Last night I had the honor of attending the Joplin High School graduation, one year after the horrific tornado that tore through this town destroying homes and taking lives.  President Obama spoke at the graduation, and we cheered on the new graduates, celebrated the town’s recovery, but also remembered the lives that were lost.

As I drove through Joplin, I was stunned at how bright, vibrant and warm the community appeared.  There were new homes and restored businesses, as well as renewed energy and pride.  There were also stark reminders of the devastation – the remains of the high school (pictured above), the crumbling hospital and boarded up homes.  But what struck me most were the determination and almost a sense of moral obligation that the people of Joplin have embraced.  It’s as if they want to honor the tens of thousands of volunteers and donors who helped them and show that their efforts and generosity were put to good use. 

During the graduation, I sat in the crowd shedding many tears and thinking of all of the people around the country who supported Joplin through the Red Cross in its time of crisis.  To everyone who donated to the American Red Cross for the Joplin relief effort, I want to thank you.  You likely will never meet the people you have helped, but your generosity will always be remembered in Joplin.  It has made an incredible and tangible difference here, and it will never be forgotten.

Last week we started #21 in the series, Civil War on Sunday. As always, Will and I dove headfirst into the book, found ourselves engrossed almost immediately, and continued reading past his bedtime as Jack and Annie rushed an injured soldier across a dangerous battlefield toward the safety of the field hospital in the distance.

Based on my experience with Magic Tree House books, I expected Civil War on Sunday to offer interesting and age-appropriate information about Abraham Lincoln, slavery, the Union and Confederate Armies, the end result of the war, and what transpired after slavery was abolished. I didn’t expect, however, that the book would accomplish all of these things by centering its story around the American Red Cross’ very own Clara Barton.

I may have gasped out loud when Clara appeared, and I certainly beamed with pride when Will recognized Clara Barton as a historical figure who “worked for the Red Cross”. (At that point Will was still a little sketchy on the connection between Clara and the American Red Cross.)

The book describes Clara Barton accurately, as a nurse who cared for soldiers – using supplies she purchased with her own money – from both the Union and the Confederate armies during the Civil War. Clara also drove a horse-drawn “ambulance” onto battlefields to help wounded solders, and this willing disregard for her own safety in order to save those who would otherwise be left for dead earned her the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield”. Will thought this was a funny nickname, because as both he and Jack (the little boy in the story) observed, “she doesn’t look like an angel”. Angels come in all shapes and sizes, son…

The story itself never mentions the American Red Cross, but the “Facts for You” section at the end of the book goes into detail about how Clara founded the American Red Cross, which “not only provides relief during times of war but also helps people who have suffered terrible natural disasters, such as hurricanes or floods”.

I love discovering the American Red Cross in my day-to-day life. I love running into someone wearing a Red Cross baseball cap or an “I donated blood today” sticker. I love driving through town and spotting the bloodmobile outside a school or an “I Support the American Red Cross” bumper sticker on the back of a car. I love books and magazines and newspapers that devote pages to the people behind and the mission in front of the organization. But more than anything, I love when opportunities to share these Red Cross connections with my children present themselves.

I’ll be the first to admit that my kids aren’t always all that interested. They don’t really understand blood donations, can’t quite grasp financial contributions, and instead of Red Cross logos would prefer Major League Baseball logos on their baseball caps and Transformer or Hello Kitty logos on their stickers.

But Civil War on Sunday…now that was a Red Cross connection they could wrap their sticky little fingers around. I loved every minute of reading that book to Will, because it allowed me, by way of the story, to teach him about something important to me in a way that made him feel like he was directing his own learning. He will remember why our country fought the Civil War, who Clara Barton was, and how her unwavering commitment to humanity led to an organization that still today feels – at least to me and most likely to people who have received support from the American Red Cross in their darkest hours – a little like magic.

There has been a lot of talk around here about zombies. This got me to thinking about zombies and the Red Cross. Obviously, we’re complimentary groups of people: The Red Cross is well-known because we help people prepare for and respond to emergencies, and, well, a zombie apocalypse is something to be prepared for.

