Thanks to Yasmin Fosu’s humble request and generous guests, she was able to donate $250 to the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area.

The money collected and donated was specifically used for the Measles Initiative and Malaria Prevention Program. We know that Measles and Malaria are rather large problems that can’t be solved by a $250 check, but because of Yasmin Fosu’s selfless act, an example can be set of giving unnecessary materials to those in need.

Thanks to Yasmin’s contribution, families can be better protected and informed about diseases they face. I also hope that she will be a light to everyone else-to prove that (in this case) receiving gifts on your birthday only provides instant gratification-but giving your efforts to those in need leaves you feeling accomplised.

Julie Gehron, Florida

This summer, the Martin County Red Cross Chapter in Florida hosted a seminar for building youth programs. Nine chapters from all over the state came together to exchange ideas and learn how to create a structured and influential youth program.

Thanks to Crystal Knezek, Youth Coordinator of Martin County and Bianca Kahlenberg, Youth Council Chair, for all the planning, youth members from the particular chapter were able to be a part of, and teach at this beneficial event (including myself). I thought it was a great way to help other areas to get their programs started, all the while learning more in depth about our own chapter and the inner-workings. Here are some thoughts over other youth volunteers who taught at the seminar:

“Our 2007 youth training seminar helped us connect with youth from all over the state. I think all of the chapters benefitted by sharing it’s experiences and exchanging ideas”
-Katrina Bentley

“I think its fair to say that the adults from other chapters had as much fun as the kids did. The seminar was a great balance between youth training and interactive team-building games.”
-Jared Greenbaum

“The youth seminar was such a rewarding experience, I met tons of amazing youth from the other chapters. I definetly plan on keeping in touch.”
-Audrey Hill

So what was taught at our seminar? Different people spoke on different topics that were crucial to an efficient youth program. These included Public Speaking, holding a Youth Leadership Developement Center, Recruiting Youth, Disaster Services, Integrating Youth, etc. All of these classes were found as a necessary “know” for beginning a youth program or even improving an existing one.

After a successful and fun youth training seminar, I encourage other areas, or even states to organize and hold your own youth conference. It provides great networking and synthesis to make your chapter strong. We all know how influential and helpful youth can be, so why not take advantage of that and watch your program flourish.

Julie Gehron, Florida