President’s Corner
From Becky McCorry
I’d like to start with a big shout: SPRING IS AROUND THE CORNER! After the wild weather many of us have experienced these past few months, that feels especially good to say.
I also want to take this opportunity to share our plans for 2026 and respond to several questions that have come up over the past year. If I had to summarize our primary focus for this year in four words, it would be:
GROWTH IN OUR MEMBERSHIP
But before we look ahead, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished over the past 20 months. Together, we have:
- Transitioned from ARCRA to ARCAN
- Filed the necessary legal paperwork and confirmed ARCAN as a 501(c)(4) membership organization
- Developed a new vision, mission and logo
- Refreshed and redesigned our website
- Launched and supported the Retiree Helpline with dedicated volunteers
- Offered informational and educational webinars at least once per month
- Established a closer working partnership with National Headquarters
- Encouraged members to update their profiles so we can stay connected
- Built a strong foundation for ARCAN’s future growth
These accomplishments are significant—and they are the result of your engagement and commitment.
Here Are Frequently Asked Questions I want to address:
Q1: How many members are in ARCAN?
Currently, we have:
- 418 Active Annual Members
- 574 Lifetime Members
- 341 Members in various stages of renewal
Q2: What is ARCAN’s annual budget?
Our annual budget is $27,967. Approximately 75% supports contractors (600 hours annually) who:
- Respond to member emails
- Maintain the website
- Produce the newsletter and email notices
- Manage social media channels
- Support webinars
- Deposit financial donations
- Assist with accounting
- Support board committees
Q3: Does the National American Red Cross financially support ARCAN?
Yes. National Headquarters provides $5,000 annually to support technology expenses and maintain the Retiree Helpline. We hope that support will grow in the future to support the amazing network of Red Crossers who are part of ARCAN.
Q4: How many calls does the Retiree Helpline receive?
Last year, we received and replied to 124 inquiries; and over the past five years we received and replied to 1,110 inquiries.
Q5: Why should someone join ARCAN?
- To experience connection and community.
- To continue learning.
- To grow professionally.
- To serve and give back to the mission we love.
How Will We Achieve Growth?
You elected a talented and dedicated 19-member Board of Directors. The Board has adopted a two-year business plan through December 2027 focused on sustainability and expansion. Our strategy includes:
- Social media outreach to past and present employees and volunteers
- Strengthening our partnership with National Headquarters (Executive Sponsor: Vice President of Volunteer Services)
- Member levels and benefits including offering free CPR and First Aid training for ARCAN members
- Encouraging member engagement through committees:
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- Membership
- Communication & Marketing
- Programs & Services
- Development
- Nominating
- Affinity Groups
But most importantly:
We need each and every one of you to be part of growing this community – to recruit one new member, get involved and consider making a donation.
Since June 2024, when we transitioned to an alumni network, 244 new members have joined ARCAN. We are deeply grateful for your recruitment efforts and ongoing support. Continued growth will allow us to sustain our current services and expand new offerings—supporting alumni connections and interactions, increasing lifesaving training opportunities, offering guidance to retirees and more.
ARCAN is a living alumni community—built by and for Red Cross people.
Thank you for being part of it.
Becky
