By Anabel Monge, Communications Manager for the Illinois Red Cross

Sepehr Khavari still remembers the day a college friend suggested he join the Red Cross Club at Northwestern University.  A quick search led him to the club and the International Humanitarian Law Program, which introduces students to the Geneva Conventions, the basic rules of international humanitarian law, and the Red Cross role during armed conflict.

From Curiosity to Commitment

“When there is a conflict and there’s two parties at war a humanitarian organization like the Red Cross can come in, and they can be neutral and help both sides,” Sepehr explains. “As humanitarians we can come in and make sure our disaster relief workers are safe and that everyone gets the proper help they need, no matter what side of the conflict are on.”

Sepehr felt intrigued and quickly dove in. He has volunteered for more than two years now and serves as coordinator of the program, helping recruit and train new volunteers.

Teaching the Next Generation

“I really like being part of the Red Cross Club and the International Humanitarian Law Program,” Sepehr says. “I get to work with high school kids and instruct them on how the Red Cross tries to make the world a better place.”

Founded in 2010, the Red Cross Club at Northwestern has spent nearly two decades helping students deliver messages of health, safety and preparedness. Student volunteers promote the organization’s mission, expand the volunteer base, and help shape the next generation of humanitarian leaders.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet younger students and be a good mentor to them,” Sepehr adds. “By guiding them through the projects, we give them an opportunity to explore their own approaches to issues that impact our world while feeling supported.”

Sepehr has noticed growing interest among young people in global events. “Social media has made information more accessible and that sparks curiosity,” he says. “Students come to me with questions about issues they’ve heard on the news. We exchange thoughts and these discussions help them process what’s happening in the world.”

He also values hearing from fellow Red Cross volunteers about their deployments and disaster response work. “We learn about their work, and we see how their efforts make a difference. At the day, we’re all trying to make this a better world.”

Engineering Student, Humanitarian Volunteer

Sepehr is majoring in mechanical engineering, a field that may seem very different from his humanitarian work.  Yet he believes volunteering is equally important because it trains him to recognize needs and mobilize to help.

“Volunteering has opened my eyes to the world,” he says. “We are students, volunteers, and in a way, we can be changemakers. This experience has taught me so much about how we can serve our community.”

The Red Cross has over 30 active clubs in the Illinois Region. If you want to become more involved in your community and gain leadership skills, consider starting a Red Cross Club at your high school, community college, or university.