American Red Cross Role Model

Clarissa Harlowe Barton, although she preferred to go by Clara. was born on December 25, 1821, in Oxford, Massachusetts. She was a nurse during the Civil War and when she traveled to Europe she worked with a relief organization called the International Red Cross and wanted to bring the same type of organization to America. Barton lived a life of service to others and had a strong heart and passion for providing relief to those in need. I chose her because her life serves as a model to my own; I strive to live a life of caring for others. Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross at the age of 60 in 1881. She realized the importance of caring for others and lived an extraordinary life devoted to putting the wellbeing of others before

Her leadership proved to be remarkable and many people looked up to her. Continual drive for having the service in America prompted her to bring a letter written by the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross to the President pushing for the signing of the Geneva Treaty. The request was rejected many times, but after she persevered through the many bouts President Chester Arthur, signed the treaty in 1882 and a few days later the Senate ratified it. The main objective of the American Red Cross is “to provide compassionate care to those in need” that is those in need of disaster relief, America’s military families, lifesaving blood, and international services. These services are carried out 90% by volunteers, it is one of the world’s largest volunteer networks in 187 countries. The American Red Cross has impacted vulnerable lives around the world dealing with disasters regardless of who they are or where they are. It has benefitted the economy in many ways because it gives the monetary donations from the more fortunate to those who are less fortunate and keep equilibrium between the first world and third world countries. Organizations like these aid the economy in positive, impactful