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News of interest to ARCRA members

  • 05/30/2023 10:30 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    International Humanitarian Law Class: Even War Has Rules

    Armed conflicts are ongoing around the world. At times it may seem that there are no rules in war. However, there are rules in war, and they make a difference. Even War Has Rules is a dynamic discussion on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and how it governs armed conflict. By the end of the class, participants will achieve a general understanding of IHL and will be better able to evaluate the actions of parties to armed conflicts.

    Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. (PT) | 8:00 – 9:30 (ET)

    The class will be instructed by Mo Ghandehari and Kelly Saldarriaga of the Northern California Coastal Region.

    If you are a Northern California Coastal Region Red Crosser, please click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/EWHRJune2023NCCR

    For general registration, use the link here to register: https://tinyurl.com/EWHRJune2023

    Monday, July 17th, 2023 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. (PT) | 8:00 – 9:30 (ET)

    The class will be instructed by Liz Dietz and Larry Dietz of the Northern California Coastal Region.

    If you are a Northern California Coastal Region Red Crosser, please click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/EWHRJuly2023NCCR

    For general registration, use the link here to register: https://tinyurl.com/EWHRJuly2023


  • 05/30/2023 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    International Humanitarian Law Discussion Group: Humanitarian Perspective on Conflicts in the  Thursday, June 15, 2023 5:00 to 6:30 PM ET

    Join the June IHL discussion group to learn more about important current events and IFRC and ICRC responses to conflicts, disasters and forced migration through the people directly involved at locations around the world. Hear about such topics as the state of Ebola, the Syrian crisis, Iran and Venezuela, as well as news from right here in the U.S. 

    Guest speaker, Susan Burgess-Lent, is a veteran international aid worker, warrior for women’s rights, author, mentor, and public speaker. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Women’s Center’s International, a non-profit organization that creates resource centers for women affected by armed conflicts, oppression and poverty. She worked for the American Red Cross International Services Department in Washington DC. From 2006 to 2010, as the Program Director of Darfur Peace and Development Organization (DPDO), Susan help to provide support for schools and established two Women’s Centers in an international Displaced People camps in North Darfur, Sudan.

     Click here for general registration: https://tinyurl.com/IHLJune2023

    If you are a Northern California Coastal Region Red Crosser, please click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/IHLJune2023NCCR

  • 05/10/2023 10:39 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    FREE WEBINAR: How do you turn your savings and investments into reliable retirement income? By Edelman Financial Engines

    ARCRA members may be interested in attending periodic webinars sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. American Red Cross has designated Edelman Financial Engines, an independent Registered Investment Advisor, to provide fiduciary investment services to Savings Plan 401(k) participants who choose to participate in the feature.  

    The goal is to maintain your lifestyle without worrying about running out of money. Learn how to plan your income, create cash flow and protect your savings. See how you can live the comfortable life you deserve.

    Plus, we'll share with you:

    • Time-tested investment strategies
    • Guidance on withdrawal strategies
    • Advice on RMDs and Roth 

    As an added benefit, an Edelman Financial Engines advisor will be available during this presentation to answer your financial questions in the Q&A chat. Don't miss this opportunity to move your financial life forward!

    Click here to register

    Note: Edelman Financial Engines does not guarantee future investment results.


  • 05/08/2023 12:45 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The idea for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day came about after the First World War, when an "annual action that could take hold in the whole world... that would be a major contribution to peace" was discussed at the 14th International Conference of the Red Cross.

    8 May was eventually chosen because it is the anniversary of the birth of the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant.

    The first 'International Red Cross Day', as it used to be known, was celebrated on 8 May 1948. The official title of the day changed over time and became known as 'World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day' in 1984.

    Today, the day is an opportunity every year to celebrate our network of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a common humanity, and reflect on our Fundamental Principles.

    World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is a time to celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism and recognize the individuals who make a difference in their communities.

    This year, our theme is: Everything we do comes #fromtheheart

    We want to celebrate the people in our communities, “the person next door”, who often are the first ones to step up and support those in need around them. They could be someone at work; a neighborhood business-owner; a Red Cross or Red Crescent community volunteer; someone at the gym, shop or market we go to; or someone living close by who has always been by our side. However they support us, they do it with love and #fromtheheart.

    Watch this video of Jagan Chapagain IFRC Secretary General, celebrating World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.

  • 05/05/2023 12:49 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Youth Breaking Things to Solve Complex Challenges by International Red Cross

    Thursday, May 18th, 2023 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. (PT) | 5:00 – 6:30 (ET)

    Join the International Humanitarian Law discussion group to learn more about important current events and IFRC and ICRC responses to conflicts, disasters and forced migration through the people directly involved at locations around the world. Hear about such topics as the state of Ebola, the Syrian crisis, Iran and Venezuela, as well as news from right here in the U.S.  

