Red+Cross

NGO Representatives:
Katie T. and Camden M.

NGO Overview, Mission, and Purpose: What We Are About and Who We Help
The Red Cross provides the metaphorical "best of both worlds" in that it provides both domestic services to build stronger communities at home as well as providing relief for both disasters and disease epidemics worldwide. With Red Cross or Red Crescents in nearly every country, we are available to help people worldwide, coordinating in initiatives such as our mission to end measles through mass vaccination, and HIV/AIDS as well as malaria initiatives. We respond in mass to nearly every major natural disaster regardless of the location, including hurricane Katrina, as well as the recent devastating earthquakes in Japan and Haiti, just to name a few. Our mission statement is "The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors."

NGO "Bottom Line": How Me Make an Impact
The Red Cross works not only to relieve the suffering caused by disasters in the United States and abroad through emergency medical services, supplies, housing and communications, but to train local communities on how best to avoid and prepare for disasters both domestically and internationally. As well as to respond to international health crises through health initiatives, targeting measles, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. The Red Cross provides training for first responders within communities, as well as a variety of other services, such as education ranging from babysitting classes, to disaster preparedness presentations, to classes on international humanitarian law. The Red Cross also works in conjunction with the military to deliver messages from service member's families to their deployed family member, as well as volunteer services in the VA. Red Cross also tracks down the location of family members separated through natural disasters or refugee situations. Of course one of the largest functions of the red cross is blood collection and distribution through our numerous blood drives. Red Cross blood donations make up 40% of the nation's blood supply.

NGO Organization Details and Location: Headquarters and Global Outreach
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies headquarters: Geneva Switzerland Headquarters of American Red Cross: Washington D.C.

NGO Job Openings: Who, Why, Where, When, and for How Much?
Volunteers are the life-blood of the red cross which is made up of 96% volunteers. There are many availabilities for qualified volunteers to contribute a little or a lot depending on their interest level. For those who do not wish to uproot their lives and spend time in another country there are several opportunities for volunteering in your own community. To name just a few are blood drive volunteer, disaster preparedness presenter, educating people on how to be prepared for a disaster. For those qualified there is also the opportunity to be a CPR instructor, first responder trainer, or babysitting class instructor. There are also positions available for volunteers to teach classes on international humanitarian law. The Red Cross also appreciates volunteers who assist in spreading the word of the services provided by the Red Cross through social media as advocates. There are also plenty of opportunities to do clerical and administrative work, as well as support work such as stocking and doing inventory at shelters. There is also the opportunity to volunteer first aid expertise as part of a first aid team at local events. No matter what the amount of service, large or small, volunteering for the Red Cross helps build stronger and safer communities both at home and worldwide. The Red Cross also utilizes both paid and volunteer nurses in it's disaster relief efforts and at it's blood drives and first aid stations in addition to management and supervisory roles. International responder volunteers are those who go to areas which have experienced natural disasters and provide relief in the form of assembling temporary shelter, distributing food, clothing and other neccesities, as well as assisting families by searching for lost/seperated family members in the wake of a disaster.International careers: The Red Cross provides medical service to disaster areas, and thus employs doctors, nurses and other medical staff. As well as first responders such as rescue workers and paramedics. They also employ communications and support staff in order to coordinate the efforts of local Red Cross workers and volunteers.

Why You Should Join Us...
The Red cross not only provides assistance to people across the globe but in all parts of the United States as well. In addition to providing disaster relief and medical treatment for those in need, the Red Cross provides the tools to create a community well prepared for disasters, or common medical emergencies, teaching classes in CPR, instruction for first responders, babysitters, lifeguards and nurses. Red Cross is one of the oldest and most trusted organizations in disaster and disease relief. With every major natural disaster, people can count on the Red Cross to be there, helping in every way they can.

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