Service Learning

Service-learning is an integral part of the Disaster Science and Management program at LSU.  The DSM course requiring service-learning is Fundamentals of Emergency Management (GEOG 2210).  Although projects and community partners may change from semester to semester, the DSM program has a strong partnership with the American Red Cross.

The DSM program regularly partners with the American Red Cross to provide students with hands-on training and experience while delivering much needed services to the communities in and surrounding Baton Rouge.  For more about how you can be a part of our local area Red Cross chapter, please visit: http://www.redcross.org/la/baton-rouge/volunteer/opportunities. Students have trained and served with the Red Cross in numerous capacities, including but not limited to:

Disaster Action Team (DAT) participation (includes but is not limited to assisting immediately after residential fires): On call after-hours, weekends and holidays.  Trained volunteers respond to the scene of a local disaster to provide immediate emergency services to individuals and families.

Community Disaster Education: Teach community groups about emergency prevention.  Presentations can last from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on the requested program. Training and presentation materials are provided before teaching.

Government Liaison: Serve as liaison between the not-for-profit organization and government agency/agencies during a disaster.