The San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter believes YOUTH have the potential to make a difference in huge ways. In our eyes, they are a vital resource bringing energy, innovation, and inspiration to the American Red Cross.
Today, the involvement of young people with the Red Cross is more important than ever. Our goal is to provide young people with meaningful opportunities for education, training, and volunteer/community service so that they remain a part of the Red Cross family throughout their lives. Youth up to age 24 make up 35% of all Red Cross volunteers - we are 169,000 youth volunteers strong nationally!
Youth Outreach: The outreach team delivers Community Disaster Education (CDE) presentations at local elementary, middle and high schools, and universities. We encourage students to start Red Cross Clubs and become leaders in disaster preparedness. "For more information, please contact Volunteer Resources Department at volunteer@sdarc.org
The Life of a Red Cross Youth Volunteer...
Leadership Development
We are active in Red Cross Clubs at our schools, attend Leadership Development Centers and are members of the San Diego Youth Council, which is led by:
Youth Council President: Angela Nguyen, UCSD
Youth Council Vice President: Cindy Hsu, Carlsbad HS
Community Outreach Chair: Nasim Delavari, La Costa Canyon HS
International Services Chair: Cristine Frietze, USD
Fundraising & Special Events Chair: Cindy Tran, Mira Mesa HS
Communications Chair: Adeleine Tran, Mira Mesa HS
Disaster Services
We are involved in all areas of Red Cross Disaster Services that includes community disaster education and disaster response. In the event of a large scale disaster, we work in emergency shelters to help community members affected by the disaster (only volunteers eighteen years old and up are eligible to work in shelters).
Health and Safety Services
Biomedical Services
For those of us over the age of sixteen, we donate blood. We realize that every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. We help with blood drives by recruiting donors, arranging appointments, acting as escorts, and serving refreshments. We also assist with tissue and organ donor recruitment.
International Services
We are global citizens who raise funds and awareness for worldwide measles vaccinations. We learn about the importance of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement's roles through studying international humanitarian law.
Services to the Armed Forces
We assemble care packages for thousands of US military members on deployment.
Red Cross Club Activities
We fundraise; organize teddy bear and toy drives; sell disaster kits; host blood drives; and receive disaster preparedness training.
Service Learning Projects
All service projects must follow the mission of the American Red Cross. Some fun activities include wildfire brush clearing, softball/tennis tournaments and organizing food drives. We are leaders in our schools serving as mentors to peers on disaster preparedness, substance abuse prevention, environmental awareness, and other major youth projects.
Internships
The San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross recognizes the value of youth and encourages internships. At only 17 years old Outreach Intern, Faissa Hassan received the prestigious Volunteer of the Month award for May 2009. Cal State San Marcos senior, Brandon Nelson interned in the Community Outreach department and created this incredible website highlighting his experiences.
Best of all, we CELEBRATE!
May 8 – World Red Cross Day
October 12-16 – Fire Prevention Week
December 5 – International Volunteer Day
We learn about leading healthier, safer lives through American Red Cross courses such as Babysitter's Training, First Aid, CPR, Water Safety, and Lifeguard Training. We also have the opportunity to develop leadership skills by serving as instructors in our communities.
If you would like to become a Youth Volunteer or support our local Youth Programs, please complete the following steps:
- First, attend a Red Cross Orientation
- Complete the Chapter Volunteer Application
- Complete a Background Check (18+) or Youth Permission Form (ages 16-17)