(Syracuse, NY – June 20, 2013) The Central New York Chapter of the American Red Cross selected Youth and Young Adult volunteers and 2013 Syracuse University graduates Mallory Lang and Adyna Lungu as its Dunkin’ Donuts Volunteers of the Month for May.
Sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts, the Volunteer of the Month program recognizes dedicated Red Cross volunteers for their hard work and commitment to the humanitarian organization.
Lang, of Saugerties, and Lungu, of Millville, N.J., helped implement a Red Cross national pilot program called the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Action Campaign. IHL is the body of law that places basic limits on how war is waged. It aims to protect human dignity during times of armed conflict and seeks to prevent or reduce the suffering and destruction caused by war.
Educating the public about IHL is one of the Red Cross’ primary responsibilities. The Red Cross has provided that education through the implementation of the IHL Action Campaign, which is a hands-on, interactive program that exposes youth to IHL values and principles. It aims to teach youth that “Even Wars Have Limits” and supports their development as problem-solvers and compassionate global citizens who are able to grapple with ethical dilemmas and global issues.
Lang and Lungu underwent specialized training provided by the Red Cross and became Co-Team Mentors of one of the nation’s first IHL Action Teams at Southside Academy Charter School in Syracuse.
“Not only was this team one of the first, but it was also the youngest group to take part in the pilot program,” said Jessica Lane, the Red Cross Regional Youth and Young Adult Coordinator who manages the program. “Both Mallory and Adyna have been exceptional Team Mentors who’ve modeled the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross among these youths.”
Dunkin’ Donuts has generously supplied Red Cross chapters and branches throughout Northern and Central New York with gift cards to distribute monthly to deserving volunteers. Lang and Lungu each received a $25 gift card as a token of appreciation for their volunteer service.