By Kristyle Solomon, volunteer writer
Although we recently concluded Black History Month at the end of February, at the Red Cross we believe in honoring, celebrating and seeking diversity year-round. It’s a long part of our history and a continuing effort.
Frederick Douglass was a close friend of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton. Dr. Charles Drew started the American Red Cross blood bank. From those pioneering leaders through today, African Americans have made invaluable contributions to The American Red Cross. As we conclude Black History Month, we’re reminded not only of the African American leaders that have helped shape this organization but also of the individual contributions made by countless others. We now need to continue this legacy and make sure we continue the outstanding contributions of African Americans into the future.
At the recent Red Cross Heroes Soiree in Denver, MC Reggie Rivers lightheartedly pointed out that the event kicked off with an all-star cast of African American leaders from our community — including him, CBS4 on-air talent and Mile High Chapter Board Member Gloria (Glo) Neal, and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. We’re proud to have such fantastic community members represent the Red Cross, and we are seeking more people of color to be part of the Red Cross throughout our region.
If you’ve ever wanted to use your skills to help people in need, the American Red Cross needs you.
There’s no better time than now to get involved, whether as a leader, as a disaster responder, or as a volunteer lending your skills at the office.
The next fantastic opportunity to get involved is our upcoming 3-day Training Academy. This weekend-long training will help you get the training necessary so that you’re ready to assist when disaster strikes. From leadership and supervision to assisting in shelters during crisis, the training will prepare you so you’re ready to hit the ground running helping your community through the Red Cross. It’s volunteers like you that make help from the American Red Cross possible — and we want to ensure our volunteers reflect the communities they serve. Getting trained and being prepared will make you part of the line of diverse volunteers who make this organization exceptional.
Find out more and sign up here: http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Hosts-Volunteer-Training-Academy-in-Loveland