Youth Group of the Upstate SC Chapter

Genean Berggrun, Youth Services Specialist

Over the past several years, the American Red Cross Youth Association in Greenville, South Carolina has served upstate teens with a fresh outlook on their community through a combination of service projects, fundraising events, and discussions concerning their local environment. Every other week, the group gets together to talk over present and future plans that  give them the opportunity to directly and indirectly serve their local Red Cross and its mission.

With games at the start of every meeting to quickly warm up new members called "ice breakers", the collective is always open to anything new and fresh. Turnover of members is relatively low with some having been part of the committee for as long as five years. Ideas are constantly flowing back and forth and some sort of project or fundraiser is staged at lease once per month.

Most notably the group commits to a yearly fundraiser knows as the HEROES Campaign which raises money strictly for the Greenville county disaster victims in that area. To be considered a "HERO" a person or organization must raise at lease $1000. The American Red Cross Youth Group raised just over $1110 with a concert and a mini-restaurant this year.

Members also have the chance to run for office each year in positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Youth Representative. At least once a month these officers meet to serve as a strong, active backbone to our productive organization. This has really led our uniquely assembled group to a strong sense of family and belonging. In our balance of school and life, we find new things about ourselves and others that help shape us into better citizens. This strength has even spawned smaller ARC Youth organizations at area schools further diversifying our outreach.

Everyone here who is with us has found out how they can make a difference in their local and global world, and all of us have put forth the efforts for our peers to see.

"YOUTH IN THE SPOTLIGHT"

Each month we will feature an outstanding youth group member who has dedicated time and hard work into contributing to the services and duties of the Upstate SC American Red Cross Chapter.

YOUTH OF THE MONTH:

LUBEN IKONOMOV

As a Youth Volunteer for nearly three years, Luben is certified in CPR, AED, and Standard First Aid.  He has participated in two HEROES Campaigns that included a Battle of the Bands and a Mini Restaurant.  He is an integral part of the Youth Council, as he serves as the Treasurer for the 2008-2009 year.  Other areas of interest for Luben include guitar playing, solving complex puzzles, and volunteering for the local hospital.  Everyone loves his accent as he reads the Fundamental Principles of the American Red Cross.  Way to go Luben!!

Schools in the Area that Participate

Click each link below to view each school's website.

Southside High School

100 Blassingame Road, Greenville, SC 29605
1.864.299.8393