Category: Red Cross

Red Cross: Its Mission and Purpose

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian, not-for-profit organization that has been organize by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter, as well as the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (The American Red Cross, 2011). The venture provides help to people who became the victims of natural disasters and catastrophe so as to prevent and react to the emergencies.

According to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross, humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary services, and universality are five main pillars shaping the organizations main mission and purposes (The American Red Cross, 2011). Hence, the Red Cross has been created to provide assistance to people irrespective of race, nationality and social status to prevent and diminish the consequences of disaster.

Its core purpose is to support victims of disasters and protect their health (The American Red Cross, 2011). Finally, organization promotes a message about cooperation, understanding, friendship and lasing peace all over the world. The movement remains independent because it is not subject to government and the laws of different countries.

Red Cross Crisis in Haiti: Exploring the Facts and Consequences

Two years ago, the population of Haiti suffered from a 7.0 earthquake leading to significant destructions and leaving millions of people without home. Minnesota, along with other U.S. states, responded actively to the disaster and donated a significant sum of money for improving the situation in Haiti.

Now, the Red Cross has introduced a two-year report on the efforts and actions taken in Haiti to relieve the population (MyFox, 2012). The report presents significant progress in front of serious challenge, but some of the presented facts can lead to negative publicity concerning the action plan (MyFox, 2012).

The point is that the American Red Cross got nearly $ 486 million in donations whereas $ 330 million were spent only on Haiti recovery efforts (MyFox, 2012). One the one hand, many questions arise concerning the remaining sum of money. One the other hand, the Red Crosss campaign has not been completed yet and, therefore, there are no reasons for rushing in conclusions.

Identifying Specific Goals and Their Rationale

As the world-known non-profit organization, the Red Cross should introduce a new form of reporting through publicly presenting information about financial matters. In such a way, it is possible to enhance information transparency and accuracy to ensure the population of their donations invested to prevent disasters.

Specifically, the report does not only improve communication and relation with outside stakeholders, but also attract more investors. Sustainability reporting can also enhance the Red Cross reputation and contribute to effective alleviation of critical situations.

Introducing sustainability reporting system can help the organizations several goals. To begin with, the Red Cross can uncover a number of opportunities for development, as well as provide a full picture of existing problems in the country and outside it. Second, organizational performance and sustainability can improve organizations relation with the most influential investors and monitor all environmental, social, and economical aspects of development influencing the activities and efforts initiated by the Red Cross.

Finally, external disclosure of information can increase chances of the organization to create a powerful network for eliminating the consequences of natural disasters. In addition, the new reporting system can sustain organizations reputation at an appropriate level and increase its influence all over the world.

Defining Steps for Achieving the Established Goals

In order to achieve the identified goals, a specific framework should be established. A changing pattern can be introduced through a number of steps. First of all, it is purposeful to identify the main target of the organization, which will be environment, people, community, and human resource management (Global Reporting Initiative, 2011).

Second, it is necessary to organize a survey to define how people evaluate the action and effects presented by the organization (Global Reporting Initiative, 2011). Third, organization should focus on the most problematic areas to define the main strengths and weaknesses of those. Finally, the Red Cross should establish effective schemes of responding to disasters, as well as plan the reports on efforts and reliefs within shorter periods of time.

Introducing a management approach can significantly increase productivity and performance, as well as attract more volunteers to take part in different missions. Reporting about the impact of Red Cross activities on the community should also be launches for the American to have a better idea of the importance of developing the organization.

More importantly, the above-presented principles and steps are congruent with the mission and purpose of the organization. The only difference is that it provides a transparent picture of all operations. With regard to the Red Cross crisis in Haiti, the following framework can be presented:

1. Introduce a detailed report on the financial resources used during the disaster;
2. Provide an account on the remaining sum of money that can be distributed for reconstruction of buildings and technological devices for improving safety and quality of life in Haiti.
3. Establish new principle of mutual interaction between people investing money and people receiving help. Specifically, it is important for investors to know how their money is used for eliminating the disaster.

