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.
American Red Cross Founder - Clara Barton
Clara Barton and a circle of acquaintances founded the American Red Cross
in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881. The Heart of Tennessee Chapter was
chartered on December 12, 1917. The Chapter was originally meant to
assume the responsibilities of alleviating suffering caused by disasters as
well as to serve as a means of communication between military members and
their families. Today the Heart of Tennessee Chapter is still going strong
and those original initiatives are still very much an essential part of the
organization.
The American Red Cross is a non-profit, non-governmental agency that
depends on generous donations from the public to continue to provide life-
saving services around the clock and around the block. Whether helping at
the scene of a fire or teaching valuable, life-saving skills, your Heart of
Tennessee Red Cross Chapter is in the community each day, working to
keep families healthy and safe.
The Seven Fundamental Principles of the
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
Humanity: The 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.
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.
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.
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.
Voluntary Service: It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any
manner by desire for gain.
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.
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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