By: Kathy Stewart 

Andrea Isengard, Science Faculty at the J.L. Mann Academy of Science and Mathematics, noted that many of her kids felt isolated from their peers during the pandemic. Isengard started the first Red Cross Club chapter in upstate SC as a “really great way for them to be able to collaborate and re-connect with their classmates.”

Isengard involved students in positive Club activities such as fundraisers that they could do remotely. Their Club’s fundraisers included money raised for the Ukrainian crisis and veterans care packages. Gratified by the experience of making holiday cards for veterans, Red Cross Club President Radhika Patel said, “We realized how simple activities like this can make someone feel valued and appreciated.”

A student favorite, the Zombie Apocalypse Emergency Response, leads kids through the develop of an emergency plan and building their own emergency pillowcases filled with items needing in an emergency. Patel found that this annual event benefits the Red Cross Club by boosting student involvement and interest.

“It helps to provide that mindset for kids of readiness for their families and for themselves,” said Isengard. “Many students also developed emergency readiness videos that we could broadcast to their peers.”

Red Cross Clubs expose students to all five lines of service: Disaster Services, Service to Armed Forces, International Services, Training Services and Biomedical Services. Isengard incorporates a sickle cell anemia activity to raise awareness about iron deficiency and global health. Using information from the Red Cross and United Nations reports, “It’s something my AP Biology students have been working on, developing a global health protein analysis,” giving her students a feeling of contributing back to their community.

Since the Club’s inception, enthusiasm has been contagious. “Currently we have about 70 students on our roster, a huge build from when we first started,” said Isengard.

Educators and students interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, and resources or sharing news about their own club’s activities can check out the monthly YouthWire e-newsletter.

Isengard appreciates how students have grown through their participation in the Red Cross Club. “A lot of kids are now running for Club officer positions and seeking opportunities they might not have ever considered. My first president is now the president of the Clemson University chapter.”

High school students seeking to amp up their volunteerism can apply to the Field Ambassador Program, which selects 1 Field Ambassador as the liaison between their local region and the National Youth Council, which works closely with local chapters/clubs to promote national initiatives.

Patel plans to stay connected with the Red Cross in the future by volunteering during college. High school students like Patel can continue to serve the Red Cross and its mission once in college -- by leading their college’s chapter or by joining the National Collegiate Assembly, a network of Collegiate Red Cross Clubs and their Chapters to encourage communication and nationwide partnerships. Are you a student or educator interested in forming a club at your school? Resources like this toolkit can help you get started and tips on ways to plan service projects will keep the momentum going.