The American Red Cross 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 disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

 Humanity - The International Red Cross Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance  without discrimination to 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 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 to at all times act  in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

 Voluntary Service - It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by a  desire for gain.

 Unity - There can only be one Red Cross 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 Movement, in which all societies have equal  status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.