This led me to the interwebs to do some research on this possible Red Cross/zombie relationship, and I found a lot of evidence that led me to believe that there is such a strong connection between us because zombies might actually LOVE the Red Cross. I know zombies are the walking dead, void of all emotions and dead set (pun intended) on consuming brains, but I think there’s some sort of soft spot in their dead hearts for the Red Cross.

Here is my evidence:

Run for Your Lives

This zombie infested run that has the goal of “destryoing” its participants may not seem like the most Red Cross-loving event one could stumble upon; however, the Red Cross is the charitable partner for this race. So technically, the zombies are chasing down runners to support our mission – and I think that’s sweet. I asked the co-race director, Derrick Smith, why he thought this was a good partnership. His response was, “When people think of a true zombie apocalypse scenario there tends to be a lot of bloodshed and general chaos, which is why the Red Cross was a natural fit to partner with. The Red Cross is the top organization out there for taking care of people in emergency situations, so we were more than happy to donate a portion of every ticket sale to their cause.” Photo courtesy of Happy Go Lucky Photography

Night of the Living Donors – Zombie Blood Drive

In Portland, the Zombie Squad took it upon themselves to partner with the local Red Cross to host a blood drive to help them be prepared in case of a zombie invasion. The Zombie Squad has been a great Red Cross partner over the years by helping us spread important disaster preparedness messages (I particularly like their Bug Out Bag) – in fact, their mission is similar to ours: “Zombie Squad’s mission is to educate the public about the importance of personal preparedness and community service, to increase its readiness to respond to disasters such as earthquakes, floods or zombie outbreaks.” Neat-o!

I asked Nate Warren, who helped coordinate the blood drive, why he thought zombies loved the Red Cross so much. His response was, “I think zombies love the Red Cross because, for one, they have an insatiable hunger and we can provide tastier alternatives to the boring and redundant diet of brains. Whether we’re dishing out cookies at blood drives or cooking up meals at disaster sites, it’s nearly impossible to find the Red Cross representing without “noms” nearby. Also, while most scream at the sight of the undead, the Red Cross prides itself on impartiality, and serves as a neutral force in conflicts as guardians of the Geneva Conventions and other treaties surrounding international humanitarian law. Finally, let’s get real: zombies smell and probably don’t know it. It’s time to bring the Red Cross humanitarian mission to the formerly living and reach out with comfort, understanding and rubber gloves.”

Hmmm, good point, Nate.

World Zombie Day
Lastly, I sought out another Red Cross connection – this time in the super prepared state of Colorado. Last year, the chapter published this extensive article on zombie preparedness in honor of World Zombie Day – however, I found that Colorado was far more concerned with helping people prepare for the zombie invasion rather than trying to embrace our undead friends. Patricia Billinger noted, “I think zombies fear the Red Cross because we build the type of neighborhoods that know how to band together, get out and fight back!”

So maybe the relationship between the Red Cross and zombies truly is a complimentary one. Zombies are giving us something to prepare for, and we’re giving our communities the tools and opportunities to be prepared. However, in my mind, if zombies truly didn’t care about YOU or the Red Cross, they wouldn’t be trying to gnaw brains during a race, or showing up to blood drives.

Deep down inside, I believe the zombies want you to be prepared so the unprepared are easier to pick off when the zombie apocalypse happens.

In April I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Eilat, Israel in support of the Logistics, Relief and Shelter training hosted by the Magen David Adom (MDA) and the Jordan Red Crescent (JRC) Eilat is Israel’s southernmost city, located at the northern tip of the Red Sea adjacent to the Egyptian village of Taba and the Jordanian port city of Aqaba.

After twenty hours of travelling from San Francisco, I arrived in Tel Aviv – tired, but so excited for my first visit to the Middle East. Tel Aviv is officially one of my favorite cities now! It is so alive and cosmopolitan.

During the bus ride from Tel Aviv to Eilat there were miles of agricultural land which turned into miles of open space dotted with Bedouin communities. I was fascinated to learn more about the Bedouin history from one of the volunteers who lives there. We soon found ourselves in a spectacular desert landscape. Watch out – CAMELS on the road. Yes, an everyday occurrence for many – a Kodak moment for Anne.

No rest for the weary, we got right to work the minute we arrived, organizing a simulation of the first 72 hours following an earthquake. In addition to presenting sessions on logistics, shelter, and relief activities, we worked on how to conduct initial assessments, and provided strategies for the integration of assistance from other Red Cross/Red Crescent societies. We worked very long days, but no one minded as we were so excited to share information.

I was fascinated to learn about the expertise of the Magen David Adom and Jordan Red Crescent societies. MDA serves as the ambulance and paramedic service for Israel. They do not have as robust a role in disaster response as we do domestically, but they are exploring ways to build this capacity. The JRC volunteers and staff have become very proficient in establishing refugee camps and settlements, but also wanted to expand their understanding of disaster response operations.

We broke into small groups. My group met with the local emergency manager for the city of Eilat to learn about their response plans and local supply caches. I coached my team to inquire about local government’s expectations of the MDA. One team member asked the city manager, “What does success look like for you?” I felt like a proud parent!!

Dr. Mohammad Al-Hadid, President of the Jordan Red Crescent and Dr. Noam Yifrach, Chairman of MDA Executive Committee, made the trek to Eilat to express their gratitude to all who participated, and reiterate their commitment to working together. This was quite moving knowing the obstacles these societies face everyday.

Another five-hour bus ride and an early morning trip to the airport had me headed back to California. I am still riding my “high” from this trip. This was one of the most rewarding Red Cross experiences I have had to date – and having been with the Red Cross for over ten years, that is saying something! To all of my new friends and colleagues, Toda and Shukran.

Anne Reynolds is the Disaster Officer for California, Oregon, and the islands
she is also a member of the International Disaster Roster

Did you know that Henry Dunant founded the Red Cross Red Crescent network when he was only 31? Pretty impressive! Today, on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we celebrate his birthday and the important work of the organization around the world.

The Red Cross is serious about building up youth and young adults as volunteers both on the ground and in the boardroom. Youth leadership structures like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent’s (IFRC) Youth Commission and the American Red Cross National Youth Council give young people a voice at the highest levels of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and the opportunity to tailor their volunteer work to their own passions and the needs of their communities. As of this September, I will have volunteered for the Red Cross for 14 years – literally half my life – and I can confidently say I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Red Cross.

As a member of the IFRC Youth Commission, I’d like to introduce you to young people who are following in Dunant’s footsteps, my fellow Youth Commission members. I am incredibly fortunate to serve with this group of passionate, dedicated young volunteers.

Our commission recently had its inaugural meeting in Geneva and though it was a first for many of us, we bonded within a few hours, united by a shared love of public service and the Red Cross and Red Crescent network. Over two days we put together an ambitious work plan that will create even more opportunities for young people to develop their leadership skills and participate in governance and decision-making at all levels.

One of the highlights of our Youth Commission’s work plan for 2011-2013 is the focus on supporting regional youth networks – geographically-based groups of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that share best practices and pooled resources to organize resource-intensive but essential projects like youth leadership trainings. By encouraging youth from different National Societies to communicate, work together and support one another, often through free channels like Skype, the Youth Commission will amplify the great work of young Red Cross Red Crescent supporters around the world.

I recently did a “run” with about 20,000 of my closest friends. I thought I’d hop in and have fun, enjoy the scenery, then call it a day. Now, I’m using the term “run” instead of run because the temperatures that descended upon the pack that day did not allow for too much running. The temperature at the finish line was close to 90 degrees – a completely dangerous situation for people who thought they were going to run that day.

Basically, a pleasant jaunt turned into a 15 mile survival strategy. Luckily, my Red Cross First Aid training – coupled with my MacGyver-like survival skills – helped me avoid becoming one of the 2,000+ people that sought medical treatment that day.

Issue #1: Heat
Now one wouldn’t tend to think that they could get COLD when it’s in the 80s. However, that’s exactly what happened to me. I started to get goosebumps, I started shivering, and I actually felt COLD. My Red Cross training threw up a HUGE red flag and I remembered that these are symptoms of heat exhaustion. I immediately stopped myself under a tree and sat out until I felt a little better. However, that episode took so much out of me, that getting to my meeting spot was difficult and I had to stay hyper-concious of what my body was telling me. I had to take precautions to keep my core temperature down, so I dramatically slowed my pace, found some ice to put on my neck, and stopped pushing myself.

Issue #2: Hydration
When it’s warm outside, you need to be sure that you’re staying adequately hydrated. However, during warmer days, slower runners completing long distances are at risk of over-hydrating because they’re exposed to the harsh elements for long periods of time and tend to drink more than their body needs. I realized that I was sucking down way too much water. I actually THREW AWAY my water bottle to prevent over-hydration. Sounds completely counter-intuitive, but over-hydration – or hyponatremia – is dangerous and can result in serious bodily damage.

Down the road, I found a small child holding a bag of ice. He became my best friend – for three seconds. I grabbed the bag and started slowly sucking on ice cubes, hoping that the small amounts of water would prevent me from consuming too much water, and that the ice cubes would help bring my core temperature down a litle bit. It was the weirdest thing I’ve ever done, but it worked. Needless to say, it only looked a little weird that after I finished my “run” I was pouring coconut water into my bag of ice and sucking it back out.

Issue #3: Clothing
I had on a loose-fitting, light colored tank top and comfortable running shorts. I also wore a hat, sunglasses and waterproof sunscreen to protect myself from the sun. Where I failed miserably is that I wore a BLACK hat (it was all I had), so needless to say, after about 5 miles, I tossed the hat to the side of the course because my head was roasting (which may have contributed to the heat exhaustion issue).

Note to self: buy a light colored hat.

As it continued to get warmer, I was really tempted to take off my tank top and run in my sports bra. However, I remembered that the more skin I had exposed to the sun, the worse off I was going to be later down the road. I kept finding neighborly people with their sprinklers running so I could get my tank top damp every so often and keep my temperature down while keeping my top on.

I’ve been running for years, but after this “run” I learned that you should never push yourself in conditions you’re not familiar with – it’s just not safe. I’m looking forward to running with a few thousand more friends this weekend…where the temperatures are expected to be much more cooperative.

A nice, artsy piece

An interesting bit about blood…

And something about getting chased by a bear…

Recent reports are all indicating that the answer is yes, tornado alley is longer just a narrow strip in the plains states, but has grown into a “tornado plain” that is regularly affecting more states than ever before. Last year was one of the most active tornado seasons on record, and we can vouch for that firsthand! The Red Cross responded to tornadoes all over the country; we were in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, and even as far north as Massachusetts (and this is just a short list).

The Weather Channel is predicting TOR-CON (Tornado Conditions) levels to be anywhere from 4-8: meaning, they believe there is a 40-80% chance of tornadoes touching down in these areas:

So today as we have been watching the weather, we want to makes sure that you, your friends, family, neighbors, or anyone you know, is prepared for what is being predicted this weekend. If you live in these areas, please take some time today to review your tornado safety plan with your family.

Before the storm, gather the following:
Here are our Tornado Preparedness Facts
Here is how to be “Tech Ready”
Here is our iPhone Shelter App

During a Storm (from our friends at NOAA)
A tornado watch means that tornado development is possible. Keep a watchful eye on the sky for threatening weather and stay tuned to radio and television and listen for weather bulletins.

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Persons in the path of the storm should seek shelter immediately, preferably in a storm cellar, underground excavation, or in a steel-framed or concrete reinforced building.

In homes, the basement offers the greatest safety. Seek shelter under sturdy furniture, if possible. In homes without basements , take cover in the center part of the house, on the lowest floor, in a small room such as a closet or bathroom, or under sturdy furniture. Stay away from windows.

In schools, hospitals, and shopping centers, move to pre-designated shelter areas. Interior hallways on lowest floors are best. If the building is not of reinforced construction, go to a nearby one that is, or take cover outside on low, protected ground. Stay out of auditoriums, gymnasiums, and other structures with wide free-span roofs.

In open country, move away from the tornado/s path at right angles. If there is not time to escape, lie flat in the nearest ditch or ravine.

In your car, do not try to outrun a tornado. If available, take shelter in a sturdy structure. Otherwise, get in the nearest ditch or depression until the tornado passes.

Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to overturning during strong winds and should be evacuated when strong winds or tornadoes are forecast. Damage can be minimized by securing trailers with cables anchored in concrete footing. Trailer parks should have community storm shelters. If there is no shelter nearby, leave the trailer park and take cover on low-protected ground.

After the storm:
Try to connect with your family members to make sure everyone is accounted for (remember, sometimes texting after a storm is better than trying to call)
Register yourself on our Safe and Well site
Do not try to go into damaged areas. Use a radio to listen for updated information and instructions

When one hears the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield” they (should) immediately think of Clara Barton. However, in last week’s episode of “Community” it wasn’t Clara Barton that came to the rescue of dozens of slightly injured community college students, it was Annie, the Healthcare Administration student.

Annie was the neutral party in a very heated on-campus battle, a battle that dramatically changed the lives of many students, staff, and faculty, and left others fleeing for their lives. Annie must have volunteered with the Red Cross at some point, or paid attention in her History class, because she is a living example of how Clara Barton conducted herself and her volunteers during the Civil War…although Clara Barton and her cadre of volunteers may have been dealing with more serious injuries than broken glasses and rug burns.

Either way, this is part of the foundation of the Red Cross – to always remain neutral when things get heated, to help those that need help, and to rise to the call of duty…no matter how great or how small that call may be. At the end of the failed Guinness World Record pillow fight attempt, the two parties met with neutral third party and the war was peacefully ended.

NBC may (or may not know this), but this April will actually mark the 100 year anniversary of Clara Barton’s passing. We’d like to thank them for paying tribute to her humanitarian spirit with this inspiring episode.

Side note: I’d like to thank Joe Hansen for reminding me to catch up on my DVR shows. He made this post possible.

Like all volunteers, disaster volunteers come from all walks of life and fall into every category imaginable with regard to age, education level, ethnicity, and religion. What they share – their common bond – is the inability to look the other way when disaster strikes. Witnessing the devastation caused by natural and man-made disasters is too much for these kind and generous people to take sitting down, and so their hearts lead them to the Red Cross where they go through Volunteer Orientation, become CPR certified, and take Disaster Services Shelter Operations, Mass Care, Logistics, and Public Affairs classes.

Once trained, these volunteers can be and are contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year – including in the middle of the night – to respond in support of both those affected by disasters and first responders assisting on the scene.

Volunteers see horrific destruction and devastation, but they also see hope. And that hope keeps them coming back, time and time again. Most disaster volunteers, once they’ve completed their training and deployed – either locally or nationally – for the first time, are hooked. In all likelihood you’ll find them still volunteering for the Red Cross five, 10, 20 years after their first orientation to the organization.

There’s a strange balancing act done by disaster volunteers. The desire to help, and to use the skills learned both in disaster classes and in the field, is incredibly strong. But disaster volunteers are all too aware of the fact that in order to help and to use those skills, a disaster must strike. People’s lives must be negatively affected. No one would ever wish for disaster, but when they occur, Red Cross disaster volunteers demonstrate time and time again that they are, simply and in my humble opinion, the best of the best. They walk a tightrope – surrounded on one side by their almost-burning need to help and on the other side by people whose lives have been turned upside down – with the grace and confidence of trapeze artists who’ve been atop the rope their entire lives.

I wrote last week about how I felt when disasters struck cities I’ve called home. In the first two cases (a tornado in Iowa City, IA and flooding in Cedar Rapids, IA), it was terribly difficult to sit on the sidelines. I worked for the Red Cross – but in Ann Arbor, Michigan – when both of these disasters occurred, but as the volunteer administrator I stayed put and deployed ready, willing, and able volunteers from my chapter in Michigan to my beloved Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. I was a coach, working with a team of other coaches to strategically put players (volunteers) into the game (deployment and local support positions), but I wanted desperately to be in the game myself.

I also wrote last week about the recent tornados that severely damaged Southeast Michigan, another place I’ve called home. My desire to help, and to use the skills I’ve learned in disaster classes and the field, is incredibly strong. I would give anything to be there right now…with my coworkers, with my volunteers, with the people in my community who need my help.

I can’t be there, and the only peace I find is that which comes from knowing that the best of the best – Red Cross disaster volunteers – are there in my place.