May 8 has been observed annually in honor of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate John Henry Dunant’s commitment to peaceful pursuits, which directly contributed to the creation of the Geneva Convention in 1864. Within this treaty, 12 nations agreed to grant neutrality to those willing to care for the wounded on the battlefield until recovery, and expedite supplies to those bearing the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent’s (IFRC) symbols. The resulting global observance of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day dictates the annual themed focus representing the organization’s long term goals.
2012’s theme for tomorrow’s celebration is “Together for Humanity,” representing a vision not unlike Dunant’s 148 years ago. Interestingly, of the 13 million IFRC volunteers worldwide, half of them are young people. Heather Fitzke, a 26 year old volunteer in London, Great Britain and a member of the European Youth Coordination Committee, and EU Red Cross Youth Network, notes the importance of youth participation worldwide. On her most recent blog post she says, “A diverse and dedicated volunteer base is essential if we are to do more, do better and reach further today and tomorrow.”
Starting tomorrow at 2 p.m. Geneva CET, a webcast hosted by the Red Cross Red Crescent Learning Network will be live online for registered individuals interested in learning what it takes to get serious about nurturing youth leadership. This “RedTalk” debate will entail what youth can contribute on critical issues to shape the future as it relates to the IFRC’s peaceful efforts.
Individuals are encouraged to participate in this debate and with the organization on many levels, including in their local region. Volunteering takes various forms and can lead to future career employment. The three invited panelists attending the webcast tomorrow include Oliver Rizzi Carlson, Caretaker of Culture of Peace Organization; Mads Esperson, VP of the IFRC Youth Commission; and Lama Srour, Member of the Lebanese Red Cross, and the Youth as Agents of Behavioral Change Network. Each panelist will answer questions live that are posed through the blog and via Twitter, which will bring together audience members from all over the world.
Sources:
The Nobel Peace Prize 1901, ” Henry Dunant “, The Nobel Foundation 1901.
Resources, ” World Red Cross Red Crescent Day – 8 May 2012 “, Education Scotland.
Red Cross Red Crescent Learning Network, ” Heather Fitzke, 26, British Red Cross Volunteer, on youth leadership “, International Red Cross Red Crescent Federation.
International Red Cross Red Crescent Federation, ” Youth on the Move “.
Red Cross Red Crescent Learning Network, ” RedTalk #12 Panelist: Oliver Rizzi Carlson, Sower and Caretaker of the Culture of Peace Organization “, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent.
Red Cross Red Crescent Learning Network, ” RedTalk #12 Panelist: Mads Esperson, Danish Youth Red Cross “, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent.
Red Cross Red Crescent Learning Network, ” RedTalk #12 Panelist: Lama Srour, Lebanese Red Cross “, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent.
