As we celebrate both World Red Cross Day and International Volunteers Week this month I would like to thank in particular the young humanitarians in our community for constantly finding new ways to support our work.
Over half of the world’s population is today under 25 years old, which means we have the largest ever generation of young people in human history.
It is obvious that they will be integral to ensuring humanitarian organisations like Red Cross remain relevant and effective into the future.
We value the skills, experience, passion and commitment of young people.
They bring a thirst for change, innovation, creativity and a fresh approach to the way Red Cross engages with all communities, most notably through social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
This year we’re inviting people on Facebook and Twitter to share what Red Cross means to them. Our Facebook page already has over 27,000 likes and we have 5500 followers on Twitter.
In addition to celebrating young people on World Red Cross Day, Australian Red Cross is also focusing on voluntary service and the everyday work we do to help vulnerable people.
In a historic event this month, over 80 politicians, including the Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott, National Party Leader Warren Truss and the Leader of the Australian Greens Senator Christine Milne all signed an historic record recognising the support of all political parties for the work of Red Cross.
The strong support given to Australian Red Cross by our parliamentary friends shows that support for the Red Cross Movement comes from people of all ages and political persuasions.
I now invite everyone to tell us what Red Cross means to you.
Please go to our Facebook page at facebook.com/AustralianRedCross or Twitter at twitter.com/RedCrossAU or our website at redcross.org.au and tell us what you think.
Robert Tickner
CEO
Australian Red Cross
