Joe Becker, Senior Vice President of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross recently sat down to address the youth of the American Red Cross. He wanted to share his message with you all right here on redcrossyouth.org, recognizing and thanking youth across the country for the work they contribute to Disaster Services of the American Red Cross. He encourages you to talk to one another and let your voices be heard right here on the site. For more information on Disaster Services and ways to get involved visit our resource page.

Enjoy!

Bianca, Washington DC

Presentation of the 2009 Red Cross and Red Crescent Youth Declaration

The 2009 Red Cross and Red Crescent Youth Declaration was presented in Geneva on Thursday, July 2nd, on behalf of all 50 million Red Cross and Red Crescent youth volunteers worldwide — and that includes you! We encourage you to read the Declaration, watch the video, and think about the issues which you and your fellow youth volunteers around the world have expressed.

As you will see, there are many problems which are no longer serious issues in the United States. For example, our blood donation programs are voluntary: In the US, a person cannot be paid to give blood. Not only does this regulation actually increase the number of blood donors, but it helps to prevent people from giving false information about their medical history, which helps to ensure a safe blood supply. However, this is not the case everywhere. As you read, think about which problems we still have to solve, and which problems we are lucky enough to have solved already.

2009 Red Cross and Red Crescent Youth Declaration from American Red Cross Youth on Vimeo. Note that the Declaration in the video is read in all four official languages of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: English, French, Spanish and Arabic.

SOLFERINO 2009 YOUTH DECLARATION

Red Cross and Red Crescent Youth on the Move:
Doing more, doing better, reaching further

We the youth of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, united on the battlefields of Solferino, reaffirm the vision of 31 year-old Henry Dunant. His vision of humanity has changed the world and united us under common emblems of hope. 150 years later, his fleeting idea has evolved into a global humanitarian movement of 100 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers.

We the youth of 150 countries, representing the 50 million youth volunteers of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, have gathered to define our vision of humanity and to address the Solferinos of today. Poverty, conflict, violence, migration, disease, discrimination and climate change are some of the challenges that still cause suffering for hundreds of millions of people across the world.

Our generation faces unprecedented change. As Henry Dunant mobilized the people of Solferino to alleviate suffering, and then appealed to world to provide humanitarian access, we have mobilized ourselves and now appeal to the leaders of the world to:

• Recognize youth as agents of change;
• Encourage the unique abilities and skills that young people alone can bring to the table, such as intercultural communication and innovative use of technology;
• Include youth in decision-making and planning processes at all levels;
• Push for youth to have a stronger role in program development and implementation to empower their communities; and
• Increase focus on formal and non-formal peer education as a primary method of prevention.

We speak with one voice and call on the international community to work with us to do more, do better, and reach further.

Live our principles, celebrate our diversity, change our community

In a world full of challenges, we the youth of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement commit ourselves to:

1. Inner change and the development of skills to promote harmony and positive attitudes within communities;
2. Live our seven Fundamental Principles as agents of behavioral change in our communities;
3. Renounce violence, promote non-discrimination and respect for diversity, and a culture of peace in the world;
4. Stand up for non-discrimination in our personal lives; and
5. Live up to our roots in international humanitarian law, by acting and standing up to reduce suffering in armed conflict, and actively disseminating information about the rules of armed conflict, even in times of peace.

We call on our National Societies to:

1. Enable youth to take a leadership role in positively changing behaviors and attitudes in our communities, using peer and non-formal education methods such as the Federation’s “Youth as Agents of Behavioral Change” initiative;
2. Include the “most-vulnerable” groups in decision-making processes; and
3. Declare that discrimination of any kind is unacceptable in our Movement, including discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation.

We call on the governments of the world and on the international community to:

1. Promote knowledge and respect for diversity and non-discrimination;
2. Ensure that education is applied in order to prevent violence and abuse affecting children and young people;
3. Respect international humanitarian law in armed conflict and during peace, and ensure all cases of violation are properly investigated;
4. Include international humanitarian law in formal education curricula;
5. Improve the control of weapons with a special focus on small firearms; and
6. Seriously address the issue of children involved in armed conflict, including their reintegration into society in post-conflict areas.

Youth voices from Solferino for stronger societies

We the youth of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement commit ourselves to:

1. Do our part in building stronger societies by using the invaluable knowledge, resources, energy, capabilities and networks of young people to carry the Movement through the 21st century;
2. Cultivate a more diverse base of youth volunteers, and address local needs of vulnerable people;
3. Honest, transparent self-assessment and regular review of policies and guidelines at all levels, to strengthen global youth participation in the Movement;
4. Embrace equal leadership opportunities for young women and young men, and share success stories;
5. Establish and strengthen regional networks to empower local and international youth structures; and
6. Further utilize social media and emerging technologies to advocate, share ideas, and communicate efficiently.

We call on our National Societies to:

1. Empower, enable, educate and elevate young people by sharing responsibility, power and decision-making in a genuine partnership;
2. Involve young people in decision-making processes at regional and international statutory meetings;
3. Work together as a Federation to address the urgent need for financial and human resources to support youth development at the regional and national levels;
4. Provide resources and opportunities to develop, retain and transition volunteers throughout their lives; and
5. Commit to achieve gender equality, especially in leadership.

