Mission Statement:
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers
and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles
of the
International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of
disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and
respond to emergencies.
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Vision
Statement: The American Red Cross always
there...touching more lives, in new ways...under the same trusted
symbol.
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Fundamental
Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement
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Humanity:
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to
bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the
battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to
prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its
purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the
human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation
and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
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Impartiality:
It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs,
class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of
individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority
to the most urgent cases of distress.
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Neutrality:
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may
not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of
a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
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Independence:
The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries
in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the
laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy
so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the
principles of the Movement.
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Voluntary Service:
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire
for gain.
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Unity: There
can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one
country It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work
throughout its territory.
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Universality:
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all
Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties
in helping each other, is worldwide.
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