Slide from an IHL lesson module on this year's theme, Journalism and Armed Conflict."
What if the next generation of leaders had the tools to shape a more humane world—starting right now? That’s exactly what the American Red Cross International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Youth Action Campaign is all about. And the 2025–26 program is already gearing up to empower students across the country to raise awareness about the rules of war and the importance of neutrality in times of conflict.
In Southeastern Pennsylvania, this work is championed by Jamie Boris, Regional Program Manager for Services to the Armed Forces and International Services. Jamie brings a strong background in nonprofit and humanitarian work, as well as family ties to the U.S. military. Her passion for global service and community empowerment fuels her leadership of this inspiring program that connects young people to issues that matter on a worldwide scale.
What is the Youth Action Campaign (YAC)?
The YAC is designed for high school and college students who are curious about international humanitarian issues. Many already imagine careers in humanitarian law, international service, or foreign affairs—but whether or not that’s their career path, they walk away with knowledge and perspective they wouldn’t normally gain in a classroom.
As a fairly new program in our region, the International Services team recruits students from high school Red Cross clubs or by request from interested students. They are organized into in-person or virtual teams and are trained by certified IHL Youth Action Campaign Coordinators on the principles of humanitarian law, the rules of armed conflict, and the Red Cross commitment to neutrality.
Once trained, the students become International Humanitarian Law Advocates by creating peer-to-peer campaigns to raise awareness in their communities. They are granted creative freedom to develop programs and materials with the goal of engaging and educating members within their peer groups and the larger community.
Each year, there’s a theme that ties their creativity together. This year’s theme is “Journalism in Armed Conflict.”
Why this Knowledge Matters
In a world where conflicts fill our newsfeeds daily, it can be easy to feel helpless. But YAC is working to flip the narrative—it gives young people the chance to lead conversations that matter. They’re not just learning about humanitarian law; they’re shaping how their peers think about war, peace, and human dignity.
And their work doesn’t stay local. Campaigns can be submitted nationally, with some students even invited to showcase their efforts in Washington, D.C.
As Jamie told me, participation and interest are growing every year—and she can’t wait to see the creativity that this new cohort brings to such an urgent and timely theme.
Free Learning Resources for Everyone
The IHL Youth Action Campaign isn’t just for students. The American Red Cross offers free resources for anyone who wants to learn more:
A Call to Action
Whether you’re a student, a teacher, a parent, or simply someone who believes in a more humane world, this program deserves your attention. It’s about sparking curiosity, empowering young voices, and reminding us all that neutrality and humanity are not abstract ideas—they’re daily choices we make as a global community.
So here’s the invitation: learn more, share what you discover, and support the next generation of humanitarians.Their voices matter. Their ideas matter. And with the Youth Action Campaign, they just might change the way the world understands conflict.
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- Written by Terri Seydel
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