SEATTLE, DECEMBER 9, 2009 - Yesterday we spent some time with Yun Jong Ok, Manager of Red Cross Youth programs in Seoul, Korea. Jong Ok works with the Republic of Korea National Red Cross, a national organization similar to the American Red Cross, and with the help a volunteer Language Bank translator, Yonghwan, he shared with us the similarities and differences of the Korean youth program with what we do here.

For instance, in Korea almost all universities and two-thirds of all high schools have Red Cross clubs, which are led by teachers and school staff members. Nationally, Korea has four Red Cross youth centers used to train youth volunteers and develop their leadership skills. Here in the US, we do not have as many programs (yet!), but Jong Ok was surprised and impressed to find out that our clubs and fundraisers are all student-led and organized.

Amy Ezzo, Manager for Red Cross Youth Programs in King County, gave Jong Ok a tour of our building and talked about the great work of Red Cross clubs at local schools like University of Washington and Mount Rainer High School. She shared how youth are supporting the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross through programs like the Measles Initiative fundraiser and building Refugee Welcome Kits. 

Yun Jong Ok presented our Red Cross chapter with a beautiful inlaid box with the logo of the Republic of Korea Red Cross, and in traditional Red Cross fashion, we exchanged chapter pins. We are looking forward to seeing him again on Saturday, when he will join the Red Cross Youth Council for their monthly meeting and get-together.

Yun Jong Ok and Amy Ezzo met in the Seattle office of the American Red Cross to share their experiences leading Red Cross Youth programs on different sides of the globe.