“We're incredibly excited about our upcoming membership campaign, officially kicking off with "Summerfest" on June 10 at 3:00 p.m…Our goal is to expand our reach to current employees and volunteers, recognizing that the Red Cross family extends beyond alumni and retirees. We envision ARCAN as a vibrant social fabric, connecting individuals who share a passion for the Red Cross mission, regardless of their tenure or current status.”

Click the photo to link to the full video interview.  

The American Red Cross Alumni Network (ARCAN) is embarking on an exciting new chapter, building on a rich history of connection and service. Neal Gorman, ARCAN's Communications and Marketing Committee chair, recently sat down with ARCAN's President, Becky McCorry, to delve into the network's past, present and future. Here are some highlights from their insightful conversation:

Neal Gorman: Becky, it's fantastic to hear your passion for ARCAN. What truly excites you about bringing together past and present Red Cross individuals?

Becky McCorry: For me, Neal, it's about the enduring "family" that the Red Cross fosters. Whether someone served for a few years or dedicated their entire career, there's a shared love for the mission and countless "war stories" to share. ARCAN provides a vital space for these individuals – past employees, current employees and volunteers – to connect, learn from each other, and continue giving back to the Red Cross family.

Neal Gorman: That sense of connection is powerful. Why do you believe people should join ARCAN, especially as a relatively new group? What's our unique advantage?

Becky McCorry: It all comes back to the mission. Interestingly, the idea of Red Cross retirees connecting socially dates back to the 1970s, eventually leading to a formal advisory group for the Board of Governors.While the structure and focus have evolved, the fundamental desire to connect remains. ARCAN offers a way to rekindle those connections, share experiences, and for our more seasoned members, it provides a crucial retiree helpline. But looking forward, we aim to be a bridge between the past and the present, fostering mentorship and a continued sense of community for everyone who has been part of the Red Cross.

Neal Gorman: The historical context you provided is invaluable. It sounds like ARCAN is building on a strong foundation. You mentioned the retiree helpline – can you elaborate on that?

Becky McCorry: Absolutely. The retiree helpline is a vital service managed by our volunteers. We receive hundreds of calls annually, often from older retirees navigating automated systems, inquiring about benefits, or needing assistance with various administrative matters. Our volunteers provide that personal touch and guidance that can be so crucial.

Neal Gorman: That's a wonderful service. Now, let's talk about the future. ARCAN is launching membership drives soon. What can you tell our members about these efforts?

Becky McCorry: We're incredibly excited about our upcoming membership campaign, officially kicking off with "Summerfest" on June 10 at 3:00 p.m. However, we've been laying the groundwork strategically. We've updated our newsletter and website, making them more engaging and user-friendly. We've also formalized our bylaws to ensure a solid foundation for growth. Our goal is to expand our reach to current employees and volunteers, recognizing that the Red Cross family extends beyond alumni and retirees. We envision ARCAN as a vibrant social fabric, connecting individuals who share a passion for the Red Cross mission, regardless of their tenure or current status.

Neal Gorman: That's a fantastic vision! How can current members get involved in this exciting growth?

Becky McCorry: There are many ways! Firstly, simply by spreading the word about ARCAN to their former colleagues and current Red Cross friends. We'll be actively promoting membership through social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. We're also encouraging members to think about the power of bringing in just a few new people. Even a modest increase in membership can significantly impact our ability to support our initiatives and have a greater presence in the community. Beyond joining, we also need volunteers within ARCAN to help with various initiatives – from outreach to technology support.

Neal Gorman: You also touched on the potential for mentorship and community involvement. Can you expand on that?

Becky McCorry: Absolutely. We've heard directly from Red Cross leadership about the need for mentors, and our alumni have a wealth of experience to share. Furthermore, our members are located throughout communities and possess a deep understanding of local needs. We envision ARCAN members serving on community boards, supporting blood drives, and acting as a vital link between the Red Cross and the communities it serves. Our collective experience and passion are a powerful asset.

Neal Gorman: This is truly inspiring, Becky. I’ve always looked at all my Red Cross leaders as mentors and I’m excited to have them back in my corner. It sounds like ARCAN is poised for a bright future, honoring its past while embracing new possibilities. Thank you for sharing your insights with us!

Becky McCorry: Thank you, Neal. It's an exciting time for ARCAN, and we encourage everyone who has been touched by the Red Cross to join us as we move forward together.

Mark your calendars! ARCAN's official membership drive kickoff, "Summerfest," will be held on June 10 at 3:00 p.m.  

Stay tuned to ARCAN's Facebook and LinkedIn pages for more details on how to join and get involved!

More to Consider from Becky's Insights: Understanding the Red Cross Today and How ARCAN Members Can Make a Difference

ARCAN President Becky McCorry recently discussed the American Red Cross Alumni Network with fellow board member and Communications and Marketing Committee chair, Neal Gorman. Becky emphasized the importance of the mission and the passion for it that unites past and current employees and volunteers. She also highlighted the idea of mentorship, learning from each other and the value of our shared experiences. Neal asked about the advantages of joining the fledgling group, to which Becky responded that it's about the mission and the passion for it. 

The Evolving Landscape of the Red Cross: Becky's conversation also shed light on the significant evolution of the American Red Cross structure. From a vast network of approximately 3,000 local chapters in the past, the organization has streamlined its operations to around 250 chapters today. This transition, driven by advancements in technology and a focus on efficiency, has reshaped how the Red Cross operates on a local level. While the structure has changed, the fundamental need for a community presence remains as vital as ever.

Your Role in Community Connection: As ARCAN members, your connection to local communities is invaluable. Becky emphasized that even without the traditional chapter structure, alumni can significantly contribute by understanding local needs, fostering relationships with community partners (like fire departments and churches for blood drives), and supporting Red Cross initiatives within their own neighborhoods. Consider how your experiences and networks can help maintain and strengthen the Red Cross presence where you live.

A Small Investment, A Big Impact: ARCAN operates on a lean budget, primarily funded through membership contributions. The annual $30 membership fee plays a crucial role in enabling the network's activities, from maintaining the retiree helpline and website to facilitating future engagement opportunities. As Becky pointed out, this modest investment is comparable to everyday expenses and collectively empowers ARCAN to support its members and the wider Red Cross family.

Looking Ahead: The Desire to Connect More IRL (in Person): The conversation also touched upon the membership's interest in potential future in-person gatherings. The desire for connection within the Red Cross community is strong, and it's happening now! Regional affinity groups are actively meeting, providing opportunities for alumni in specific geographic areas to connect, share experiences and network. Looking ahead, ARCAN envisions further strengthening local connections by developing more ARCAN “chapters” in communities across the country. This future growth aims to create even more opportunities for engagement, friendship and continued support of the Red Cross mission at a neighborhood level.

Click here to learn more and find a group near you: https://redcrossalumni.org/Affinity-Groups.

We Need You! Volunteer with ARCAN: Beyond joining, Becky issued a clear call for volunteers to help steer the direction of the alumni network. If you have skills or time to contribute to areas like outreach, technology support or event planning, we encourage you to get involved and help shape ARCAN's future. Specifically, we could use support gathering and recruiting great Red Cross guest speakers, help organizing local affinity groups (think volunteer chapters) and we need general support. Email us now to get started info@redcrossalumni.org.