American Red Cross Northern Minnesota Region - Annual Report FY13 | Page 7

Local Efforts, Global Reach As part of a worldwide humanitarian network, the American Red Cross works to deliver international humanitarian aid in the wake of disasters; prevent disease and teach preparedness; reconnect families separated by armed conflict; and educate the public about International Humanitarian Law. Here in the Northern Minnesota Region we — • Enrolled 170 people in International Humanitarian Law, Restoring Family Links and other courses • Provided 92 international tracing services for families reconnecting with loved ones Responding to Community Needs Our team also revitalized our Preparedness program, re-worked all community events, activities and preparedness volunteer trainings to increase effectiveness, increased outreach by 26% over FY12, and added 36 new preparedness volunteers. Reach into diverse communities increased with multicultural canvassing projects, translated materials and videos and media outreach. Over the past year, our International Services capacity has also grown. We now have a Restoring Family Links instructor and three instructors for International Humanitarian Law. Outreach through events and one-on-one community meetings raised awareness about our programs available for families searching for loved ones. Currently, we have 27 open cases and expect more in the future. Is it safe or poison? Katie and Nicole, Red Cross Youth Volunteers from the Como Park Future Educators Club talk with kids from all backgrounds about safe versus poison substances. Katie and Nicole taught students about poison safety using a bright poster and props. They showed students that some poisons – like cleaning products or adult medicines – look very similar to safe products, and explained to always ask an adult before eating or drinking something that may be unsafe. The Elementary Prepare Fair is one of several new youth engagement projects for high school students who want to volunteer with the Red Cross, Northern Minnesota Region. Interested groups can contact Volunteer Resources at [phone] or [email protected] to learn more and get involved. Northern Minnesota Region