Plastic Free July
A global movement started to reduce and solve plastic pollution, Plastic Free July is a month to encourage everyone to take part in the change. One of the main goals is to reduce the use of single-use plastics and find alternatives that are sustainable.
- Learn more about the Plastic Free July challenge here: https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
Check out these great ideas to implement in your lives and encourage those around you to focus on sustainability:
- bring a reusable coffee cup
- explore altnerative reusable sanitary item options
- buy fewer items that come with extra packaging
- use reusable grocery bags
- use reusable straws
- get creative with bin liners instead of using plastic bags
- organize a cleanup outdoors
- host a workshop about environmental sustainability
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
NMMHAM is a time to recognize the unique struggles regarding mental illness that minority communities may face and raise awareness. It can be important to spread this awareness to destigmatize these topics.
- Engage in Cultural Competency Series on EDGE to gain unique insights from hearing experiential discussions:
- Cultural Competency Series: Busting the Model Minority Myth: the Asian American and Pacific Islander Experience Today
- Cultural Competency Series: “Social Injustice Compounded – Racial Minorities in the LGBTQ+ Community” (December 2020)
- Disaster Mental Health: Introduction
Volunteering Over the Summer
As we are in the peak of summer, it often becomes especially difficult for many to continue volunteering. Nonetheless, the American Red Cross is in need of volunteers all year long, and your help is continually in demand and appreciated. Below are some ways you can continue volunteering during the summer.
- Hold a summer cookout with friends and family, while participating in the Taste of Diversity resource guide. During this event, fundraise by preparing popular dishes from cultures across the world in order to raise money for the Red Cross.
- Though many Red Cross Clubs pause their activities during the summer, you can continue by volunteering or interning at your local Red Cross chapter. Connect with the communities closest to you and provide help firsthand.
- Plan for the upcoming school year by starting, reorganizing or improving your school’s Red Cross Club. Have fun by leading your Club’s members and/or officers in bonding events. Completing escape rooms, going on hikes, rowing on waters, or even just getting food together ensures that each member feels comfortable and secure with one another, leading to the overall success of one’s Club. Teamwork makes the dream work!
- For those of you who recently graduated high school, take some time this summer to read the Red Cross transition guide as you continue volunteering in college. Regardless of where you may be, there are still many ways to stay involved with the Red Cross after high school. Congratulations, Class of 2022!
- Visit the American Red Cross Website in order to find local volunteer opportunities around you.
- Whatever activities you choose to participate in this summer, make sure you take proper precautions to stay safe this summer. Read the Red Cross Summer Safety Guide here and visit this link for tips on dealing with extreme heat. Have fun in the sun!