The mission of the Youth Services Program is to provide young people with meaningful opportunities to help their communities prepare for and respond to emergencies while gaining valuable leadership training and development. Additionally, this is a chance to become a permanent member of the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) family as you grow within the organization and take on increasing levels of responsibility.
Committed, compassionate youth volunteers support every Red Cross program and service—from being trained in lifesaving skills in order to work as an instructor aide, to assisting at local emergencies and disasters, to helping with annual fundraising events. Join us today!
Starting a Red Cross Club
If you are between 14 and 18 years of age, you can start a Red Cross Club at your high school by following the simple steps below:
- Contact ARC/GNY Youth Services at peopleresources@nyredcross.org or 212-875-2068 to request a Red Cross Club Guide.
- Review the Red Cross Club guide you receive.
- Secure a school sponsor (a teacher or a guidance counselor).
- Contact ARC/GNY to schedule a meeting with your sponsor to discuss what it means to start a Red Cross Club in your high school.
- Meet with your school principal or the appropriate administrative personnel, explain the benefits of starting a Red Cross Club, and secure permission to start the club.
- Begin the planning process for getting your club started: Determine the service areas for your Red Cross Club; then develop a leadership structure and job responsibilities for each leadership position.
- Advertise and publicize the club in your high school.
- Plan a list of potential activities.
- Conduct your first Red Cross Club meeting!
