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Storm season. It's a busy time for the American Red Cross and they need your donations more than ever.

If you can't donate money, consider donating your time. Although ad agencies often do pro bono work for non-profits like ARC, many chapters have their own communications departments with paid and volunteer positions and they have need of your creative skills. One of my earliest jobs out of college was Disaster Services Communications Specialist for the American Red Cross in Detroit. I did a lot of promotional work to raise donations or volunteerism. When disasters struck, I was on the scene bringing the attention to the media and the public. I covered everything from local fires to national tragedies like the Oklahoma terrorist bombing as a spokesperson for the organization.

If you want great experience while supporting a great cause, volunteer your time at ARC and organizations like them. Although I was a paid employee, I worked alongside volunteers who helped develop:

• Direct marketing pieces
• Fundraiser events (everything from black-tie affairs to a Rolling Stones benefit concert)
• Commercials (I wrote them. They starred in them.)

I'm not saying that you'll have the same experiences, because each ARC chapter has specific needs. Still, you may come away with something to add to your resume and portfolio and feel good about your accomplishments. To see how you can assist ARC in your area, click the logo.