The American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Reaching Across Cultures
Written By Amanda Moorhouse, American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Public Affairs; Edited by Kim Mailes, American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Public Affairs
The American Red Cross is one of 192 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent humanitarian societies around the world. Spanning cultures and nations, the federation shares a single mission: To alleviate human suffering, to protect life and health, and to uphold human dignity during emergencies.
Hispanic Heritage month, celebrated every September 15th to October 15th, is the perfect opportunity for the American Red Cross to spotlight humanitarian relief efforts to the Hispanic community and to honor Hispanic volunteers who are part of our workforce.
Recently, the Colorado-Wyoming Region participated in Fundacion de Colombianos en Colorado held in downtown Denver, a joyous celebration of Colombian independence and South American culture. Red Cross volunteers provided information about preparing for wildfires and floods, about preventing child abduction, and about reunification services for families separated by natural disaster or political conflicts. They also distributed literature about Prepare with Pedro, the in-school program to help students prepare for disasters, and Sound the Alarm, which emphasizes the importance of home smoke alarms and family evacuation plans.
Gonzalo Urrego introduced himself to the Colorado-Wyoming volunteers as a 35-year veteran of the Colombian Red Cross. He was visiting his daughter who lives in Denver and expressed delight at seeing the American Red Cross at the event. He and Diana Dalager, Colorado-Wyoming Mass Care Lead, discussed the similarities between their organizations.
Gonzalo explained that in Colombia, Red Cross volunteers are respected like physicians and that people sometimes refer to them as “Doctor.” Many volunteers are trained EMTs and respond to the worst disasters, at times assisting in rescue operations and searching through rubble for survivors.
The essence of the Colombian culture was impossible to miss during the celebration. Many revelers wore sombrero vueltiaos, which were available for purchase by anyone wishing to embrace the espiritu colombiano del corazon. Dancers from the Colombian Dance Team and Escuela de Dance Venezuela put on a wonderful show of skill and flamboyancy. Colorado-Wyoming Red Cross volunteers joined in the fun, and also provided first aid assistance to a couple of the attendees who experienced minor health related incidents.
In an increasingly diverse America, it is important for the Red Cross to reach out to every part of the population. By enthusiastically participating in the celebration, the Colorado-Wyoming Region sent a clear message that we remain dedicated to the seven fundamental principles of the international Federation of the Red Cross: humanity; impartiality; neutrality; independence; voluntary service; unity; and universality.