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Mission: 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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