After September 11, 2001, America witnessed a wellspring of selflessness and heroism. People in every corner of the country asked, "What can I do?" and "How can I help?" Citizen Corps was created to help all Americans answer these questions through public education and outreach, training, and volunteer service.
Citizen Corps Councils helps drive local citizen participation by coordinating Citizen Corps programs, developing community action plans, assessing possible threats and identifying local resources.
Programs
Click on each logo for further program information.
 | Citizen Corps
We all have a role in hometown security. Citizen Corps asks you to embrace the personal responsibility to be prepared; to get training in first aid and emergency skills; and to volunteer to support local emergency responders, disaster relief, and community safety. |
 | Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective. |
 | Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)
The Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program is a Citizen Corps program. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) manages and implements the VIPS Program in partnership with and on behalf of the White House Office of the USA Freedom Corps and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice. The program's goal is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers. The Volunteers in Police Service website is the foundation of this national initiative to help state and local law enforcement agencies. The Web site serves as a gateway to information for law enforcement agencies and citizens interested in law enforcement volunteer programs. |
 | DuPage County Medical Reserve Corps
The DuPage County Medical Reserve Corps is comprised of county residents who are willing to help the area’s public health sector if it becomes overburdened by an emergency. A wide array of health professionals as well as individuals without medical experience are encouraged to join. |
 | USAonWatch
USAonwatch through Neighborhood Watch empowers citizens in our communities with the opportunity to volunteer to work toward the safety of our homeland. The site not only provides information on Neighborhood Watch and the enables browsers to download National Sheriffs' Association's Neighborhood Watch Implementation Manual, which contains information on how to start a Watch group, but also features success stories and articles on Neighborhood Watch, a weekly email newsletter, and live audio interviews with government officials, law enforcement officials, and others involved in Neighborhood Watch. |