This morning, we had a very special visit. Floyd Pitts, Chief Diversity Officer for the American Red Cross, stopped by our chapter and hosted a roundtable discussion about diversity and his plans for the future.

Oh, and with just five months on the job, we’re the FIRST CHAPTER HE’S EVER VISITED. Awesome.

While there were many stories shared by Floyd and the bevy of well-connected community leaders in attendance, there was one in particular that stood out.

Floyd told of trying to get his peers — African-American men in their 50’s — to give blood. But after a little thought, he realized that trying to get this group to change their habits was nearly impossible. Sure, he might convince a person or two, but that was about it.

Instead, he realized, he should focus on youth. Cultivating good habits like donating blood in high school paves the way for an entire generation of 50 year olds to be future blood donors. Much better than convincing a person or two, don’t you think?

Diversity. Youth. Energy. Excitement. If you were there to hear Floyd speak, what impressed you?

See photos from the roundtable below or right here.