    The guest speaker is Henry Cáceres is the Global Innovation Officer at the IFRC Solferino Academy. He is a passionate humanitarian worker that uses innovation and leadership to promote meaningful youth participation and transformation. Henry has also been a Volunteer of the Ecuadorian Red Cross for almost 20 years and is one of the creators of their Innovation System called SIFI.

    Click here for general registration: https://tinyurl.com/IHLMay2023 

    If you are a Northern California Coastal Region Red Crosser, please click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/IHLMay2023NCCR 

    Born on the Battlefield Class

    Friday, May 19th, 2023 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. (PT) | 8:00 – 11:00 (ET)

    This is the next Born on the Battlefield class, hosted by the Northern California Coastal Region. The class will be instructed by Hawley Rising of the Northern California Coastal Region.  IHL monthly discussions and Born On The Battlefield classes are held virtually on Microsoft Teams.

    For general registration, use the link here to register: https://tinyurl.com/BOTBMay2023NCCR

    If you are a Northern California Coastal Region Red Crosser, please click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/BOTBMay2023 


  • 05/03/2023 2:02 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Welcome Home! – the Vietnam War 50th Commemoration in Washington DC
    May 11-13 (Thu-Sat), 2023.  
    https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/

    • * November 1955 – the first official unit went into Vietnam
    • * May 15, 1975 – the official end of the conflict

    All who served in the Armed Forces during this period are being honored. 

    The Commemorative Partner Program is designed for federal, state, and local communities, veterans' organizations, and other nongovernmental organizations to assist a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam veterans and their families.  The American Red Cross is a Commemorative Partner.  This Commemoration is also being provided to 800 veterans centers around the U.S.

    Thursday, 11 May: a ribbon-cutting will formally open Camp Legacy, which is divided into two experiences, X-Ray and ZuluX-Ray (Plaza of Appreciation), located at the west end of the National Mall on the JFK Hockey Fields, will immerse visitors in stories and the legacy of Vietnam veterans, as well as the contributions of families, citizen volunteers and our allies who supported American troops during the Vietnam War period.  Helicopter static displays, military performances, daily entertainment, nightly concerts, museum-quality exhibits, and rally points will highlight this part of the camp. Zulu (Plaza of Service), situated a short walk away in West Potomac Park, will offer all generations more interactive opportunities featuring additional Vietnam War period vehicle static displays, another gathering point for veterans and their families to relax, a Veteran Services Hub, and much more!

    Saturday, 13 May: A Memorial Walk and Roll begins at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, proceeds across Memorial Bridge, and finishes at Camp Legacy with a resonate “Welcome Home!”.

    The American Red Cross will have a 20’x20’ tent on the JFK Hockey Fields.  Hours are 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday and 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday and Saturday.  Current ARC staff and the American Red Cross Overseas Association (ARCOA) are planning the details of the tent.  Anyone who served with the American Red Cross is welcome to join the group and staff the tent.

    On this website - https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/welcomehome/ - click on the dates for more information.  


  • 05/01/2023 1:54 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    One year since the escalation of conflict in Ukraine, the protracted struggle has led to tens of thousands of deaths and injuries and caused massive destruction of public infrastructure in Ukraine, with no end currently in sight. Millions of people residing in the country have been forced to leave their homes, and millions more are suffering from lack of consistent access to food, clean water and electrical power, health services, medication and more.

    Today, workers from the Red Cross and Red Crescent network remain on the ground, both inside the country as well as in nearby nations where many residents have fled to escape the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, to meet the ongoing urgent needs of individuals and families whose lives have been upended by this humanitarian crisis.

    Read the one year report at redcross.org.

  • 03/24/2023 12:21 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Americans are planning on traveling overseas this Summer and the demand for a regular U.S. passport has surged.  It is taking about 10 to 13 weeks to get a regular passport and seven to nine weeks for an expedited passport.  Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday. The State Department is "getting 500,000 applications a week for passports," which is 30 to 40% more applicants this year than last year, Blinken told a House Appropriations subcommittee budget hearing.

    While staffing has been increased there are still long delays.  The pilot online renewal platform for Americans who already have a passport to renew online has been halted for fine-tuning and improvement.

    Read more at CNN

  • 03/01/2023 12:17 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Every day, seven people die in home fires, most often in homes without working smoke alarms. That’s why the American Red Cross launched our Home Fire Campaign in 2014 to save lives.

