How Do Graduates Keep Their Interest?

• It is important to each jurisdiction that graduates realize they are an integral part of the Local Emergency Management System. The CERT Program Coordinator should schedule graduates for a variety of activities that are intended to show the jurisdiction’s commitment to the Program.

• • Graduates might be allowed to ride with in-service emergency units in order to see some of the techniques they have learned used in the field.
    
  • Monthly meetings might be scheduled for graduates and interested individuals to attend. Attendees can be brought up to date on any news or changes that may affect them, or the emergency management system; and they can be given up to an hour class on a topic that enhances training they have received.
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  • Graduates should be asked to periodically attend neighborhood activities or other public gatherings to man exhibits, hand out literature, and help others learn about the CERT Program.
    
  • Graduates available during daytime hours may be asked to volunteer to help administer the program and answer telephone inquiries.
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  • Some jurisdictions around the country use CERT graduates as a volunteer resource for community service projects.