Collective,

The local Red Cross chapter has asked me to give a short (3 minute) speech on the topic of "Why I volunteer at the Red Cross". The speech is about a week away, and I've been struggling with what to say and how to say it. I've put something semi-coherent down on paper, and I would appreciate it greatly if you would take a few minutes to help me proofread and improve upon the speech.

I know this is a different kind of analysis than this board is used to performing, and I know that it is an off-topic request. Any proofreading help you care to give would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
-Chuck

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The Red Cross is part of my life, part of my community. It has been for as long as I can remember. At six years old, I ran out of energy in the deep end of a swimming pool. A Red Cross trained lifeguard pulled me out of that pool. In college, my Red Cross CPR training helped save the life of a dorm mate. That incident eventually led to the formation of our campus' Student EMT squad.

I owe my employment to the Red Cross, as well. My CPR & First Aid card earned me my first job at a water park. Once that park realized I also had a Lifeguard card, I earned my first promotion, as well. A couple years later, with my WSI and CPR/First Aid Instructor cards, I was put in charge of lifeguard in-service training for that park. The leadership skills I acquired, courtesy of my Red Cross training and experience, also figured prominently in my ability to land my first real job.

With that job, I moved to Cincinnati. Once I arrived, I contacted this chapter and asked “What can I do?” Jane [W] answered my call and first got me involved with CPR Saturday. With Jane, Karen [Z], and Rita [W]'s help and guidance, I now am the volunteer chairman of that program, which has expanded from a single day to an entire month. In helping the Red Cross, I once again managed to help my own career. In my most recent employee evaluation, leadership and communication were singled out as my most improved skills – skills that really got a workout in coordinating that community-wide event.

Speaking of the office, my employer prides itself on its leadership giving to the United Way. My United Way contributions are earmarked entirely to this Red Cross chapter, because I know through experience just how well this organization shepherds its contribution dollars. In fact, I have never seen an organization more committed to meeting the varied needs of all its stakeholders – the volunteers who help out, the donors that make it possible, the employees who hold it all together, and most importantly, the community it serves.

With the Red Cross, I have the opportunity to help my community and give back to the organization that has given me so much. Volunteering here, I can also assure my charitable contribution dollars get put to good use while simultaneously helping advance my own career. It is the perfect win-win scenario. The Red Cross is so intertwined with the rest of my life that volunteering here is just part of who I am and what I do.

Thank you.