UT Austin Red Cross Affiliation

The American Red Cross has a club at the University of Texas! It is a branch of the ARC of Central Texas.

With a mission "to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity", this student organization is what keeps non-profits like the ARC up and running. Many students find comfort and good will through participation.

As a student one can apply to be an ARC Officer, and this recognition has been known to look good on a resume. But as more students are joining and volunteering, the organization is based on better moral than business.

It hosts meetings every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Wagner Hall on UT campus. The meetings are open to non-members as well, because event planning for the organization centers around random volunteers. I was surprised to find this out, when I asked Disaster Services Co-Chair Andy Aus. He said, "Any and everyone are welcome. We have a strong membership, but most of our help comes from friends deciding to show up for even one meeting during the semester. It only adds to the communal effectiveness of the group."

I went to junior-high school with Andy and always wondered where we would end up. As friends with a meaningful aspect on non-profits, we share a lot in common. He can relate to my volunteer work at the state capitol. Aus commented, "You make the little people feel recognized at the capitol, I make them happy (gesture of making a joke)."

In some senses of the phrase he is right, I can only say my help reaches a certain extent, but both our efforts seem valiant. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities around the UT campus and Austin area, and for students who constantly struggle with hard schooling and tough work often forget the light-hearted good feeling that comes from doing something for free.

Aus urged I comment the next meeting will cover opportunity for Summer volunteering and the next on campus event, which will also be covered in unison with UT's 'Go Green Be Orange' campaigne.

Whether interning or volunteering, the resume addition helps, but it is definitely the good feelings associated that make it all the worth while.

To join simply show up to the next meeting, or e-mail the organization at UT.Austin.RedCross@gmail.com