HERZOGSVILLE. Barbara Schmid from Herzogsdorf is not only an aspiring masseuse and trained yoga teacher. The 22-year-old from Herzogsdorf is also the youngest Red Cross local branch manager in Upper Austria. The sporty lady reveals how this came about and what she does in her voluntary work in the Tips Talk.
The Schmid family is a Red Cross family. Papa Franz Peter (71) worked as a local branch manager for years and is still involved as a leader in first aid courses. Son Michael (44) has also been working as a paramedic for several years. Daughter Bettina (43) was active as a youth Red Cross group leader and paramedic. And daughter Barbara, at 22 years old, is the youngest RK local branch manager in all of Upper Austria in Herzogsdorf. Her friend Georg Erlinger (29) is also involved as a paramedic.
Tips: How long have you been working for the Red Cross?
Barbara Schmid: Ever since I was a child, my dad often took me to the Red Cross. I attended a youth group lesson for the first time when I was about five years old. I was a member of the Youth Red Cross (JRK) for a long time and later worked as a youth group helper and youth group leader. Even as a child, I enjoyed the JRK because I made new friends there and I also enjoyed first aid a lot – the competitions were particularly good, so I was just very ambitious to be at the front and that To demonstrate what you have learned. Being with the Red Cross also has a social aspect. I want to make a contribution to our society and do something good. In my case, to teach the kids something about life and to encourage them to be there for others. Be it as a friend – or in emergency situations, such as an accident. I think youth work is particularly important because here we give young adults the courage to really help and also show how important humanity is – in all situations.
“Sad events at the RK are unexpected deaths. But there are also many beautiful experiences, such as the distribution of the peace light or when the children learned something at the JRK. Since almost the entire family is involved with the Red Cross, it was obvious that I would take a look. For me it is more than a volunteer position. For me it’s a matter of the heart,” reports the 22-year-old.
Tips:What do you do as a leader?
Barbara Schmid: I represent the local office externally, I am basically the mouthpiece of the local office. As a local branch manager, you are in contact with all divisions of the RK (Meals on Wheels, emergency services, JRK), I constantly get feedback on where new impulses are needed and try to implement them. It is important to me to show that there are several divisions in the RK – many people are usually only aware of the rescue service and meals on wheels, but there is so much more to the RK. I also want to raise awareness. You are often the first point of contact, the first face that local people associate with the RK. So if someone wants to volunteer, I’m usually the first point of contact. I’m always happy to see new, motivated faces and to feel that everyone is pulling in the same direction – namely being there for people and helping, that’s something that naturally connects us.
Tips: How did those around you react to the fact that such a young lady is now the head of the Red Cross?
Barbara Schmid: Admittedly, it wasn’t easy at the beginning. You have to struggle with prejudices and the decisions you make are questioned. At the beginning, I think few people believed I could do this job and some were unsure whether I could handle this responsibility. But over time, as you do your tasks well, you gain more and more confidence.
Tips:Why is volunteering so important to you?
Barbara Schmid: For me it is important to volunteer at the Red Cross because it gives me the opportunity to actively contribute a small part to society and do something good. It fulfills me to be part of a strong community that works for the well-being of others.
Tips: What are the biggest challenges currently?
Barbara Schmid: The biggest challenge is motivating people to volunteer – especially in the emergency services. It requires a lot of commitment and responsibility, and of course time. The training is very intensive, but it is definitely worth it. I myself spend a lot of time at or with the Red Cross. But I don’t keep track of how often or how long I’m at RK – I enjoy doing it, and I think that with everything you enjoy doing, you don’t think about the effort involved.
2024-11-12 10:33:00