I am working with the American Red Cross of Central and Western Massachusetts. The Red Cross is a premier emergency response organization. The regions office is located at The Remillard Building at 2000 Century Drive in Worcester, Massachusetts. You can also access their website at www.redcross.org. My mentor during this internship is Darice Aubuchon whom is the Director of Communication and Special Events.
The American Red Cross was started by Clara Barton in 1881. Clara Barton had heard about an International Red Cross Movement while visiting Europe. Upon returning home she campaigned for an American Red Cross society and headed it for 23 years. The American Red Cross started off as an aid to wounded American soldiers and would then grow to offering classes in first aid, water safety and public health. Once natural disasters began to strike the Red Cross provided relief for its victims. The American Red Cross was never and will never be government owned, is volunteer-led and is financially supported by voluntary public contributions.
The mission statement of the Red Cross:
"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 and Red Crescent Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies."
The Red Cross is very committed to its mission statement. In the past couple of years with the huge natural disasters they have been impeccably responsive and have given aid and help whenever it is needed. Their volunteers go above and beyond the duties they are asked to perform. The mission statement is strong and to the point and simply states their main values that are always performed no matter what emergency they are responding to.
