Mission Statement

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.

Vision
The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that ...
... all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;
... our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;
... everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;
... all members of our armed services and their families find suppoft and cornfort whenever needed; and
... in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

Values
We reaffirm our cornmitment to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and add to these principles five values that are essential to our continued success in meeting our mission.
Compassionate: We are dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve and to treating each other with care and respect.
Collaborative: We work together as one Red Cross family, in partnership with other organizations, and always embrace diversity and inclusiveness.
Creative: We seek new ideas, are open to change and always look for bettor ways to serve those in need.
Credible: We act with integrity, are transpal’ent guardians of the public trust and honor our promises.
Committed: We hold ourselves accountable for defining and meeting clear objectives, delivering on our mission and carefully stewarding our donor funds.

Seven Fundamental Principles

Humanity

The International Red Cross 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 promises mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation 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 promoted in any manner by 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 through out 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.