By: Marta Rusek

Let’s face it, 2020 was a tough year. It challenged us to rethink our day-to-day priorities and taught us hard truths about not taking good fortune for granted. It gave us new gratitude and empathy. But now that we’ve turned the corner, let’s slam the door on the past and look forward to 2021. That means resolutions!

Sure, the resolution is a bit of a January cliche. By whatever word you use—goal, aspiration, dream, ambition—a resolution is a motivator. Are you seeking a satisfying way to learn something new, cross off long-postponed items on your to-do list, and find your passion through a life-changing cause? Look no further than the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross’s vast network of resources can connect you with classes to prepare you for emergencies at home and out in the world, plus opportunities to make a difference based on your interests, skills, and schedule. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Prepare for an emergency at home and on the go. It’s never too early to plan for potential disaster, and the Red Cross has you covered with Emergency Preparedness Kits for every situation. So be proactive: Pick up your very first emergency kit, or stock up on supplies to stash in your car for inclement weather or a natural disaster. To get started, browse the Emergency Preparedness section of the Red Cross store.

• Take a First Aid/CPR/AED class. Knowing how to save a life or help dress a wound are essential skills to know, even during a pandemic. Getting a First Aid/CPR/AED certification now is also a good idea, so that when social distancing is no longer necessary and folks with your skillset are needed, you’ll be ready! The Red Cross offers several options in-person, online, and hybrid classes that are a combination of both. Once you complete the course, you will receive a digital certificate for First Aid/CPR/AED that will be valid for two years. Find a class here.

• Become a volunteer. Did you know that 90 percent of the people behind the Red Cross are unpaid? Volunteerism benefits everyone, and that’s especially true when you’re with the Red Cross. Whatever your skill level, you will be welcomed as a volunteer. You’ll receive in-depth training and have access to a wealth of learning opportunities, and the new skills you acquire can be put to good use in a variety of areas—disaster response, support for military service members, blood drives, and even communications and public relations. (The article you’re reading now was written by a volunteer!) If you’re 18 or older and looking to serve your community and gain leadership skills that will take you far, you can’t go wrong with one of the nation’s best volunteer-led humanitarian organizations. Begin your volunteer journey on our website here.

• Donate blood. Donations of blood, including platelets and plasma, are vital to survivors of natural disasters and large-scale catastrophes, people with cancer, and COVID-19 patients. The Red Cross makes the blood donation process easy, especially for first-time donors and people who are nervous around needles. Get answers to your frequently asked questions and make an appointment to donate blood here.

When you make your resolution with the Red Cross happen, we want to know about it! Post your story about volunteering, giving blood, or taking a class with the Red Cross on social media with the hashtag #RedCrossResolution and tag @RedCrossPhilly on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Your example just may inspire your loved ones to do the same!

Main image description: Two Red Cross volunteers wearing face masks work together to load life-saving supplies onto a truck.

Secondary image description: Several sticky notes with New Year’s resolutions on a wall, with phrases like “Be happy!”, “Exercise more,” “Eat Healthier,” and “Save Money.” In the center is “Donate Blood,” with a large red arrow pointing to it. On the righthand side is a red block with the Red Cross log and text in white letters that reads: “May we suggest a resolution?”