From Gen Z to Baby Boomers, the American Red Cross Cascades Region is fueled by more than 3,000 volunteers. Currently, Gen Z leads the charge as our largest and fastest-growing demographic, accounting for 40% of our workforce, driven largely by the rise of student-led initiatives.

Baby Boomers provide nearly a third of our volunteer support, followed by Millennials, who make up 16%, and Gen X at 9%. The Silent Generation, although only 2%, brings a wealth of experience that often covers decades of local service.

“Generation after generation, our community has shown that compassion is one of its greatest strengths,” said Priscilla Fuentes, Cascades Region CEO. “In moments when help can’t wait, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together to offer care, comfort, and hope. Their commitment reflects a shared humanitarian spirit that connects us across time and continues to make a meaningful difference through our lifesaving mission — one that has supported families for more than half of our country’s 250-year history.”

One of our young volunteers behind the Gen Z movement is Katherine Liu, a sophomore at Camas High School in Washington. For Katherine, the Red Cross isn’t just another extracurricular activity, but a meaningful way to spend her time and talent. A dedicated student in the Math, Science, and Technology (MST) Magnet program at her school, Katherine pairs her interests in the STEM field with a passion for community storytelling.

As the Editor-in-Chief of the program’s online blog, she enjoys highlighting the club’s events and peer achievements, which naturally drew her to pursue a similar mission with the Red Cross. Despite her leadership role as editor, joining an organization with the global reach and impact of the Red Cross felt like a significant step.

“I saw online that there was a position open for blogging,” Katherine recalls. “I think I was kind of scared at first because I thought it was an ‘adult thing,’ but I still applied anyway.”

Since August 2025, Katherine has made an immediate impact on the Red Cross communications team. She embraces the creative freedom of her position, taking the lead on coordinating interviews and writing feature stories that give voice to the Red Cross mission.

One of her most impactful assignments involved interviewing a volunteer celebrating 50 years of service.

“I got to learn more about the Red Cross and how it used to be,” she says. “It gave me a deeper perspective on the work that I’m doing.” While Katherine balances a busy academic schedule, she doesn’t view her volunteer work as “extra.” Instead, she approaches her storytelling with the same discipline she applies to her STEM studies.

“I like to treat my volunteer commitments just as seriously as academic commitments,” she explains. Through weekly team meetings and mentorship, Katherine has found a supportive environment that encourages her to grow as both a writer and a leader. For other students who might feel intimidated by the idea of joining a large organization, her advice is simple: just get yourself out there.

“Volunteering isn’t about being perfect; it’s just about being willing to help,” Katherine says. “For any volunteers who are hesitant, it’s definitely a very welcoming community. You just have to be willing to take that first step, and then everything goes great.”

From the Silent Generation to Gen Z, the Red Cross is a community built on a shared humanitarian spirit. Whether you bring years of professional experience or are a student looking to build professional skills for a vital cause, there is a place for your unique talents in our mission.

Visit RedCross.Org/Volunteer to join the Red Cross today!