    Sound the Alarm is a critical part of the campaign. Through our home visits, we’ve installed more than 2.5 million free smoke alarms and made more than 1 million households safer across the country.  To date 1,583 lives have been saved.

    Interested in learning more about how to prepare your home and family against a home fire? Sign up for a home fire safety visit, including a FREE smoke alarm installation for your household, from your local Red Cross.

    Availability depends on your location. More activities are being added all the time, so please check back soon if we don't have an opportunity for you today. 

    SIGN UP WITH YOUR LOCAL RED CROSS

    Sound the Alarm Logo




  • 02/09/2023 9:30 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Composite image of Turkish Red Crescent and Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers supporting people affected by a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in southeast Turkiye on 6 February 2023.

    Geneva/Ankara/Damascus (6 February 2023) - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is launching Emergency Appeals for CHF 200 million to respond to a deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.

    The Turkish Red Crescent and Syrian Arab Red Crescent have immediately mobilized to support communities affected: needs are growing minute by minute. Rescue teams have been reaching hardest-hit areas where survivors remain trapped under rubble.

    In Türkiye, teams from the Turkish Red Crescent deployed in ten affected provinces in the south and southeast regions with stocks of food and basic aid items such as tents and blankets to support those injured and evacuated. Their teams are also providing psychological support, distributing hot meals and sending its national stock of blood and plasma to the affected regions.

    In Syria, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent has been responding on the ground since early morning, supporting search and rescue operations, providing first aid, performing emergency medical evacuations and transporting injured people to the hospitals. A big number of buildings collapsed amidst vulnerable living situations and very harsh weather conditions.

    “This earthquake caused unfathomable damage. Our worst fear is coming true. In this response, every minute counts,” said Xavier Castellanos, IFRC Under Secretary General for National Society Development and Operations Coordination.

    “The vulnerabilities are coupled on top of harsh winter conditions, making it unbearable for many. The vulnerable living conditions, particularly in Syria, are even further stretched in a decade-long war. People who lost their homes and loved ones need our support. We must join forces and do our best to help.”

    Increased global support and solidarity to deliver humanitarian assistance is essential in the weeks and months of recovery ahead. IFRC will launch two International Appeals, CHF 80 million to support people in Syria with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and CHF 120 million in Türkiye with the Turkish Red Crescent

    Geneva/Ankara/Damascus (6 February 2023) - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is launching Emergency Appeals for CHF 200 million to respond to a deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.

    The Turkish Red Crescent and Syrian Arab Red Crescent have immediately mobilized to support communities affected: needs are growing minute by minute. Rescue teams have been reaching hardest-hit areas where survivors remain trapped under rubble.

    In Türkiye, teams from the Turkish Red Crescent deployed in ten affected provinces in the south and southeast regions with stocks of food and basic aid items such as tents and blankets to support those injured and evacuated. Their teams are also providing psychological support, distributing hot meals and sending its national stock of blood and plasma to the affected regions.

    In Syria, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent has been responding on the ground since early morning, supporting search and rescue operations, providing first aid, performing emergency medical evacuations and transporting injured people to the hospitals. A big number of buildings collapsed amidst vulnerable living situations and very harsh weather conditions.

    “This earthquake caused unfathomable damage. Our worst fear is coming true. In this response, every minute counts,” said Xavier Castellanos, IFRC Under Secretary General for National Society Development and Operations Coordination.

    “The vulnerabilities are coupled on top of harsh winter conditions, making it unbearable for many. The vulnerable living conditions, particularly in Syria, are even further stretched in a decade-long war. People who lost their homes and loved ones need our support. We must join forces and do our best to help.”

    Increased global support and solidarity to deliver humanitarian assistance is essential in the weeks and months of recovery ahead. IFRC will launch two International Appeals, CHF 80 million to support people in Syria with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and CHF 120 million in Türkiye with the Turkish Red Crescent

    Please use the following links to donate to our response in each country:

    ·         Donate to Syria response

    ·         Donate to Türkiye response


    The IFRC is grateful for your valuable support which will enable us to help the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and Turkish Red Crescent to deliver lifesaving support.

    Click here for general information about donating to the IFRC.

    Follow these Twitter accounts for the latest updates:

    ·         @IFRC

    ·         @IFRC_Europe

    ·         @IFRC_MENA

    ·         @SYRedCrescent - Syrian Arab Red Crescent

    ·         @RedCrescent - Turkish Red Crescent

    Useful links

    ·         Our first press release from Monday 6 February with an initial update and announcing our two appeals.

    ·         First batch of rights-free images of our responses in Syria and Türkiye on IFRC Newsroom.

    ·         General information about earthquakes and earthquake preparedness.


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