims of suicide
attacks in Universities, markets etc. The ERT teams have so far responded in more
than 50 emergencies saving since 2009.
3.

YOUTH AS
EDUCATORS

AGENTS

OF

BEHAVIORAL

CHANGE

(YABC)

PEER

PRCS is implementing Youth as Agents of Behavioral Change (YABC) since 2010 and
has integrated it into its activities with 04 International Trainer of YABC, 71 YABC
Peer Educators and 7,025 YABC beneficiaries. YABC is an IFRC flagship programme
aiming to educate the masses about disruptive behaviors and social issues.
One of the main successes of this toolkit is the development of a unified youth
network across Pakistan that believes in the fundamental principles of the
Movement and its underpinning humanitarian values. We at the PRCS consider this
as an effective model for youth empowerment where individuals volunteer to
change themselves before expecting change in their respective communities.
4. BENEFICIARY COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
The Beneficiary Communication program was launched in 2010 by a group of
volunteers working with the National Society and IFRC to provide a two-way
communication channel for evaluation of services and awareness of the local
populace. Volunteers were involved at all stages of program development to
execution which makes it a best practice, to empower the volunteers within the Red
Cross Red Crescent Movement.
In PRCS volunteers are actively involved in all the activities of the Red Cross Red
Crescent Movement. In disaster Management, volunteers have been actively
involved at all stages. Details are as follows:
5. MITIGATION & PREPAREDNESS
a. Recruitment and training of community volunteers to enhance the response
mechanism in the community. Around 400 Volunteers have been trained as
disaster response teams at districts, provincial and national levels. 93
Volunteers have also been trained to undertake vulnerability capacity
assessment (at all Tiers)
b. Advocacy with youth groups established in schools/Universities to increase
awareness about disaster risk reduction. Volunteers are involved in DRR
programme (at all tiers)
c. Facilitating school safety programs with the help of the Red Cross Red
Crescent Movement. (Piloted in Mansehra District, KPK province).
d. Volunteers involved with CBHFA program.
e. Develop media and public education messages to encourage peoples
involvement in building safer communities and promoting affiliated
volunteerism amongst their peers.
f. Setting up an effective volunteer Management system by catering to
spontaneous volunteers. This includes :
i.

Orientation/ induction of new volunteers

volunteers ( applicable at all tiers)

undertaken

by

senior

ii.

Data entry and coordination by volunteers. (applicable at Provincial

Headquarters)

iii.

On job Training of new volunteers.

6. RESPONSE
a. SOPs for deployment of volunteers in emergencies and Code of Conduct are
in place and implemented at district levels.
b. Volunteers have been trained to undertake initial assessment in case of an
emergency to facilitate the movement in its response.
c. Local volunteers are mobilized to assist the Movement in coordinating with
the local governments to set up relief points.

d. Distribution of Food and Non-Food items in the first phase of the relief
operation is undertaken by the volunteers under the supervision of a
designated staff member.
e. Professional volunteers work with the health, Watsan and psycho-social
support teams.
f. Fund raising activities to support the Movement.
7. RECOVERY
a. Induction of Beneficiary Communication programs to gauge service delivery
and educate the masses on health & hygiene issues.
b. Construction of shelters for rehabilitation of affected communities.
c. Setting up of community centers and schools to facilitate the affectees return
to normal life.

8. ROLE OF COMMUNITIES AND PARTNER NATIONAL SOCIETIES

Partner National Societies have been supportive of Volunteer Management
programs, by not only adhering to the PRCS Volunteer Policy Strategy and code of
conduct, but also by investing in strengthening capacities of youth & volunteers.
During disasters, within their own designated caseloads, PNSs have worked in the
field with the help of PRCS Volunteers and contributed towards their on-job training
and capacity Building. In the recent floods for example, Health & WATSAN ERUs
deployed PRCS volunteers to assist them in their work. Such exposures not only act
as incentive for volunteers working in emergencies but also contribute towards the
National Societies disaster response capacity building.
Community life is very closely knitted in Pakistan. Tribal elders and Jirga systems
(Community consultation) are prevalent in most of the vulnerable areas in Pakistan.
In such circumstances, taking these influential entities into confidence is essential
for the success of any program. During emergencies the Red Cross Red Crescent
Movement has been facilitated by the community especially in recruitment and
deployment of spontaneous local volunteers to assist in the operation. Their
knowledge and understanding of their community makes the operation more
effective by addressing the real needs of the people.
Thus, during emergencies the synergy of structure and good intentions can only be
achieved with effective participation of all stakeholders. With the magnitude of
disasters in Pakistan volunteers are the key force to mitigate the effects of natural
or man-made disasters. Learning from Pakistans experience, to increase their
ownership of the Movement whereby increasing their efficiency, volunteers should
not be used at the execution end only, but involved within the designing and
decision making process.