The American Red Cross Research Paper

It is better to give than receive. This phrase has been spoken daily in almost every walk of life. Although it may hold truer to some than others, the meaning is the same regardless where you are from, live, or how you were raised. Giving is the act of freely transferring the possession of something or someone, yet it has much more meaning and depth than that. While some may think of giving as a chore, or a burden, others relish at the chance. Seeing giving as a blessing they are able to hand out, a gesture that requires little thought or persuasion. Throughout life there are many opportunities to give back, or pay it forward. Enhancing others quality of life simply by giving up a portion of one’s time. As this thinking often blurs
The American Red Cross exists to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always available in any time of need. The organization aspires to turn compassion into action to ensure all people affected by disaster across the country and world receive care, shelter and hope (Mission & Values, n.d.). Without the volunteer efforts of caring individuals, this humanitarian organization would not be able nor capable to provide relief to victims. Giving to the Red Cross opens the paths to several different and diverse avenues, while many think of giving as writing a check or putting money in a bucket, there are several ways one is able to donate and contribute to the Red Cross. Not only is giving to the Red Cross vitally important, it is virtually how the organization is able to provide the much needed services to individuals in need in our country and across the
It was Henry Davison, president of the American Red Cross War Committee, who generated the idea of forming a federation of National Societies. With the thoughts of the millions affected, their mission and first objective was to improve the health of people in the countries that had suffered greatly during the four years of war. Its goals were to strengthen and unite, for health activities, already-existing Red Cross Societies and to promote the creation of new Societies (The Formation of the IFRC , n.d.). Clara Barton and a circle of her acquaintances founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881. Her first encounters with the Red Cross occurred while visiting Europe following the Civil War. Since the birth of the American Red Cross, there has never been a time without them heavily involved in providing national and international disaster relief and mitigation. Prior to the First World War, they focused on introducing first aid, water safety and public health nursing programs (History,