American red cross - an essay on the structure of an organization PDF

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The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization that works towards preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies. The action is done by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Through its strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners, The American Red Cross is always there in times of need for the people of the great nation of America as it aspires to turn compassion into action (Briones, et al, 38). As highlighted by the organization's vision statement, The American Red Cross helps all people affected by disaster across the country and worldwide by ensuring they receive care, shelter, and hope in difficult times. Additionally, the non-profit organization functions to ensure that everyone in the country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products as the Red Cross community is always prepared for disaster. The armed services members are also not left behind as The American Red Cross works in ensuring that their families and them find support and comfort whenever needed (Briones, et al, 39). In case of emergencies such as floods, hurricanes, or even terror attacks, there are always trained individuals from the organization nearby ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

Some of the fundamental principles that guide the global Red Cross Network include humanity's principle as the organization was born of the desire to bring help without any form of discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield in its international and national capacity (Briones, et al, 40). The organization aims to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found with its purpose being to protect life and health and promote respect for the human being. Additionally, the global Red Cross network promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation, and lasting peace among all people. Additionally, the organization applies the principle of impartiality, where no discrimination is permitted of nationality, race, beliefs, religion, class, or even political opinions. It endeavors to relieve human suffering as their needs guide it. Additionally, in its service line, The American Red Cross and the global Red Cross are encouraged to prioritize the most urgent cases of distress (Jones, 278). In its line of service, the ARC applies the principle of neutrality as it is required not to take sides in hostilities or even engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious, or ideological nature. The principle of neutrality helps in avoiding conflict of interest among parties (Worth, 1237). The Red Cross is an independent organization, although it is subject to government laws in respective nations. The organization is, however, encouraged to maintain its autonomy. The Red Cross is a voluntary relief movement which does not work for any desire to gain encouraging unity and universality in its operations (Jones, 278). History As highlighted in studies, The International Red Cross movement started with Henri Dunant. In 1859, he experienced the battle of Solferino in Northern Italy were more than 40,000 troops were killed and left wounded on the battlefield without any help (Melby, et al, 637). This

led to Dunant calling for an international relief organization to bring aid to the injured soldiers hence the bird of the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863 that took place in Geneva in Switzerland. The founder's idea was to spread throughout Europe and become the foundation for the minimum standard of conduct for the world's nations engaged in conflict (Büthe, Solomon, and André, 589). Similarly, Clara Barton in the United States worked diligently towards promoting similar humanitarian messages, especially during the civil war. After the battle, she learned about the Red Cross movement, which led to Clara and her associates forming the American Association of the Red Cross. The international committee of the Red Cross was established in 1863, which is an impartial, neutral and independent organization with the primary mission being to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and assist them (Büthe, Solomon, and André, 596). Additionally, in times of conflicts, the organization directs the searching of missing persons, establishes hospitals and security zones in the embattled areas, and organizes international aid programs. As cited by scholars, The American Red Cross organization is organized through a congressional charter with the most recent version adopted in 2007 (Melby, et al, 637). The federal government delegates some tasks to the organization, including supporting the military families and offering aid to the federal emergency management agency in their humanitarian efforts. However, it is crucial to note that The American Red Cross is not a federal agency by any chance and does not receive regular funding from the federal government (Büthe, Solomon, and André, 598). Instead, the organization's primary financial support comes from voluntary charitable contributions. In terms of management and oversight, the Board of Governors is tasked with providing management and leadership to The American Red Cross. Most of the organization's activities are

