The goal of D.A.R.T. is to train and engage volunteers in the basics of disaster preparedness, response and recovery. D.A.R.T. members further the Boston Cares mission by building the profile of volunteerism in the Greater Boston community, as well as by maintaining the relationships between Boston Cares and partnering disaster management agencies such as American Red Cross, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the Boston Medical Reserve Corps.

Any member of Boston Cares, aged 18+, who attends a

Ready When the Time Comes orientation through BostonCares and the American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts.

D.A.R.T. members attend “Ready When the Time Comes” to become familiar with our primary partner, the American Red Cross, and their disaster services

programs.  Additional optional trainings are provided throughout the year and members are encouraged to attend as many different training opportunities as they like.  When a disaster hits the Greater Boston area, D.A.R.T. members will be called upon by Boston Cares to volunteer to serve in roles such as handling phone lines at the Emergency Operations Center, staffing Red Cross shelters,

assessing damage after storms, and more.