International Mobilization and Preparation for ACTion (IMPACT)
All delegates on our roster are required to successfully complete the following two training courses offered by the Canadian Red Cross.
World of Red Cross (WORC) is a general orientation program that provides an introduction to the main elements of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. The course consists of 12 modules covering topics such as origin and history of the Red Cross Fundamental Principles, the Red Cross emblem, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation, and National Societies. The online course is offered free of charge and takes approximately 20 hours to complete. At the end of the course a test is administered to verify that participants understand the course content. The course is open to all Red Cross Red Crescent staff, volunteers, external audiences, government authorities, donors, the media, schools, and the interested general public.
International Mobilization and Preparation for ACTion (IMPACT) is a seven day training course facilitated by experienced trainers from the ICRC, Federation, and Canadian Red Cross. The course is designed to provide additional training to participants and will prepare future Red Cross delegates for a mission with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement by taking an in-depth look at the roles of the ICRC, the Federation, and National Societies in times of disaster and conflict. The course also covers practical subjects such as dealing with stress, security, and cross cultural awareness. Participation in IMPACT is by invitation only. Applicants and interested parties who meet the established criteria, successfully complete screening interviews and reference checks, and who also complete WORC may be invited to participate in the course. The course is currently offered one to two times per year at a location within Canada.
The objectives of the IMPACT and WORC courses are to:
- Educate the participant on the history and principles of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, and to improve his or her understanding and commitment to the mandate and culture.
- Provide context in situations on conflict, disaster, and relief.
- Develop key skills for relief and development activities.
- Promote a sense of teamwork and an understanding of how the Red Cross interacts with external organizations.
- Provide knowledge and practical tips to help participants work effectively within a delegation.
- Provide background information on the roles and responsibilities of delegates.
- Discuss issues, problems, and challenges a delegate may encounter.
- Provide an opportunity for the Canadian Red Cross to reassess the participant’s suitability to work as a delegate.
- Complete the evaluation process of the participants.
These objectives are achieved through the WORC correspondence module and a variety of discussions, group work, and practical inputs during the IMPACT course.