carried out by approximately one million volunteers who work hand in hand with a much smaller number of about 30,000 paid employees in the organization (Büthe, Solomon, and André, 589). The employees and the volunteers provide help in five key areas, including disaster relief services, especially in times of calamities such as terror attacks, floods, hurricane attacks, and fire incidents. As posed by scholars, around one million people are affected by the disaster in the United States each year, and the American Red Cross maintains readiness to when it comes to responding to such disasters immediately (Büthe, Solomon, and André, 589). The organization also provides food, shelter, and medical and mental health services to those affected by the disaster. Additionally, The American Red Cross also offers education, which helps people plan for emergencies and develop disaster preparedness kits. The employees and the volunteers also offer military support services, blood services, which include organizing blood donation drives and offering blood in case of emergencies such as car accidents. The employees and the volunteers also offer health and safety services and international relief services such as incidents during the post-election violence, wars, drought, and famine incidents (Worth, 1237). According to Grace, a long-time volunteer at the American Red Cross organization, working in the organization has impacted not only others' lives but also her life. Grace indicates that working in the organization has helped her become more passionate and aware of the need for compassion and helping others. She has also improved in her skills when it comes to preparedness in life in emergencies or any inconvenience. When asked about the organization's structure and areas where volunteers are allowed to work, and the criteria used, Grace highlights that personal or professional experience is paramount. The organization also considers personal qualifications, skills, and interests when it

comes to volunteers and areas to be placed. Some are placed at the front office desk1. It is also paramount to note that, like many other organizations, The American Red Cross organization has various offices and functions, including the finance office, accounting, human resources, and the medical field. Most medical students are encouraged to apply as volunteers as the organization does not advance their skills and gives them a platform to network and even practice most of their theory work. Additionally, psychology volunteers are in high demand due to the many cases of disasters when the victims are in need of food, shelter, and clothing and need psychological support on the same as most of the incidents are traumatizing. According to Grace, working in an organization has changed her overall view of life and happiness. Grace works in the field with the medical practitioners offering first aid to victims of disasters where. She encounters different people from different backgrounds and ages, and what amazes her is how they handle situations and the importance of being compassionate. Grace added that working in the organization has also motivated her to be a donor as no amount is too little to change a life. After disasters, in the interview, Grace cites that most families are left with nothing, and their only hope is donors and well-wishers. If the situation is not handled correctly, most of the victims develop mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Grace states that she has taken part in most hurricane relief programs where she enjoyed the work and knew how it feels affected by a disaster as what the average Americans are on the television. Being at the ground gives you a different feeling and perspective of the whole disaster incidental through. Additionally, Grace cites that happiness is seeing someone else, even in despair resulting from my services. However, Grace indicates that it is challenging to continue volunteering in the organization as there is no pay. Notably, the organization contributes significantly to the 1

community of healthcare across the world, and working with them had been a great pleasure. Grace enjoyed meeting new individuals and aiding them to make the hectic blood donation environment more comfortable. According to Grace, volunteering in The American Red Cross has many benefits as apart from personal growth and a change in perspective for better when it comes to how one views life, the organization also has many benefits and is very helpful for the future jobs in the resume. Jackson is also another volunteer in The American Red Cross. One of the greatest lessons he has learned working there is that treating everyone with respect is crucial. Jackson worked as a disaster action member, which was before the great hurricane that affected the Americans' lives. According to Jackson, work was steady but felt the management was fair enough. It delegated duties based on favoritism. However, the job offers a lot of flexibility. Arguably, Jackson adds that the organization culture provides a cohesive team opportunity. To both individuals, the organization is an excellent platform for volunteers to grow their communication skills as everyday individuals deal with different people. Additionally, one's perspective about life is changed, and happiness becomes intentional. Most of the individuals who work there also learned the importance of having a heart of gratitude.

Works cited

Briones, Rowena L., et al. "Keeping up with the digital age: How the American Red Cross uses social media to build relationships." Public relations review 37.1 (2011): 37-43. Büthe, Tim, Solomon Major, and André De Mello e Souza. "The politics of private foreign aid: humanitarian principles, economic development objectives, and organizational interests in NGO private aid allocation." International organization (2012): 571-607. Jones, Marian Moser. The American Red Cross from Clara Barton to the New Deal. JHU Press, 2012. Melby, Melissa K., et al. "Beyond medical “missions” to impact-driven short-term experiences in global health (STEGHs): ethical principles to optimize community benefit and learner experience." Academic Medicine 91.5 (2016): 633-638. Worth, Michael J. Nonprofit management: Principles and practice. CQ Press, 2020....