The American Red Cross mission states the very essence of this national organization as being volunteer-led and striving for worldwide humanitarian relief. The Red Cross will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies

Description:
The American Red Cross is 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 disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies as well as various services for youth. We offer onsite training and are always looking for new volunteers of any age. Come join our family of people making a difference, remember "Together, we can save a life".

History:
Much like a classic novel, the history of the American Red Cross is long, as it goes back for 150 years, and is full of innovative twists and turns. The difference is that the events and people were more than a written epic tale, they were real.

The foundation was laid in 1859 when Swiss businessman Henri Dunant observed firsthand the atrocities of war when 40,000 troops were killed or wounded on the Northern Italian battlefields. He wrote about his experiences in A Memory of Solferino, prompting widespread attention to the need for worldwide humanitarian relief. His concern was shared as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was born. The ICRC subsequently adopted a red cross on a white background as its emblem, the reverse of the Swiss flag, and established its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dunant's ideas also led to the development of the Geneva Conventions, international treaties designed to protect victims of war: the wounded and sick on land (1864) and sea (1906), prisoners of war (1929) and civilians (1949).

Unbeknownst to Dunant, his vision would eventually reach a woman named Clara Barton who was active as a nurse at the forefront of the Civil War and was currently working in Europe during the Franco-Prussian War. Returning home to the U.S., she helped to persuade the government to sign the Geneva Conventions, and with a group of friends, she founded the American Association of the Red Cross on May 21, 1881.

The work of Henri Dunant and Clara Barton continues to inspire other dedicated individuals to expand the role of the Red Cross and to increase the number of services and programs it offers. You are one of these individuals making reality of an ideal vision.

Contact person: Andrew Sindell, Director, Community Services, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (203) 869-0192

Address:

99 Indian Field Rd. Greenwich, CT 06830 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.greenwichredcross.org

Directions:

From I-95 North, get off on exit 4. At the end of the ramp, make a left, coming from I-95 South make a right at the end of the ramp onto Indian Field Road. At the first light take. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Cos Cob Station,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5

Miscellaneous Information

Does your agency have weekend volunteer opportunities?
	Yes
Does your agency have evening volunteer opportunities?
	Yes
Does your agecny accept court ordered communituy service volunteers?
	Yes
Does your agency accept and coordinate group projects for corporate volunteers?
	Yes
Does your agency accept and coordinate group projects for youth volunteers?
	Yes
Does your agency accept youth volunteers ages 8-13 with adult supervision?
	Yes
Does your agency accept youth volunteers ages 14-18?
	Yes

Overall Experience   
Rewarding way to serve the community

The work done by volunteers at the Red Cross includes teaching first aid and CPR classes, volunteering to man first-aid stations at large outdoor events, and helping people who have been displaced from their homes by fire or natural disasters. One important point is that the Greenwich Chapter has moved to 99 Indian Field Road (1 block from I-95 exit 4). posted by mdickinson on August 22, 2003