By: Noora Fatima, American Red Cross

The American Red Cross logo is recognized around the world, and many young Americans learn

about Clara Barton through her significance during the Civil War. I loved reading the book Who Was? that tells her story, and at the ripe age of nine I inhaled it. That book was quite a read.

Sometimes, however, it seems the Red Cross is something young people only associate with history. But Barton’s pride and joy is still alive and well, and in great need of more volunteers than ever to keep Clara Barton’s fire going. The Red Cross stretches across the entire country and upholds one singular principle: to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

Young people seeking volunteer activities that are conducive to medical assistance to their local community sometimes find it hard to find those kinds of organizations. But the Red Cross offers unique opportunities through blood drives, disaster relief, aid delivery for both

local and international operations, and much more. The Red Cross is a name Americans trust, and opportunities to participate in the Red Cross mission as a young person are limitless, whether it be through giving virtual presentations to potential volunteers, by volunteering to advertise blood drives, or by writing stories such as this one.

It can be a struggle to find ways to contribute to the world around you, especially when

you’re young and in school. Thankfully, the Red Cross is the perfect way to do so without

forgetting the true worth of volunteer service. I have learned from my time with the Red Cross that volunteering is a way to perpetuate the value of helping others with no promised reward.

It’s never too late to become a volunteer, and the benefits are immeasurable. Your voice and ability to impact your world and those around you are amplified by participating in the Red Cross mission to improve the quality of life for people everywhere.

For more information on youth and young adult volunteer opportunities, click here.