"Ring in the Red" Holiday Party

"Ring in the Red" Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 16, 6-10 PM
Red Sky, 16-18 North Street, Boston, MA

Now that you've helped your community by volunteering and you've helped yourself by learning CPR, it's time to reward yourself with a little holiday cheer! Join the Boston Young Professionals Society of the American Red Cross at our first annual "Ring in the Red" holiday party! Bring your friends or co-workers along for free appetizers. Cash bar and admission is $10. Please RSVP by e-mailing MassBayBYPS@usa.redcross.org .

Individual Volunteer Plan

I just finished the interview portion of my Individual Volunteer Plan (IVP). It was probably one of the most helpful hours I have spent to-date discussing my involvement with the Red Cross. I've been happy with my role in the Red Cross, but I really didn't see how I fit in the big picture. My interview was with Megan Dickman. Megan and I talked about what I wanted to do. Did I want to remain doing what I was doing? Was I interested in the promotional path? After we talked I had a clear picture of where I fit in, where I wanted to go with my volunteering effort and how I was going to get there. For me, completing the steps of the IVP really made me feel like I have a place in the Chapter.

Louise Gorham

A message from Deborah C. Jackson, CEO ARCMB

Dear Valued Volunteers,

I would like to personally thank all of the dedicated volunteers of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay. It is truly an honor to be part of an organization that is primarily staffed by those who give so unselfishly of their time. Without your continued efforts the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay would not be able to serve our communities as effectively as we do. Whether it be in the food pantry, on the scene of a disaster, or in the office, your contributions to the organization are invaluable. I hope you all will take advantage of our new Volunteer Blog as an opportunity to recognize your fellow volunteers and to receive recognition for all that you do. As always, thank you for your continued commitment to your American Red Cross!

Sincerely,

Deborah C. Jackson
Chief Executive Officer
American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay

Helping the Helpless

Helping those in need is such a fulfilling privilege. It is a feeling that cannot be described by those who have experienced it. To reach out to help others is so satisfying. I like to think of the feelings I would have if someone were there to help in my hour of need. That is what inspires me to continue on.

Debo Ladd
South Zone

Thank You to a New Volunteer!

Laura Dalton is a graduate student in the Masters in mental health program at Bridgewater State College. She is a Mass Bay Red Cross volunteer in the Disaster Mental Health division as an intern in training. She is also a volunteer on the South Zone DAT and on the Sunday day North Zone DAT. The picture is of Laura teaching Psychological First Aid at LoganInternational Airport to the TSA (Transportation SecurityAdministration) employees. In her short time as a Red Cross volunteer she has jumped in to the role of a volunteer enthusiastically.

Thank you.

Louise Graham, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Bridgewater State College

Department of Counselor Education

November is National Youth Involvement Month

It is important that youth get involved and continue to work together. You can participate in the challenges posted on the Red Cross website or educate your peers on how to make a difference, even a small one, in the lives of those who rely on Red Cross services. The American Red Cross depends on our youth volunteers to uphold Red Cross values and continue to help others.

In order to make a difference and real impact, it requires heart, teamwork and collaboration. This is what has guided the work of Red Cross youth volunteers since inception. Youth volunteers work alongside adult volunteers to help create a better environment for others. You can make a difference in your community and/or a community surrounding you by being active and encouraging other youth to follow your example. Please show others how passionate Red Cross youth can be and get involved!

Sincerely,

Liz McDermott and Allie Young
Youth Advisory Board Chairs
The American Red Cross of Mass Bay

Introducing the Volunteer Recognition Committee

The Volunteer Recognition Committee (Kelly Bachand, Seth Batstone, Michael Bookman, Doreen Breland, Allie Dryden, Deb Duxbury, Janine Eaton, Marisa Gjurgevich, Marggy Githinji, Zhi Wei Mai and Kay Paciorek) would like to welcome you to the Volunteer Blog! We know how important the volunteers are to the continued success of the American Red Cross, and we want to make sure that your contributions are recognized. If you have suggestions or ideas on how we can recognize our volunteers, we want to hear from you. If you are interested in joining our committee, please contact massbayvol@usa.redcross.org.