Evaluation Plan: Assessing the Outcomes

Many companies, including non-profit organization, strive to work out effective strategy for managing people and monitoring daily operations and activities. Because the American Red Cross is a powerful organization possessing a great number volunteers working for them, it is rational to pay attention to such issues as diversity, information exchange, and public influence on the organizational performance.

The introduction of the action plan should provide the corresponding correction to the established mission and purpose of an organization. More importantly, the given plan can provide a solid platform for further development in terms of information spread among mass media. The latter should be carefully considered because failure to establish favorable relation with mass media can lead to shaping negative reputation, which can also influence organizations activities.

In this respect, consistence and transparency can help the Haiti population to recover after the earthquake in the shortest possible time. By changing the policy to the employees/volunteers, the organization acquires greater chances to receive recognition and reputation among the external environment. Hence, volunteers will be more concerned with the outside environment; more importantly, they become more consistent while implanting the Global Reporting Initiative principles of managing reports.

Indeed, sustainability reporting fully meets the needs of the organization because it is also directed at improving social, economic and environment climate. So, the accomplishment of the defined goal will lead an organization to an upper level of development and provide more incentives to work better.

References

Global Reporting Initiative (2011). G3.1 Guidelines. Web.

MyFox. (2012). What Happened to You Haiti Earthquake Donation? Web.

The American Red Cross. (2011). Mission Statement. Web.

Introduction

The International Red Cross Movement is a worldwide organization with a branch in almost all countries across the world. Apparently, the movement is made up of a number of components that include the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

According to International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (1999), there are about 186 National Societies that also form part of the International Red Cross Movement. Arguably, the International Red Cross Movement is the most expansive philanthropic organization that exists in the world today.

It is managed by a strong team of qualified staff scattered in different parts of the world. Presently, the operations of the International Red Cross Movement are carried out by approximately 100 individuals comprising of volunteers and staff. Their efforts are augmented by National Societies and collaborating partners in different countries.

The movement plays a pivotal role of meeting the needs of the poor, preserving lives and promoting human dignity. Underlying all its operations is the alleviation of poverty and human suffering. Although the different components that make up the International Red Cross Movement are distinct from each other, they work jointly to facilitate the delivery of critical services to the intended beneficiaries. The International Red Cross Movement thus provides a platform for the integration of the different components.

History of the International Red Cross Movement

The Red Cross Movement began its operations in 1863 under the leadership of Henry Dunant, a businessman of Swiss origin. Disturbed by the suffering that thousands of men left to die after the battle of Solferino in the year 1859, Dunant chose to respond differently. Apparently, these men died as a result of neglect since none of the warring parties could provide help save their lives.

Dunant came up with the idea of establishing relief societies not aligned to any particular party to provide assistance to the wounded (British Red Cross, 2014). The relief societies were to consist of volunteers equipped with skills and training to impartially take care of the wounded during times of war.

This was later followed by the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland and the drawing of the Red Cross charter in 1863. Since its establishment in 1863, the movement has been very instrumental in providing assistance to those aggrieved as a result of war or because of different calamities (International Committee of the Red Cross, 2014).

Usually, victims of war are forced to flee their homes or countries of birth in order to seek refuge in other countries. They are also made to lose loved ones, property and their dignity. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (2014), the organization accomplishes its objectives through direct involvement in issues that affect humanity across the world and by promoting the formation of laws that uphold human dignity.

Structure

At the very top, the International Red Cross Movement consists of an Assembly and an Assembly Council. The Assembly Council is a subsidiary of the Assembly with certain powers delegated to it (International Committee of the Red Cross, 2014). The top leadership also includes a Directorate which is the executive body of the movement and ensures a smooth running of the organizations affairs.

The Directorate acts under the guidance of the Assembly and the Assembly Council as may be appropriate. The Assembly and the Assembly Council are chaired by the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross assisted by a Vice President. The Directorate on the other hand is made up of five members and is chaired by the Director General.

Issues that relate to policy formulation, strategy and decision making regarding the development of international humanitarian laws are all handled by the Assembly and the Assembly Council. The Assembly also controls what is done by the Assembly Council and the Directorate.

