The American Red Cross has been saving lives for more than 148 years. In peace, in war, when disaster strikes, the Red Cross has always been there.

Throughout its history, volunteers have played an essential role in fulfilling its mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other life-threatening emergencies. Today’s American Red Cross strategic plan calls for encouraging a new generation of volunteers and supporters to participate, including youths. Through Red Cross volunteer work, youths can experience the joy of giving and improving and saving lives.

Red Cross Youth Clubs are service groups that help fulfill the Red Cross’ humanitarian mission. Working closely with local Red Cross chapters, club members can participate in service projects that help their schools, communities and the world. They offer student members many opportunities for self-development and the ability to choose activities that will address the community’s greatest needs.

We want our local Red Cross Youth Club to be a child’s first venture into the world of volunteerism. Many take their first steps to becoming leaders through club involvement. They can join with their peers to make a difference in the community and the lives of their classmates.

Students also gain general skills in planning and following through with projects and a sense of budgeting and public relations. They also have the opportunity to acquire specialized skills in such things as disaster preparedness, public speaking and fundraising. In addition, high school students can earn community service credit that is part of their graduation requirements.

The Southwest Colorado Red Cross Youth Club will be a place where youths ages 8 to 18 can have fun and at the same time learn and serve. There will be monthly meetings where members can learn about the life-saving mission of the Red Cross, how to be prepared for disasters and how to perform basic first-aid skills. They also will learn about other cultures and their Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies. Humanitarian law and its implications worldwide also will be explored.

Today, the involvement of young people with the American Red Cross is more important than ever. The Red Cross currently engages more than 169,000 youths and young adults across the country with meaningful opportunities for education, training and volunteer/community service so they remain a part of the American Red Cross family throughout their lives.

Join us at 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Southwest Colorado chapter office at 1911 Main Ave, Suite 282 to learn how you can be a part of this new youth volunteer group.

Cindi Shank is executive director of the Southwest Colorado chapter of the American Red Cross.