Young Professionals Spotlight: Friends of the Red Cross

Beginning in June, the Columbus Chamber will spotlight local young professional or professional organizations to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. This month, Friends of the Red Cross is featured.

When and why was Friends of the Red Cross started?
Friends was started in 2004 as a way for Young Professionals to get involved in the Red Cross in a different way than had been offered before. The group was formed for YPs looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community, but may have limited time to dedicate to volunteer hours because of their busy professional schedule. It gives YPs a way to learn more about the Red Cross, how it helps the community and directly contributes to helping others.

Why should I become a member?
• Opportunity to improve the quality of life for greater Columbus communities through affiliation with one of the most-trusted and effective charitable organizations in America and throughout the world.
• Build a well-rounded resume through inclusion of community service activities.
• Build a network of like-minded young professionals and gain access to community leaders serving on the ARC board.
• Serious work need not be grim! Friends’ activities will include social events and provide the basis for lifelong friendships.
• Opportunities for ARC training, like First Aid and CPR, disaster preparedness, professional development, diversity training and more, and regular updates on critical Red Cross activities.

How do I become a member or get involved?
There are no fees to become involved! Just email ARCFriends@usa.redcross.org and you'll be added to our email distribution list.

Tell me about your upcoming event(s).
On Wednesday, June 17, 5:30 – close, we are holding a social Happy Hour at Gresso's in German Village. On Wednesday, July 15, 6 - 8pm we are hosting our annual Wine Tasting event at The Winery.

What are some successes or cool facts about Friends of the Red Cross?
Friends is a great blend of social events, networking, and community service.  And you can get involved as little or as much as you want! In 2008, we raised more than $2,500 for our local Red Cross chapter through individual donations.

Where can I go to learn more information?
http://columbus.redcross.org/join_friends.asp

Hear from the president of Friends of the Red Cross at the Young Professionals’ Exchange on June 23
Corinne McManus is the president of Friends of the Red Cross. She will be participating as a panelist in an upcoming forum for young professionals, Young Professionals' Exchange: Raising the Profile of the Young and Talented in Columbus. This is a professional development event, and your participation at the panel discussion is needed!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
4:00 – 5:30pm
Nationwide Arena – Activity Center

Registration and tickets are required. Complimentary tickets will be mailed to you for event entrance. Ticket must be presented to enter YP Exchange and EXPO. Register here.

This forum will explore how Columbus can strengthen the young professionals community within the region and identify opportunities to improve the perceptions of Columbus. You’ll hear from professionals who market Columbus globally, a local blogger and member of the Create Columbus Commission, and a leader of a young professional organization among others.

•  Walker Evans: Founder of ColumbusUnderground.com and Member of the Create Columbus Commission
• Jung Kim: Director of Community Data Services at Community Research Partners
• Bill LaFayette, Ph.D.: Vice President of Economic Analysis at the Columbus Chamber
• Corinne McManus: President of Friends of the Red Cross

Join us before or after the YP Exchange to make contacts, learn about new products, services and innovations, and get connected at the Business2Business Network EXPO.  3:00 – 8:00pm at Nationwide Arena. Presented by the Columbus Chamber and Experience Columbus.

For more information, contact Robbie Banks at robbie_banks@columbus.org.

Comments

[Robbie Banks (young professionals manager at the Columbus Chamber)]

Brenda, I agree! There are a number of young professional organizations that either focus on volunteerism or plan volunteer activities within their organizations. Browse the directory of the organizations at http://www.columbus.org/about-columbus/connect-with-young-professionals/. Also, volunteer opportunities are listed each week in our Activities and Events for Young Professionals email. Sign up for the email at http://www.columbus.org/about-the-chamber/stay-informed.php.

[Brenda]

This is still one of the best charity organizations that we can all become involved in. There is no better feeling in the world than been able to help others out.

[Jack]

You're doing very important work. For some powerful evidence of this, take a moment to check out this video -- ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/2488 -- I think you'll find this "aha moment" to be very inspiring. And if you do find it inspiring, perhaps you'll consider sharing one of your own personal stories.

Thanks again for the great work you do,

Jack@ahamoment.com