We call on the governments of the world and on the international community to:

1. Commit to greater accessibility of education and leadership opportunities for women; and
2. Empower, enable, educate and elevate young people by sharing responsibility, power and decision-making in a genuine partnership.

Healthy youth make a healthy world

We the youth of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement commit ourselves to:

1. Ramp up prevention efforts for sexually-transmitted infections, including HIV, through peer education and, for example, condom distribution programs and other suitable approaches;
2. Promote the “right to know” about substance-related harm, by increasing peer education and community participation;
3. Act to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with tuberculosis, HIV, and drug use;
4. Promote voluntary non-remunerated blood donation to save lives, promote healthy lifestyles, and instill humanitarian values, through programs such as Club 25; and
5. Address road safety as a humanitarian challenge, by encouraging young people to act responsibly.

We call on our National Societies to:

1. Address tuberculosis treatment, HIV prevention and challenge stigma; and
2. Support voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, targeting young donors.

We call on the governments of the world and on the international community to:

1. Address drug and alcohol abuse as a humanitarian challenge, not a criminal one; and
2. Include first aid and road safety in national education curricula, and allocate appropriate financial and logistical resources.

Adapting to climate change and addressing catastrophes

We the youth of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement commit ourselves to:

1. Involve ourselves in disaster preparedness, response and recovery, including innovative solutions such as psychosocial support;
2. Live up to our commitments on climate change, and make little moves every day, using youth peer education to change communities;
3. Advocate strongly on climate change adaptation, including the protection of climate migrants;
4. “Safe food for safe life”, by advocating on food security; and
5. Advocate for access to clean and safe water, and contribute to sustainable solutions.

We call on our National Societies to:

1. Follow through on existing commitments on climate change.

We call on the governments of the world and on the international community to reduce vulnerability to disaster by:

1. Creating active and dynamic partnerships at all levels, to address climate change mitigation and adaptation;
2. Preparing for and responding to the emerging humanitarian effects of climate change, such as the protection of climate migrants; and
3. Renewing your commitment to finding sustainable water security for all.

This is our vision

We intend to mark the 100th anniversary of the Federation in 2019 with the successful achievement of these objectives. We are ready to assume our responsibilities, but we cannot do so alone. We need National Societies and governments to help us address the Solferinos of today. We urge the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, national governments and the international community to do more, do better, and reach further.

Link to official version on the IFRC website.

We hope you will take a few minutes to think about the issues presented in the Declaration and consider which ones are most appropriate for you to pursue at your local Chapter. And if you haven’t already, you should also try watching the video.

Although we only have the English version of the Declaration at the moment, we will add the French, Spanish and Arabic versions if we can get them. Also, please note that the Declaration was produced by Red Cross and Red Crescent youth from 150 countries worldwide, under the guidance of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Switzerland. As such, the Declaration should not be considered an official document or publication of the American Red Cross.

Still to come: links to all the news and other media articles we could find about the World Youth Meeting, the Humanitarian Village, the March to Geneva and the Youth Declaration.

Aubin Dupree, Rome

How many students in college are ready for an emergency?  As college students we sometimes assume that our school will take care of us, but in the event of a major disaster or emergency we need to be self sufficient. 

Developed by members of the American Red Cross Club at UCLA, this revised “Be Red Cross Ready” presentation is ready to be rolled out today to your college campus.  The information shows students what are the most important items to have on hand realizing the limited spaces in which we live.  Members went through and made sure all information is relevant to a younger “cooler” crowd.  There is some local resource information in the presentation so be sure to tailor it to your community! 

Ideas for presentations include campus dorms, college clubs, fraternities/sororities, or anyone else who will listen!

The presentation can be found here: http://redcrossyouth.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/storm_dorms.ppt

Thanks UCLA, Go Bruins!

If you are between 13 and 18 years old, please check out www.at15.com, register and earn points through fun activities. Starting July 17, you can donate the points to help the American Red Cross raise a portion of $250,000 for youth programs! Any questions?  E-mail Pat West.

Best Buy is currently holding a contest where you can earn and donate points to your favorite charity to help them to win a portion of $250,000.  The American Red Cross Youth Services is one of those charities.  Take these easy steps to ensure we raise money to impact your youth programs!

 Steps:

Check your age, are you between 13-18 years old?  If yes, proceed!

1. Log onto www.at15.com
2. Register and start earning points
3. Join the Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/editevent.php?eid=36571794958
4. Earn more points
5. Starting July 17^th, donate your points to the American Red Cross
6. Get your friends registered and have them donate points!

Hi everyone,

Right now I am in downtown Geneva at the Apple store using some internet. I apologize for the lack of posts yesterday. We had a great day, which culminated in the official reading of the youth declaration and an incredible dance party. The reading of the declaration was a very special moment for all of us youth, as all the work and travel we have done over the last two weeks is now wrapped up and the declaration shows the incredible impact we are poised to make. The declaration was made in the presence of all the youth and presented to the ICRC, the IFRC, and the UN. I took a video of the entire thing but I need to splice it and can’t do that until I get back home. I will also post the text ASAP.

