Clara Barton
March is Red Cross month. Stay tuned this month for 31 ways in each of March’s 31 days to help your American Red Cross deliver a message of hope across the globe. Many good stories start at the beginning; so here is a little about our beginning:
Clara Barton and a circle of acquaintances founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881. Barton first heard of the Swiss-inspired international Red Cross network while visiting Europe following the Civil War. Returning home, she campaigned for an American Red Cross society and for ratification of the Geneva Convention protecting the war-injured, which the United States ratified in 1882.
Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation’s premier emergency response organization. The Red Cross received its first congressional charter in 1900 and a second in 1905. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.
Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.
Stay tuned to the blog, facebook, and twitter this month to learn more about the American Red Cross. We guarantee you’ll learn something you didn’t know!
