By Samantha Munro

World Children’s Day, also called Universal Children’s Day, is the annual day of action for children by children, presented by UNICEF, the United Nations Agency for Children. From concerns from climate change, education and mental health to ending racism and discrimination, children and young people are raising their voices on the issues that matter to their generation and calling for adults to create a better future.

World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day and is celebrated on November 20th each year, promoting international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide to improve the lives of children.

November 20th is an important date as it was in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

So too is the American Red Cross committed to the care and concerns of children, by being true to its mission, vision, and fundamental principles​​, The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.​

Due to the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors, the Red Cross provides programs such Prepare with Pedro, a 30-45-minute preparedness education program for grades K-2 that teaches students how to BE PREPARED and TAKE ACTION for either home fires or local hazards. Students learn coping skills by reading a story featuring a penguin named Pedro and receive a storybook to share what they have learned at home.

To learn more about preparing children for emergencies, visit our website. To learn about volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer.