So what is Friends?

Purpose Statement:
The purpose of the Friends of the American Red Cross (ARC) is to support and advance the mission of the ARC – to provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies - through substantive voluntary engagement by young adults in service delivery, fundraising, external communication, and other special projects in the jurisdiction of the ARC of Greater Columbus.

Young professionals are looking for meaningful ways to give back to the community BUT also meet the needs of a busy professional schedule. Friends is a way to gain knowledge about one of the nation’s most highly regarded nonprofit organizations while also gaining professional benefits at the same time. Based on our own local research, we know young professionals are suggesting they are interested in the following activities:

1. Activity and/or event that impacts people’s lives and seeing the result of the positive impact
2. Inclusion of families or community involvement
3. Regularly scheduled intermittent projects
4. Planning and execution of an event or project
5. Engaging young professionals in existing activities and as the group evolves to define own activity

Friends initiatives and activities strive to meet these needs.

Why Friends? Are there any benefits?

• 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.

Membership Information

Everyone can be a Friend. The only membership criteria includes your participation in Friends' sponsored events and activities. We also strongly support an annual financial donation to the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus. We ask your involvement with Friends be at a level which you feel comfortable based on your time and enthusiasm to serve the organization.

Those interested in supporting Friends can do so in the following ways:

1. Attend a Friends event. Click here for a schedule.
2. Participating in a planning committee and contribute your skills, talent and time to making Friends events fun and interactive while supporting the mission of the American Red Cross.
3. Become a leader! Friends is always looking for leadership volunteers to lead projects and contribute new ideas for our Events Calendar.

We also encourage all of our Friends to donate to the Red Cross, whether it's items needed to help families or in monetary form. All Friends receive regular email communications and fundraising appeals, as well as opportunities to network and partner with other great young professional groups in the community. Click here to add your name to our distribution list.

A Win-Win for all of us!