By: Nishita Kulkarni, Red Cross Youth Volunteer

I used to believe that humanitarian work had to be loud.

Alarms. Shouts. Wails.

However, as the Newsletter Chair for the American Red Cross NC Youth Council, I have come to understand that the most impactful deeds of humanity don’t always make noise.

One of the fundamental principles of the global Red Cross network is humanity. This principle calls us to prevent and alleviate suffering, wherever it may be found. When I first saw this sentence, my attention was immediately brought to “alleviate.” I thought of action, movement, and direct response.

Today, I concentrate on a different word: prevent.

Every other week, when I design and write our regional newsletter, I don’t just spend time formatting the updates I receive; I also advocate, build awareness, and remind youth volunteers how important their work is. I am linking the newest generations of North Carolina to the same mission.

Since prevention originates from awareness, I’ve made sure to engage myself in advocacy.

For instance, when we (the NC Youth Council) host mapping events or service projects, I make it my mission to tell the story behind our actions. A building being traced through mapping signifies faster aid after a storm. This means individuals living in vulnerable, unmapped areas receive better aid in the event of an emergency. When we are in need of volunteers, I make sure to highlight why being there actually matters.

I’ve come to understand that stories motivate people differently from how statistics do.

I have spent countless nights refining one paragraph because I wanted it to be exceptional, but also to showcase the urgency needed and the humanity behind my call for action. I find that even if one person were to open the PDF and be inspired to volunteer because they felt the heart in my words, humanity would continue to spread.

Being Bound by Red has helped me learn that service isn’t simply at the front lines: in the emergency room or on a disaster relief team. It can also be in a role that helps voice others’ impact; turning information into inspiration to encourage more people to get involved.

The American Red Cross was created to safeguard life and health without discrimination. As a youth leader, I contribute to this mission by ensuring it is exemplified, understood, and lived out by my peers. I help connect action and awareness.

Humanity is not consistently observable; it can be written.

So every time I click “send,” I remember these words, which, when ingrained with compassion, can inspire the community to change.