Note: The following excerpts were taken from the American Red Cross Fundamentals of Instructor Training Participant's manual (GSD Stock No. A1174), August 2000 and are provided for your information

History, Mission and Structure of the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement. It is the mission of the American Red Cross to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

What the American Red Cross does cannot be accomplished without our greatest resource---the people of the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross has many heroes---historical and modern day---throughout Lines of Service. Our most familiar hero is Clara Barton. Because of her devotion and dedication in founding the American Red Cross and throughout its early years, the organization has served Americans since 1881 in wartime and in times of peace during natural disasters national calamities.

The spirit of volunteerism  and community involvement continues with the employees and volunteers that make up the American Red Cross. Modern-day heroes of the American Red Cross are making a difference everyday in their communities and around the world.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian, volunteer organization in the world, with more than 175 member countries. Seven guiding principles provide direction for the movement and all Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies must adhere to them. These principles include the following:

• Humanity
• Impartiality
• Neutrality
• Independence
• Voluntary Service
• Unity
• Universality

The American red Cross is not a governmental agency. It relies on the generosity of the American people to offer its services. The American Red Cross is required by Congressional Charter to provide:

• Relief to victims of disaster and
• Emergency communications and assistance to members of the Armed Forces and their families.

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