Effectiveness of the International Red Cross Movement

Over the years, the International Red Cross Movement has touched the lives of many victims of war, natural disasters as well as criminal activities across the world. In the United States, a number of states have been hit by natural disasters and the Red Cross movement has been instrumental in helping the affected to rebuild their lives after the calamities. Many other parts of the world have also benefited from the activities of the International Red Cross Movement including war torn places in Africa.

The conflict in South Sudan, for example, has left scores of people homeless and many have been forced to flee to neighboring countries. With help from supporters, the International Red Cross Movement has already provided support to many who have been affected. In solidarity, the British Red Cross pledged a substantial amount of money to facilitate the operations of the International Red Cross Movement.

The efforts that have been made by the International Red Cross Movement can not be underestimated. While it might take the government too long to respond to an emergency situation, all that the International Red Cross Movement needs to know is that there is a need somewhere and without wasting time, specialized teams of volunteers and experts will be on the ground working hard to restore normalcy.

On many occasions, the movement has been involved in working closely with victims and ensuring that they are able to stand on their own before leaving.

Reasons of Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the International Red Cross Movement can be attributed to a number of reasons. One of the greatest strengths of the International Red Cross Movement is its commitment to offering voluntary services. According to the tenets of the International Red Cross Movement, nothing matters more than preserving lives. While money plays a big role for some humanitarian organizations, service to humanity is critical for the International Red Cross Movement.

Another reason for its effectiveness has to do with the fact that all members of the movement are required to subscribe to a strict code of conduct.

Adherence to the code of conduct enables all players to behave appropriately when called upon to deal with an emergency. The code of conduct clearly stipulates that delivery of services to the affected must be in accordance with the requirements of the international humanitarian law. Though voluntary, organizations that subscribe to the code of conduct are expected to enforce its application in their various operations.

The International Red Cross Movement has also succeeded because of the huge support received from collaborating partners and well wishers. Organizations and individuals across the world recognize the efforts of the Red Cross Movement to protect the interests of the less fortunate (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 2011).

By working closely with such organizations, the International Red Cross Movement is able to finance its operations without much struggle and as a result, provide essential services to the needy. Ordinarily, assistance may be in kind or in monetary form.

Effectiveness of the movements operations is also as a result of being transparent and accountable in running its affairs. Certainly, failure to account for resources has a very negative impact on charitable work. On the other hand, both transparency and accountability encourage sponsors to continue with their acts of philanthropy by supporting the activities of the International Red Cross Movement.

As part of its transparency policy, the organization allows sponsors to visit any project they are supporting. In case a sponsor has given substantial contribution towards a project and he or she wishes to visit, it is possible for the Red Cross Movement to make arrangements for this to happen. The need for accountability has thus played a very big role in ensuring that the International Res Cross Movement is effective in its operations.

The International Red Cross Movement also benefits greatly from its huge pool of volunteers. Usually, the cost of maintain volunteers is reasonable and does not place a heavy financial burden on the organization. While volunteers benefit from the world class training offered by the Red Cross Movement as well as an opportunity to get experience in offering humanitarian services, the International Red Cross Movement manages to get its work done much faster because of the huge population of volunteers at its disposal.

The relationship between the Red Cross Movement and the volunteers is thus mutually beneficial. To ensure that volunteers deliver as expected, they are taken through a vigorous training that includes understanding the tenets that govern the operations of the International Red Cross Movement. The principles that are used to provide guidance include respect for humanity, upholding the spirit of impartiality, remaining neutral when offering services to the afflicted, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

Due to the number of disasters that the International Red Cross Movement has to deal with, staff and employees are often prepared to respond swiftly in most emergencies. Professionals and volunteers who work for the movement are also constantly engaged in research to understand how to deal with calamities or emergency situations.

Normally, they would focus on strategies that help in predicting hazards, assessment of the environment in order to single out vulnerable areas and communities that may be seriously affected in case of a disaster. The International Red Cross Movement is also involved in advocacy activities aimed at ensuring that the world is a better place for everyone to live in.

Global Performance of the International Red Cross Movement

The International Red Cross Movement has a presence in most countries across the world and its determination to save humanity has received praise from many beneficiaries. Despite being scattered globally, the various representatives of the International Red Cross Movement in different countries pull resources together to provide a solution in the event that a disaster occurs anywhere in the world.

