Brief History

The Red Cross has a proud history of commitment to youth. The first known American Red Cross youth activity took place in Waterford, Pennsylvania, in 1884. Six children put on a play that earned over $50 which they donated to the then three-year-old American Red Cross. Red Cross founder Clara Barton used the money to aid victims of severe flooding on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. "Sometime again when you want money to help you in your good work," the children wrote to Barton, "call on the Little Six." Thus began the tradition of youth providing funds to the Red Cross to support humanitarian programs.  In 1917, the Junior Red Cross was officially founded and youth and the Red Cross have been partners ever since.

Today

The involvement of young people with the Red Cross is more important than ever. Our goal is to provide young people with meaningful opportunities for education, training, and volunteer/community service so that they remain a part of the Red Cross family throughout their lives. Young people up to age 24 make up 40% of all Red Cross volunteers. They are involved in all aspects of the Red Cross, whether that is teaching life saving skills, helping in disaster relief, learning about and educating others in international humanitarian law, fundraising for the Red Cross, or helping out in the local community.

Here in Our Community

There are numerous ways in which youth could change our community for the better.   Currently our local Chapter supports Learn to Swim programs at the local community pools and schools, provides lifesaving training to area children, as well as brings disaster preparedness programs to schools and daycare providers.  As members of the Junior Red Cross, you can help broaden the audience of these programs, and help see that they reach even more people in our community.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can join?

Any youth in junior or senior high school between the ages of 13-19 can be a part of the Junior Red Cross.

What do I have to do to join?

You must fill out a youth volunteer application (available at the bottom of this page) and turn it in to the Chapter. You must also attend a volunteer orientation at the Chapter.

Is there a big time commitment?

In order to be considered an active volunteer, you should plan to attend one meeting every month as well as participate in a service project every month.

What are some of the benefits of joining the Junior Red Cross?

Not only are you participating in a nationally recognized non-profit organization but you also can learn leadership skills, learn and teach life saving skills, meet great new people, be eligible for scholarships and awards, and do something for the betterment of your community, just to name a few.

Is there any cost?

There is no cost to joining the Junior Red Cross.  There is a cost to some of the training sessions; however, if you are an active volunteer you are eligible to receive free training.

In what kind of projects will the Junior Red Cross participate?

Click here for a list of possible Junior Red Cross activities. This list is by no means exhaustive. Junior Red Cross members can suggest projects they are interested in doing at any point. 

What if I have more questions?

If you have more questions, contact:

Katie McConnell, AmeriCorps Member

American Red Cross of St. Joseph County

3220 E Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46615

Phone: 574-234-0191

mcconnell@stjoe-redcross.org  

Stay connected on Facebook! 

Add Red Cross South Bend as your friend. 

Join the Junior Red Cross Facebook Group.