The Neighborhood Corps of the DC Citizen Corps provides a structure for trained volunteers (i.e., CERT, EMT, VIPS, MRC, DAT) to mobilize and respond to emergencies at the neighborhood level. Drawing on their collective knowledge and diverse skill sets, DC Citizen Corps trained volunteers work together to form individual Neighborhood Corps in their communities. The assistance Neighborhood Corps provide at the community level is an integral component of the District government's emergency response.
Neighborhood Corps have two primary responsibilities: 1) to educate their families and neighbors about emergency preparedness and 2) to be prepared to respond to emergencies in their community if professional first responders cannot reach the scene. DC Citizen Corps provides training and technical assistance for all of the District's Neighborhood Corps.
In April, Serve DC launched the Neighborhood Corps Academy, one of two academy series held throughout the year. The academy allows CERT members to undergo more specialized training from emergency first responders to better aid their neighborhoods and communities. Each series is made up of five classes. Learn more about the Neighborhood Corps Academy* and view the class schedule*.
