Service learning is key to understanding a multitude of people and personalities. The American Red Cross is the wonderful organization where I get to serve my community and gain experience applicable to my future career. I will assist in blood drives, spread community preparedness, and educate others.
Clara Barton founded the organization in the spring of 1881. During the infancy of the program, the main duties were disaster relief, restoring peace, and being a liaison between the American military and others. The addition of first aid, water safety, and public health programs started before the First World War. During the First World War, the American Red Cross grew exponentially due to the increased need and support. Post World War One, services were focused on veterans, health promotion and, injury prevention. The blood drives were created during the Second World War; at the time they collected over thirteen million pints of blood for soldiers (2015). After the war they opened the blood drives up to all civilians. The American Red Cross is still expanding its services with the changing need.
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They succeed in everything from primary leader for providing CPR, lifeguard, first aid, and other trainings, to engaging in the world’s largest humanitarian network. According to the American Red Cross, their mission statement is, “The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.” (2015). Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, unity, and universality, are a few of the guiding principles of the organization. The American Red Cross is an international network of over 600 local chapters and 20 international offices that are dedicated to caring for people in