By Terri Seydel

The Red Cross “Lead like Clara” series spotlights some of the many remarkable volunteers who support the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross.  The campaign is inspired by and named in honor of Clara Barton, who founded the American Red Cross in 1881 despite many roadblocks throughout her life of service. Her altruism and passion to alleviate human suffering during devastating events helped shape the course of humanitarian efforts globally.

Fast-forward 140-plus years: A global pandemic has presented different but equally formidable challenges for today’s Red Cross volunteers. They’ve had to get creative and persevere through unprecedented challenges to carry out the organization’s humanitarian efforts. 

Meet Kristen Worman, a champion for youth volunteers

Kristen Worman is a Youth Engagement Lead for the Red Cross’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. Her mission is to advise and mentor students in middle and high schools through the creation and support of Red Cross Clubs. The goal of these clubs is to instill a passion for volunteerism in young people and to inspire them to become future leaders.

Worman’s goal is to give back to her community, set a good example for her grandchildren, and motivate young people to help others in need. She’s a great example of how people can use their specific talents and skills to give back to their own communities.

Before she got involved with the Red Cross, Worman worked for years as a counselor at the middle and high school level. She draws on that counseling experience in her new role with area youth volunteers.

Making an impact as a volunteer

Worman began her current Red Cross role in the early days of the pandemic, and she’s currently leading 25 area school clubs—with more planned for the coming year as schools get back to normal routines and in-person opportunities become available. She’s been intentional about helping her club members recognize the needs of others, encouraging them to make a difference in people’s lives and to be positive role models for the next generation.

Worman says she’s been incredibly impressed with the club members’ motivation and passion to get involved in their communities.  Remarkably, they’ve persevered and stayed dedicated despite pandemic-related challenges, she says.  And through this opportunity with the Red Cross, they’re learning about what’s most important—and establishing core values that will ultimately lead them to a life of purpose.

Worman believes it’s everyone’s duty to volunteer in some way. She leads by example, motivating the next generation of volunteers to be humanitarians. “If you can help one person in your life, that makes an impact and a real difference in our world,” she says. 

Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Women’s History Month, we are publishing a #LeadLikeClara series of profiles featuring women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.