We are excited to announce the re-boot of a chapter Youth
Program for volunteers ages 12-17. Youth volunteers will now have the
opportunity to get involved with the Red Cross in one of three ways: volunteer
individually, join a Red Cross Club or partner with the Red Cross through a separate
group or club (e.g. Girl Scouts, Civil Air Patrol).
Leading the chapter program is Youth Coordinator Kristen
Lawrence. Kristen is a Louisville native who graduated from the University of
Louisville with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Before coming to the Red
Cross, she worked with the YMCA Youth Achievers and the Louisville Youth
Advocates, a group that petitions for policy change in west Louisville
neighborhoods.
Having both participated in and led community groups such
as the YMCA Leader’s Club and Black Achievers, Kristen is familiar with effective
youth programs and understands what draws youth to participate in clubs—things
like hands-on experience, networking opportunities and making friends.
“A lot of [youth] genuinely want to make a difference—not
just for the name, but because they want to do something good,” said Kristen.
Currently, Kristen is meeting with youth coordinators
throughout the Louisville region to collect ideas and best practices. Once the
Louisville Area Chapter program is fully up and running, she hopes to
collaborate with other groups to develop a region-wide event or initiative.
At this time, the program is in its recruiting phase.
Once registered, new volunteers attend a youth volunteer orientation where they
learn the history of the Red Cross, participate in games and learn about volunteer
opportunities. If you know someone between the ages of 12 and 17 that is
interested in becoming a Red Cross youth volunteer, please contact Kristen at
(502) 561-3608 or e-mail kristen.lawrence@redcross.org.
0 comments:
Post a Comment