The first time I went to Orlando, Florida I was about 5 years old and I remember two things about our trip. The first thing I remember was a pool at the hotel shaped like Mickey Mouse’s head; the second, a rollercoaster ride that scared me because I thought a train was heading straight at our rollercoaster (although it was just a light with a recording of train horns blowing). Many years have past since then, and this month I was given the opportunity to return to Orlando with 3 of our Chapter’s youth volunteers in order to attend the 4^th Annual National Youth Institute (NYI). The weather was great but the speakers, opportunities for networking and leadership skills our youth volunteers and I learned for the 3 days were fantastic.

This year’s theme for NYI was “Empower our Red Cross.” Sessions included a town hall meeting with Jerry DeFrancisco on the future of youth volunteerism, engaging youth in an effort to revitalize the brand of the Red Cross raising its visibility, and an open forum with Gail McGovern. It was during the open forum with Gail McGovern that I was able to see first hand how impressive our youth volunteers in St. Louis are, after her introduction and presenting the youth with information about efforts to streamlining our organization Leena Malik had written down 3 different questions which she was prepared to asked during the Q & A part of the forum. It is amazing to see how our St. Louis Area Chapter youth are ready to step-up and learn more about what they can do to help the Red Cross!

It was incredible to see our youth volunteers participate in NYI, come home with an action plan for fundraising and have the occasion to meet other Red Cross youth volunteers. But please know that we have many opportunities right here in St. Louis!  YouthCorps and our Red Cross clubs are a chance for youth in the area to volunteer with the Red Cross. Be empowered by a YouthCorps or Red Cross club in learning leadership development skills or CPR, host a blood drive, and even teach disaster preparedness to your peers. Being part of YouthCorps and Red Cross clubs are an experience that will let you make a difference!

Alexa Pippin is the Youth Services Specialist for the St. Louis Area Chapter.