Are you an insurance adjuster?
Are you FEMA?
Are you the Salvation Army?
As I walked down Myrick Drive in Berkeley on Saturday, careful to avoid downed power lines and shattered window panes, these were the typical first questions. In front of homes that may soon be condemned and at a minimum will lack power and water for weeks, residents weren’t expecting all the answers. They did want to know who I was, why I was snapping photos and taking notes, and how I might be able to help.
“I’m with the American Red Cross,” was my reply.
That I claimed affiliation with the Red Cross was probably a bit of a stretch. I serve the board of directors of the St. Louis Chapter, and that’s indeed a privilege. I am not sure it qualifies me to wear the badge, or for that matter the colors. On this day, I trailed three outstanding volunteers working on behalf of the Disaster Assessment Team, and my job was to collect photos and stories from victims so the Red Cross could better illustrate the importance of its mission and the need for donations. Essentially, I played the role of a newspaper reporter. I definitely had the wardrobe.
But without any Red Cross identification, I had to introduce myself as being a member of the Red Cross. And the reaction those words evoked – “I’m with the American Red Cross” – is what inspires this account of my experience Saturday in the neighborhoods of Berkeley.
At the first mention of the Red Cross, there was an immediate sense of calm. There was unspoken trust and respect, and a clearly communicated expression of profound gratitude. And this wasn’t true only with residents who called us to their front yards, desperate for ideas, solutions and direction. The police, city employees, tree removal teams and everyone we encountered in Berkeley on Saturday made it a point to thank us – specifically, the Red Cross – and offer their personal thoughts on the good work for which the Red Cross is known throughout the world.
It would be a good thing if we never had occasion to see the brilliance of the Red Cross, and the commitment of its staff and volunteers, come to life. But, to see it happen is amazing. And that is especially true for a board member like me who is entrusted to provide counsel and leadership to the local chapter, but may not fully realize the profound responsibility and privilege that comes with a board position until widespread disaster strikes his or her own community and you’re in the trenches with the Disaster Assessment Team, if only for a day.
“I’m with the American Red Cross.” Very few organizations offer a better privilege to their board members than the ability to make that kind of introduction. It’s an honor that I would have never taken for granted, but also one that has more personal significance than I would have ever imagined prior to April 22, 2011.
I thank the St. Louis Chapter of the American Red Cross for the ability to serve. And to the staff and volunteers of the Red Cross, I am grateful to now fully understand the significance of that service.
Jim Woodcock is the Senior Vice President and Partner, Fleishman Hillard International and a volunteer and Board Member for the St. Louis Area Chapter.