Sitting on the airplane right now after just finishing a three day meeting of the American Red Cross National Youth Council in Washington DC, I cannot express how excited I am to get back to California. It’s not that I dislike the incredibly cold weather back east which inhibits my sandal wearing ability, or the fact that all I want to do is crawl in my bed and sleep. No, the reason I want to get back so badly is because after only three days of meetings I am so incredibly inspired with the people and the organization I work with, I just want to make all those innovative ideas we came up with actually occur.
I know all Red Crossers have these moments when, with the correct personal and opportunities we can do no less than save the world (a project I am currently working on with Mat). But I also realize that those dreams do mellow out with time. If only there was a magic way that I could keep this energy throughout the entire year… Realizing it is better for me to come up with a few strategies instead of potions (Redbull?) to keep the energy up; I do have a few ideas.
In my numerous years with the American Red Cross no event has boosted my energy and revitalized my dedication to this organization than National Convention. It sounds pretty cliché but going to National Convention is like going home for the holidays, everyone is there, the entire Red Cross family. I am sad that convention is every two years now, but something new, something equally as special has moved into town, the National Youth Institute. I can’t tell you how excited I am this year to go out to St. Louis and see youth from across the country creating and developing projects that can shape the future of this organization.
But those conventions are months away from now! Can I really keep up the energy with all the school work I have to do? The answer is obviously yes, if I make the effort. For me, seeing an old Red Cross buddy over Thanksgiving or Winter break should help out, as well as going back to my home chapter and saying hi, and letting them know what I am up to. Often just going online and looking at those incredible statistics about our aid during the hurricanes inspires me to keep going.
So I think in a weird way I have answered my own question. How do you keep up your energy after a great event? You need to look no further than getting excited for the next general club meeting, visiting the Red Cross website, looking back at those crazy ideas you had written on a napkin, planning lunch with a Red Cross friend, or attending a pot luck dinner at the chapter (Mat and I will bring the cookies).
What are your best strategies for keeping the spirit alive? Let me know!
Pat West, California
Filed under: National Headquarters, Recruitment
