The old adage: “Work Smarter, Not Harder” is exactly what Al Lattof has in mind when he tackles data problems that need streamlining. Red Crossers are already working hard, but with a little help in the software area, they can get a lot more accomplished doing it.
“I really love coming up with tools that save hours of grinding data and free people up to do the actual work. Whether it’s in shelter planning for a big fire, case management or working with community partners, small changes in data handling can make all the difference in how quickly we can get at what really matters,” says Al.
Case in point: Many volunteers didn’t know how to use Microsoft Teams to have team meetings and share data from different areas. During the Covid-19 interlude, remote virtual meetings are key to keeping everyone on track and getting critical Red Cross work accomplished.
Al was instrumental in setting up a Team site for sharing data and keeping up the camaraderie, one of the reasons people volunteer with Red Cross. He really enjoyed helping people build a comfort level with the program and use it to their advantage.
Says Lattof, “with Teams, we can get a group of volunteers and staff together virtually to identify problems and come up with possible solutions. It is so great to see people working together like this when we can’t actually get together.”
Another program he has been able to assist with is RC View and the incorporation of the National Shelter System. In RC View, maps are used to display data on a national basis. He says it can be a difficult program to understand, but he guides people through it. Then if there is a fire or other natural disaster, they can pull up the maps to see where the disaster is in relation to nearby shelters, shortening the process of getting them ready to receive evacuees.
Troy Staples, Director of Preparedness and Resilience for the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming region, is extremely grateful to have Lattof as his volunteer partner. “Al has been reporting to me for about five years now. He would do anything for anyone who asks. He’s a jack of all trades who loves nothing better than doing special projects, interpreting computerese for the people who need it, and keeping the region running smoothly.”
He says there are so many things Lattof has done for the region as a hobby that he probably can’t list them all. Some of the highlights include:
- Cataloging and tracing disaster IT equipment
- Devising tracking forms and spreadsheets for disaster data
- Setting up data tracking for their three-year Stabilizing Denver grant
- Setting up data tracking for the executive management team
- Training volunteers and staff to use a variety of programs
All that work can involve thirty hours a week or three, depending on what the needs are. The whole chapter is hoping that Lattof doesn’t decide to retire any time soon. It would leave a big hole to fill. Two years ago, Lattof was Volunteer of the Year for the Mile High Chapter, but he wouldn’t tell you that, says Staples. He doesn’t want recognition for anything. He just likes the challenge.
Al Lattof would agree. “It isn’t about getting the credit. It is about the fantastic sense of community we have with volunteers and staff in Red Cross. While I take a lot of satisfaction in taking on new things and explaining them to people, I am also amazed that every single volunteer and staffer I work with teaches me something new, too!”
Thanks Al, for your talents, passion, and servant heart. You are a joy to work with.