Although the current Youth Council membership is fewer than 20, Thao knows the numbers will grow. “Last year, we concentrated on structure.” A major draw for gaining new participants will come from metro area high schools.

 

Thao initiated the Red Cross Club at Benson. “Twenty kids came to the first meeting,” she said. “Bu at the second meeting, there were 30! During the Measles Initiative drive, a few club members sold all their pins in one day. There are more students attending Benson’s meetings now than attend the Youth Council meetings!”

 

President Thao wants to encourage current members to bring their friends to Youth Council events. “I want to have students who really want to make a difference and be committed,” she said. “Kids want to show others that they worked with the Red Cross. It also shows that they have gained leadership skills.”

 

Because Thao wants Youth Council members to be “motivated to make a difference,” she wants to draw up a plan to engage students in various activities. In addition to a yearly calendar, Thao will work with her board to create a constitution.

 

Youth Council members are now participating in a “Get Prepared” project. By taking advantage of the highly motivated group at Benson, Thao will start making first aid boxes. Students will then solicit for donations, which will be used to fill the boxes.

 

After that, Benson’s club will sell the assembled first aid kits at this spring’s Tech Show Day. As Thao says, “It’s a good way to promote Youth Council at Benson High School!”