College Club Conference

This past weekend, we helped host a College Club Conference for students across Division 10 in Albany, NY.  The idea of this conference was spearheaded by our Chapters very own Mary Walls, and the concept was to connect College Club members from across New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Vermont.   

Students got to hear from:

Mfon Bassey--Exploring Humanitarian Law Coordinator, American Red Cross of Northeastern New York

Sarah Bunch--Associate, Youth and Young Adult Programs Humanitarian Services Operations

Jerry DeFrancisco-- President, Humanitarian Services at American Red Cross,

Heather Filipowicz, CFRE-- Senior Director, Advancement, Greater Buffalo Chapter

Christophe Lobry-Boulanger-- International Services Program Manager at American Red Cross  International Delegate, Senior Faculty Advisor IHL Dissemination at Red Cross Greater New York Chapter

Suzanne M. Piotrowski--MS HRD, RODP McArdle Ramerman & Company

Winnie Romeril-- American Red Cross, International Services Volunteer

Cheryl Searcy-- Director, Humanitarian Services Operations

Renee Smith-- Chief Operating Officer Cayuga County Chapter

Kimberly Tavarez-- Financial Development Associate, North Eastern NY Chapter

Debbie Woglom--Educator, Exploring Humanitarian Law Instructor, International Humanitarian Law Nursing professor, Elmira College

The presenters talked about everything from the American Red Cross’ mission and history to what it’s like working as an international volunteer to how to increase participation and sustainability within your club.  And it got the students excited and anxious to start making connections with the presenters as well as with one another. 

“We encouraged them to develop strong communication with one another so that if they ever need help running an event or are having trouble increasing participation in their club they have a support system to turn to.”- Mary Walls, Volunteer Coordinator, Greater Buffalo Chapter.  

There are American Red Cross college clubs across the world, and as this conference continues to grow and develop, the Red Cross hopes that a network of college club students emerges so that they can become their own self sustained group.  When problems arise, college clubs can call someone from a club across the country or from a different county so that they can get help with an event or get advice on an issue they are having.

With this being the first College Club Conference, the Red Cross is excited to see the level of response and involvement from the students, and with their help the conference will continue to grow and develop into something that can be used as a model across the country. 

If you would like to learn more about the college club conference or how to start up a college club, please contact Mary Walls 716.878.2140 or at wallsma@usa.redcross.org.