By Mary Jo Blackwood, American Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer
On this Fathers’ Day, the American Red Cross is practicing what it does best: telling the stories that illustrate the indescribable value of what we do. One way we do that is through the staff and volunteers of this organization who epitomize our mission and results. One could say that the ideal father is one who, through his own work and actions, shows his children the way to a good life, happiness and being an effective global citizen.
For the Mile-High Chapter of the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming, that person just might be our Chief Operating Officer and Interim SAF Officer, Shawn Schulze. He says he can’t remember when service wasn’t a big part of his life. From being an Eagle Scout, to his endeavors as a retired U.S. Army officer, his work with AmeriCorps and now with the Red Cross, he has demonstrated to his family the duty of service as a way of life.
“I love my work with the American Red Cross, and as with most staff personnel here, we also volunteer beyond our job descriptions.” An example is the Sound the Alarm program for which he has oversight, and participates in with his whole family when the spring smoke detector installation and education programs come up. In a two-week period, the program can install 100,000 smoke alarms in high-risk neighborhoods across the United States.
As a throwback to his Scouting days, Shawn will soon be mentoring five Scouts through their Eagle Scout projects within the region. He says that it is easier for him to be both staff and volunteer because he has good back-up.
“My wife is my volunteer partner for what I do. She works in Contracting and Finance, and helps me be much more effective. And she also sets the example for our kids with her volunteer activities.” For the Schulze family, the Sound the Alarm program is a family affair. He, his wife, son and daughter all participate.
His son Austin is following the family service track. The 24-year old freelance graphic artist has been volunteering across the chapter as a logistics coordinator for the Sound the Alarm program, working out routes, numbers, and general operations. He has also been serving as the operations associate lead for the Chapter Business Operations Department and he just recently volunteered to begin supporting the new BioMed Transportation program in Denver where Red Cross blood will be delivered to local hospitals. Austin has logged over 500 volunteer hours this year.
In addition, he puts his “day job” skills to good use. He built a time machine-themed centerpiece for the stage for the chapter’s annual Soiree Heroes event, the Division’s main money maker. Austin will tell you that volunteering is in his DNA. “I was also a Boy Scout. I worked food kitchens with my dad and delivered food to the homeless in city parks.”
Not to slight a member of the family, 19-year old Sydney Schulze is a veterinarian student at the University of Nebraska and is volunteering at a veterinary clinic in Colorado while home for the summer. She has also participated in supporting food outreach programs and volunteered with AmeriCorps.
Shawn estimates that his family as a whole logged over 2000 volunteer hours last year; and sums up their commitment to volunteering: “Never say no to an opportunity. If you hear of a need, find a way to be useful.” He and his family live by this oft-quoted humorous observation: “Don’t ever question the value of a volunteer. Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers. The Titanic was built by professionals!”
While the American Red Cross’ life blood is volunteers, opportunities for service abound across our area. Shawn says that a variety of experiences with different organizations can benefit us in varied and unexpected ways. One way to find your volunteer passion is to go to VolunteerMatch.org and fill out a profile of your strengths, limitations, interests to find opportunities that match them. Many volunteers for Red Cross come from VolunteerMatch. Even in this time of pandemic, volunteer opportunities abound.