Congratulations, IA East Red Cross Club!!!

Rebeka accepts the Youth Leadership Award from Julie Phenis, Youth Coordinator

Rebeka Islam is the president of the Red Cross Club at Cass Tech High School in Detroit. The Cass Tech Club has shown a real dedication to the mission of the Red Cross through activities such as fundraising for major disasters overseas, promoting the Red Cross to their school, and learning First Aid and CPR. The club’s success has been largely due to its Rebeka. Rebeka founded her Red Cross club last school year and has been a true example of youth involvement in the Red Cross. Rebeka’s spirit and determination have impressed the Volunteer and Youth Services department, as she has truly led her club to flourish. Helping other students become leaders and promoting involvement to students all over Cass Tech, the Cass Tech Red Cross Club has made great progress.

Congratulations Rebeka!!!

Are you interested in joining a team of volunteers making a difference in the lives of elementary school students in Detroit? Read more…

The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Region is the second busiest chapter in the nation when it comes to responding to fires. Responding to an average of five residential fires per day, last year alone we provided emergency food, clothing and shelter for over 1500 families. In partnership with the DTE Energy Foundation we have created an exciting, interactive program led by passionate volunteers to educate upper elementary students in Detroit about fire safety, preparedness, and prevention.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

• Must be willing to become a registered Red Cross volunteer with completed background check, or already be a registered Red Cross volunteer with background check
• Attend a 2.5 hour training session to learn how to administer Red Cross Ready
• Work in teams of 4-5 volunteers to bring the Red Cross Ready program to Detroit area elementary schools (primarily in the inner city)
• Participate in at least 3 presentations of Red Cross Ready – most presentations take place during school days
• This is an opportunity for adults and young adults

Interested? Contact Julie Phenis at 313-494-2855 or julie.phenis@redcross.org

For more information click here: http://semredcrossyouth.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/redcrossready-volunteer.pdf

The American Red Cross has updated its mission statement, vision and values as of March 2012.

Even though the language has been revised, our original mission, vision and values has not changed; it’s just a fresher way to express what the Red Cross does and strives to be.  The first mission statement was adopted in 1967 and has been modified periodically to reflect the evolving role of the Red Cross.

New Mission Statement

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Vision Statement

The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners is always there in times of need.  We aspires to turn compassion into action so that…

…all people affected by disaster across the county and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;

…our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;

…everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;

…all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and

…in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

Values

• Along with the new mission and vision statements, we also want to lay out the values that are essential to our continues success; compassionate, collaborative, creative, credible and committed.
• These values are not new to the Red Cross, but this gives us a common language and foundation to grow on.  The values drive how we accomplish our goals and conduct ourselves to execute and achieve our Strategic Journey.
• Compassionate:  We are dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve and to treating each other with care and respect.
• Collaborative:  We work together as One Red Cross family, in partnership with other organizations and always embrace diversity and inclusiveness.
• Creative:  We see new ideas, are open to change and always look for better ways to serve those in need.
• Credible:  We act with integrity, are transparent guardians of the public trust and honor our promises.
• Committed:  We hold ourselves accountable for defining and meeting clear objectives, delivering on our mission and carefully stewarding our donor funds.

The nice weather, the end of classes just around the corner – these things may have you thinking about what you are going to do this summer.

Maybe you’re planning on getting a job. Perhaps you have travel plans and will be studying or living abroad. Either way, you’re probably looking forward to a break from school and/or work and can’t wait to hang out with friends and family and to have some fun.

Summer is also a great time to volunteer, reach out, and connect to others through service opportunities, and the American Red Cross inSoutheastern Michiganhas a bunch of ideas:

• Volunteer with American Red Cross blood services: this is a great way to volunteer with the Red Cross especially if you are a teen
• Represent the Red Cross at a big event! Often times throughout the summer we need volunteers at events like baseball games, races, and other fun, summery events. You can contact your local Red Cross office to get involved.
• Visit a veteran’s hospital once a week – this is a good way to make connections with people who’ve served our country.
• Raise money to build comfort kits! Have a bake sale, clean out your home and have a garage sale, run a lemonade stand – and buy comfort kit supplies. Comfort kits are always needed for those who experience a disaster. Here’s a list of what goes in a comfort kit – please note that ALL items MUST be trial sized.
  • Adult comfort kit: Shaving cream, razor, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, comb, bar soap, washcloth, pack of tissues
  • Kits comfort kits: Deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, comb, bar soap, washcloth, pack of tissues, pack of crayons, coloring book
• Get some training, take a class: http://www.redcross.org/en/takeaclass. Classes we offer:
  • First Aid or CPR
  • Babysitting
  • Lifeguarding – getting certified is a great way to get a job
  • Swimming

Whatever you do this summer, make it memorable, and keep the American Red Cross in-mind!

Hello Red Cross Club Members!

We are looking to you all to help promote the American Red Cross for Red Cross Month, which is coming up in March. Your club can participate by creating a showcase, large poster, mural, public service announcement, or any other type of creative display showcasing the American Red Cross in your community, as well as your club.

Each entry will be judged on its adherence to the Red Cross Mission, overall appeal, relevance to the Red Cross, and visibility. WINNING CLUBS WILL RECEIVE MONEY FOR FUTURE PROJECTS! Please share this video with your club to learn more about the contest!! For more info contact Julie at phenisj@usa.redcross.org or 313-494-2855.

Watch the video, share with your club, and win some funds for your club!

- Donate blood! If you are 17 years or older (or 16 with parental consent) you can donate blood
- Host a blood drive at your school
- Volunteer at a blood drive
- Encourage a friend or family member to donate blood

Visit redcrossblood.org for more information.

MLK Day of Service, January 16th