AboutYouth Red Cross
Youth Red Cross (YRC) is the youth wing of the Indian Red Cross Society, dedicated to inspiring and empowering young people to uphold the humanitarian principles of the Red Cross Movement. It is primarily active in colleges and universities, involving students.
YRC aims to develop the spirit of voluntary service, health awareness, and social responsibility among youth, encouraging them to contribute actively to the well-being of their communities. Guided by the Seven Fundamental Principles of Red Cross — Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality —YRC provides opportunities for young volunteers to participate in service-oriented activities, community development programs, and disaster response initiatives.
Through training camps, health campaigns, blood donation drives, environmental projects, and awareness programs, YRC members cultivate leadership skills, compassion, and a commitment to serve without discrimination. The movement not only addresses immediate humanitarian needs but also fosters a lifelong dedication to the Red Cross ideals.
The lecturer who guides the YRC Volunteers in Youth Red Cross activities is called “Program officer”
History Background of the program:
The Red Cross Movement began in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland, founded by Henry Dunant after witnessing the suffering of wounded soldiers during the Battle of Solferino in 1859. His vision led to the formation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, which set humanitarian standards in times of conflict.
In India, the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) was established in 1920 under the Indian Red Cross Society Act and became part of the global Red Cross network. Recognizing the potential of young people as agents of change, the Youth Red Cross was introduced in educational institutions to train and mobilize students for humanitarian activities.
Government of Karnataka has visualized the need for grooming the youths for the new generation and has come out with a historic order to enroll the youths by all colleges by affiliating to Indian Red Cross Society under the banner of Youth Red Cross. Each college is having a Youth Red Cross Unit and thereby the students of affiliated colleges become the ‘Ambassadors’ of Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch.
Today, YRC operates under the guidance of the Indian Red Cross Society in almost every state, partnering with universities, colleges, and community organizations. It plays a vital role in disaster relief, health promotion, blood donation campaigns, road safety awareness, environmental initiatives, and social welfare programs.
Mission and Vision of the Youth Red Cross
Mission of Youth Red Cross is to inspire, encourage, and initiate youth to become active contributors to their communities through humanitarian efforts. Its vision is to create a network of compassionate and capable young volunteers who can lead and respond to the needs of their communities.
Aim and objective
- To conduct social and health awareness programmes.
- Awareness on the care of their own health and that of others.
- To encourage the students to extend their humanitarian services to the society.
- To offer First Aid Training awareness to all the YRC volunteers.
YOUTH RED CROSS AFFILIATION
All Government, Aided, and Unaided First Grade Colleges, Engineering, Health Science, Agricultural, Horticultural, Veterinary Science, Forestry, Fisheries, Teacher Education, Law Colleges, Polytechnics, and other recognized degree colleges shall obtain affiliation by paying a one-time fee of Rs. 1,500/-.
The affiliation fee shall be paid through the online software (https://redcrosskarnataka.org/) and the college will receive the affiliation certificate immediately upon successful payment.
FINANCIAL NORMS
- Respective colleges shall also collect Rs.50/- annually from each student along with the college fees.
- Out of the total amount collected, 70% (Rs.35/-) shall be retained by the College Youth Red Cross Unit to be utilized for its activities,
- and the remaining 30% (Rs.15/-) shall be remitted to the Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch, Bengaluru, through the online software https://redcrosskarnataka.org/))
- The college will receive the Receipt & thanking letter immediately upon successful payment.
- IRCS, KSB, Bengaluru. Out of Rs.15/- receivable by the IRCS, KSB, Rs.5/- per student shall be remitted to each University/Directorate for meeting the expenses on payment of honorarium etc., and conducting annual meeting of YRC Programme Officers for planning and review of Youth Red Cross activities.
Activities of Youth Red Cross
- Awareness on personal and public health
- Hazards of drug addiction
- Tobacco and alcohol abuse prevention
- HIV/AIDS awareness (World AIDS Day)
- Anti-ragging and cyber safety workshops
- First Aid and Emergency Services
- Relief work during natural disasters or emergencies
- Blood Donation and Organ Donation
- Voluntary Service Activities
- Red Cross Movement Education (Dissemination of Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Orientation on the Red Cross history, emblems, and roles)
- State and National Integration Camps
- Leadership development workshops
- Road safety awareness and traffic rules sessions
- Youth Empowerment & Civil Responsibilities
- Literacy campaigns and youth exchange programs
- Environment protection drives (Tree planting, No plastic campaigns)
- Communal harmony and peace-building activities
- Promoting friendship and cooperation among youth
- District/division/state-level and Inter State cultural and service camps
BENEFITS FOR COLLEGES AND STUDENTS ON GETTING YOUTH RED CROSS (YRC) MEMBERSHIP
Getting affiliated with the Youth Red Cross (YRC) under the Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch provides several advantages for both colleges and students, including:
Benefits for Colleges:
- Recognition and Affiliation: Official affiliation with the Indian Red Cross Society enhances the institution’s social and humanitarian profile.
- Access to Red Cross Programs: Colleges can participate in state-level, divisional, and national-level YRC camps, awareness drives, and training workshops.
- Networking Opportunities: Builds partnerships with government departments, NGOs, universities, and health agencies.
- Community Service Engagement: Enhances the institution’s outreach and involvement in community development and social responsibility initiatives.
- Support from Red Cross State Branch: Guidance, training resources, and support in organizing YRC activities and events.
- Eligibility for Awards and Recognition: Active institutions may be recognized at the district or state level for outstanding service.
Benefits for Students:
- Skill Development: Gain valuable life skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, and emergency response.
- Volunteer Experience: Hands-on participation in social work, blood donation drives, disaster relief, and health campaigns.
- Certificate of Participation: Students receive certificates which are beneficial for job applications, scholarships, and higher studies.
- Awareness and Empowerment: Exposure to real-life issues such as health, climate change, road safety, drug abuse, and mental health.
- Opportunities to Attend Camps and Competitions: Students can attend youth camps, seminars, quizzes, poster-making, and speech contests organized at various levels.
- Personality and Ethical Development: Encourages compassion, service mind-set, and civic responsibility.