The trip is not even really over until tomorrow but I am already sad to leave such a unique and incredible environment. The friends I have made along with the ideas and cultures I have learned about will follow me for a very long time. If you see me any time soon ask me to tell you about the bears and Georgia, it is crazy.

Today we finish up with a visit to the International Federation and a closing ceremony. That being said, I am also very much so looking forward to returning to Washington DC on July 4th. I cannot think of a more patriotic return to the states. Please look forward too much more information coming out through the blog following this meeting.

Lastly I just want to thank everyone who followed our journey through Solferino to Geneva, I know I really enjoyed sharing my story. Also a huge shout out to Bianca for proofreading all of our posts and putting up the pictures. It really would not have been possible without her.

If you have any questions please feel free to comment or send me an email: westpat@usa.redcross.org

Pat, Apple store, Geneva, Switzerland

P.S. If you ever find yourself here in Geneva typing realize that only the z and y keys are switched and I still can not find the apostrophe hence the lack on contractions in this post. Cheers!

Good morning yet again America,

I can’t believe we only have two days left here in Geneva! Right now I am in the Red Cross Museum. We came down here after a brief meeting with the President of the ICRC during which youth were able to ask questions. Our very own Aubin Dupree had a question but didn’t get to ask it. Overall we were disappointed with the questions asked as they were very broad and didn’t refer to the specific mission of the ICRC. Aubin will try to find the president later to ask his awesome question. The picture here is of the entrance to the museum and of the actual Geneva conventions. We are getting so much information; I will try to post up some great facts later.

Pat, Red Cross Museum, Geneva

Today marks the start of the new fiscal year and the American Red Cross is reflecting on the strides made this past year for the Disaster Relief Fund Campaign. The American Red Cross is pleased to announce that it has raised more than $110 million in money and in-kind contributions toward to the Disaster Relief Fund to pay for the many disasters of 2008.

Eight months ago the American Red Cross established a goal of raising a $100 million for the campaign and today we can be proud of the incredible accomplishment of exceeding this goal in such a short period of time.

Gail McGovern, our President and CEO, was thrilled to make this announcement today and only hopes to see more progress in the year to come.

“Turning our attention to where we are today, at the beginning of hurricane season and a new fiscal year, we must recognize that our work has only just begun. For example, while our deficit reduction efforts have produced results, we still have challenges to face. We still must meet our commitment to break even in fiscal year 2010. Furthermore, while we are in better shape than a year ago, the Red Cross spends more than $100 million on disaster response in a typical year, with even higher costs when there are more frequent or especially severe hurricanes.

We will be working on strategies for FY10 to build on all you have already accomplished in stabilizing our finances, and you will soon be hearing more from us on these plans.

Thank you again for all you’ve done–Red Crossers are the most amazing, caring and passionate people, and I feel so blessed to be part of this organization.”

- Gail McGovern

We know many of you contributed to reaching this goal through planning and participating in fundraisers for the Disaster Relief Fund at your own chapters and school clubs. Take this time to reflect and share your fundraising story. Maybe you had an event in support of the National Day of Giving on December 13th, during which more than $850,000 was raised for the fund – whatever your story may be, let it be heard and join the rest of the Red Cross family in celebration of this amazing organizational accomplishment.

Bianca Kahlenberg, Washington DC

We have entered the Geneva suburbs and are walking toward the city center. We should arrive in about two hours, at 5 pm local time. We are being escorted by police and Red Cross ambulances and are generating lots of attention and questions. I’ll try to get some pictures posted soon!

Aubin Dupree, on the outskirts of Geneva

Good afternoon America,

Most of you are just waking up but we have already been on the move for hours. Currently we are at an ICRC training facility eating lunch before our 3 hour trek into Geneva. I don’t know why but I am having trouble following up Aubin’s post from this morning. Lacking divine inspiration, I thought I would interview someone and share with you their thoughts.

What is your name and where are you from?
Ornwijit Chupetch, Bangkok, Thailand

How long and in what capacity do you serve in the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement?
4 years as a youth volunteer, she presents to and motivates youth to become part of the movement in Thailand.

What is your best project or opporunity for RC/RC youth in your society?
The campaign of Thai Red Cross embassadors, it aims to try gaining more youth volunteers through the extensive use of media like TV, radio, newspapers etc. She loves going talking to the public and leading a grassroots campaign.

What is your favorite American food?
Burger King, Wopper jr., the full one is too big.

What would you like to say to American Red Cross youth?
She would love to communicate with Red Cross youth and looks forward to some sort of exchange program. If you have any questions about the Thai Red Cross feel free to email her at: ontan_7910@hotmail.com

Thanks for reading! If there are any questions you have for another national society from Sri Lanka to Syria (and literally anything in between), leave a comment and I will find an answer.

Pat, Close to Geneva