New Red Cross Data Shows Multigenerational Portrait of Volunteers in the Pacific Islands Region

HONOLULU (March 9, 2026) — New American Red Cross information released highlights a multigenerational culture of volunteerism across the Pacific Islands Region, which serves Hawaiʻi, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa.

From kupuna to youth leaders, volunteerism spans all ages across these island communities. More than 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce in the Pacific Islands Region is made up of volunteers, reflecting a deep tradition of service rooted in island culture and community resilience.

According to available regional data and program participation trends:

1. Youth engagement continues to grow, especially through high school and college Red Cross Clubs active across Hawaiʻi and the Northern Mariana Islands.

2. Working-age adults play critical roles in disaster response, volunteer recruitment, logistics and military family support, including positions across Hawaiʻi, Guam and Saipan.

3. Long-serving volunteers, including many kupuna, remain deeply involved in preparedness education, community events, Service to the Armed Forces and cultural bridging roles, continuing a tradition of intergenerational service valued across the Pacific Islands Region.

From Gen Z to the Silent Generation, people of all ages help make up the nearly 1,900 volunteers who support the American Red Cross in the Pacific Islands Region, according to demographic estimates.

Nationally, Gen Z makes up the fastest growing and largest group of Red Cross volunteers (42%), followed by Millennials (24%). Baby Boomers (18%) and Gen X (9%) anchor core mission roles, while the Silent Generation represents 7%.

“Generation after generation, our island communities have shown that compassion is one of our greatest strengths,” said Molly Schmidt, CEO for the American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region. “In moments when help can’t wait, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together to offer care, comfort and hope. Their dedication reflects a shared humanitarian spirit that has carried our Pacific Islands through decades of change and continues to make a meaningful difference today through our lifesaving mission.”