Some of the most important relationships we have in common are our families. Specifically, our siblings can be the closest lifelines we have to confide in, share a laugh with and support when times get tough.

This relationship also extends to the American Red Cross and its network of “sister societies,” which act as a family to accomplish the same goal: to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton in 1881 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1905, which mandates the American Red Cross to provide relief to domestic and international disaster victims and communications services for members of the Armed Forces.

  • Did you know that more than 265,000 volunteers serve the American Red Cross? Our volunteers help staff blood drives, volunteer at veterans’ hospitals, teach people lifesaving skills such as first aid and CPR, respond to home fires and much more.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) – TheIFRC, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, coordinates and directs the international response of national societies – including the American Red Cross – following natural and man-made disasters in non-conflict situations. Each society respects the autonomy and dignity of other national societies while standing ready to respond to requests for help when local resources are overwhelmed.

  • Did you know the International Red Cross and Red Cresent global network consists of societies in nearly 200 countries? Its mission centers on humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality; a set of seven fundamental principles adopted in 1965.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – Meanwhile, the mission of the ICRC – also headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland – is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence. An impartial, neutral and independent organization, the ICRC is also responsible under international law to visit prisons, organize relief operations, reunite separated families and undertake other humanitarian activities during armed conflicts.

Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies – The American Red Cross is just one of the 191 national societies around the world, with hundreds of chapters nationwide. National societies are the backbone of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Each one is composed of an unparalleled network of community-based volunteers and staff who provide a wide variety of services.

  • Did you know the Red Cross is the largest humanitarian network in the world? Our network extends to 160 million people through the work of 14 million volunteers.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

Story by: Cerenity Austin