National Youth Involvement Month

What is National Youth Involvement Month? 

National Youth Involvement Month is one of the Red Cross-National Youth Council’s most exciting and encompassing annual initiatives aiming to celebrate the accomplishments of Red Cross youth and young adult volunteers across the nation. Taking place in November, NYIM has a different theme each year: this year’s theme is “Youth: Heroes in Action.”National Youth Involvement Month is a time to celebrate the great work our youth and young adult volunteers do to support the Red Cross. The goal this November is for you to explore the Red Cross’ Mission through engaging youth and young adults in new challenges the Red Cross faces in its mission delivery/volunteer services.  

This year in NYIM, each week will be dedicated to the classic activities that have showcased American Red Cross youth’s exemplary work towards providing compassionate care to their communities, such as Be Red Cross Ready, Missing Maps, International Humanitarian Law, and more! You can view the calendar of events planned here:

Calendar of Events 

WEEK 1: Volunteer Services and ”Youth: Heroes in Action” Week 

• 11/1, 7PM – 8PM EST : NYIM Kick-Off Event 

Kick off NYIM by attending the NYC’s virtual kick-off event where we will discuss the month’s events, challenges, and vision regarding NYIM this year! 

• 11/6, 7PM – 8PM EST: “How do I start a Red Cross Club/Chapter?” Virtual Event 

Learn how to start your own Red Cross Chapter/Club from NYC members who have done so already! 

• 11/7, 7PM-8PM EST NCA – Hosted Event: How to Start a Blood Drive 

Join the National Collegiate Assembly in learning how to start your own Red Cross Blood Drive! 

• 11/8: Instagram Takeover: BTS of a Red Cross Club Volunteer 

Tune in for a day in the life of an American Red Cross Youth Volunteer! 

WEEK 2: Disaster Cycle Services Week 

• 11/13, 7PM – 8PM EST: Disaster Action Virtual Event 

Join National Youth Council members and DAT members in discussing Red Cross initiatives toward natural disasters! 

• 11/15: Instagram Takeover: BTS of a National Youth Council Member 

Tune in for a day in the life of an American Red Cross-National Youth Council member! 

• 11/18, 7PM – 8PM EST: “Be Red Cross Ready” Virtual Presentation 

 Join National Youth Council members and USVI/Central Florida volunteers in learning about natural disaster preparedness through a BRCR virtual presentation! 

WEEK 3: Sustainability and Latino Engagement Week 

11/20, 6PM-7PM EST: Sustainability and Latino Engagement Panel Event 

Attend a panel event led by National Youth Council members and experts on discussing the importance of Latino inclusion and climate and sustainability! 

11/22: Climate and Sustainability Instagram Live 

 Tune in to an Instagram Live discussing climate and sustainability in the Red Cross! 

WEEK 4: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Week 

• 11/27, 7PM-8PM EST: DEI Virtual Panel Event 

Join the DEI team in learning more about the American Red Cross’ diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives!  

• 11/30: 2023 NYIM Recap Instagram Live  

Join the NYIM team and company on Instagram to celebrate all the NYIM achievements accomplished this year! 

How Can You Participate in NYIM?  

• Host or participate in a Red Cross volunteer event as a Red Cross Club or an Individual Volunteer .
• Sign up to Donate Blood
• Attend a virtual volunteer event hosted by the National Youth Council. 
• Participate in this year’s competitions
• International Humanitarian Law Competition: Create artwork dedicated to IHL 2023’s theme this year! Simply post your art on Facebook or Instagram with your name, region, a description of your art, and the #IHLArt2023. 
• Brazen Recruitment Challenge: Each month, ARC’s National Recruitment Team holds a recruitment event in an effort to engage more youth and young adults. This November, NYC will hold a competition to see who can bring the most volunteers to NYIM events throughout the month. 

How to Report Your Involvement:  

• Kudos Board: Volunteers, clubs, and regions will have the opportunity to submit their NYIM memorabilia into a Kudos Board, where any and all will be able to see the amazing work of volunteers this year!   

How Clubs and Individuals will be spotlighted?  

Outstanding Clubs and Individual Volunteers will be selected to be a featured spotlight based on form submissions, event/volunteer details, and alignment with the weekly themes: Sustainability, Hurricane Preparedness, and Pillowcase Project. If you want to be spotlighted as a Club and/or Individual, please submit your service activities by posting them on social media with the hashtag #NYIM2023Spotlight. Please include: Region/Club name. Event you participated in. Pictures from the event. Results (how many people were trained, number of volunteers, hours logged on Volunteer Connection, etc.). 

Not sure where to start?

No worries, we have a number of resources to guide you in selecting the right activity given your timeline, resources, and most of all passions! Take a look at the activity guides page to get an idea of how you can participate in NYIM!  

Quick Links:  

• Schedule a time to Donate Blood

Please check back on this page and follow our Instagram at @americanredcrossyouth and Facebook page at American Red Cross Youth Network to receive updates on NYIM 2023. Feel free to post updates on your personal Instagram and Facebook pages with #NYIM23 and #redcrossyouth! 

If you have any questions, please direct them to youthinvolvement@redcross.org. We hope that you join us in encouraging youth and young adults to serve with their passions by participating in NYIM 2023!