Because of the movements global presence and elaborate network of collaborators, it is often easy to get organized and act when disaster strikes. Generally, the International Red Cross Movement stands from other humanitarian organizations because of its dedication and selflessness to fight for the rights of the disadvantaged in the society.

All over the world, the International Red Cross Movement has been working alongside other humanitarian organizations to preserve life and to uphold respect for humanity. According to Global Road Safety Partnership (2014), a world disasters report released in 1998 indicated that the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, a component of the International Red Cross Movement, was the first to talk about the global effect of road carnage.

As a result of the intervention by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, the World Bank and the British Department for International Development (DFID), formed the Global Road Safety Partnership.

The creation of the Global Road Safety Partnership opened an avenue that brought together stakeholders from government and civil society to devise strategies of addressing road carnage issues. This is a very clear indication of how the International Red Cross Movement influences decision makers on behalf of many others who may not be in a position to do so.

As pointed out earlier, the International Red Cross Movement has for a very long time been involved in influencing the formulation of policies that uphold human dignity. Often, the needs of the less fortunate in the society are neglected in various levels of government. As such, policies that are developed by government officials do not recognize their needs.

By cooperating with other international humanitarian organizations, the International Red Cross Movement has been able to spearhead the formulation of laws and policies that are inclusive and demonstrate respect for humanity.

According to the International Committee of Red Cross (2010), the growing number of armed conflicts across the world presents a serious challenge to the work of the International Red Cross Movement. Unfortunately, conflicts arise and continue for a very long time without a definite end.

Certainly, the responsibility of caring for those affected becomes strenuous both emotionally and financially to those involved in offering help. The conflicts that have been experienced in the Middle East and many other parts of Africa are a clear example of how involving the work of the International Red Cross Movement can be.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (2010) also postulates that the emergence of new challenges such as environmental degradation and effects of climate change will compel the International Red Cross Movement to create new partnerships, widen its networks and have a very strong presence in different countries.

Conclusion

The challenges faced in various parts of the world today require a proactive approach by humanitarian organizations. Natural calamities, civil wars, climatic changes and acts of terrorism are all responsible for destabilizing the society in one way or another. Victims may end up dying, displaced or becoming refugees in foreign countries.

The role of the International Red Cross Movement is thus very critical in supporting the affected. Although governments make attempts to assist the afflicted, the help often comes in late or may sometimes be insufficient to fully address the problem at hand. By working closely with well wishers and volunteers, the International Red Cross Movement always endeavors to provide the much needed support without showing favoritism.

To ensure effectiveness in service delivery to the affected, the International Red Cross Movement works with professionals to predict hazards and understand the ability of vulnerable groups in the event of a disaster. Effectiveness of the International Red Cross Movement is further reinforced by having a strict code of conduct that member organizations have to subscribe to. The movement also promotes a high level of transparency and accountability which motivate supporters.

References

British Red Cross. (2014). The beginning of the Red Cross Movement. Web.

Global Road Safety Partnership. (2014). International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Web.

International Committee of the Red Cross. (2010). ICRC Strategy 2011-2014: Achieving Significant Results for People in Need. Web.

International Committee of the Red Cross. (2014). History of the ICRC. Web.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). (2011). Red Cross Red Crescent Perspective on Aid Effectiveness. Web.

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. (1999). Red Cross and Red Crescent History. Web.

Introduction

If the federal authority is tasked to respond to disasters, actions taken at all governmental levels or other resources are directed by the national response framework (NRF) (Binder-Aviles, 2012; Brookes, 2017). The latter provides coordination of how support is delivered and augments efforts of state or local authorities involved. The NRF was signed as an agreement between the federal agencies, the national voluntary organizations active in disaster (NVOAD), and the American Red Cross. Like other plans, NRF consists of various components with particular administrative purposes. Under the NRF are the emergency support function annexes, which outline how support is organized, and the group resources and capabilities needed in the national response (FEMA, 2020a). In this assignment, the appropriate NRF annex for the American Red Cross and functions related to an effective ERP are identified (DHS, 2021). The paper aims to address the functions of the Red Cross as per the ideal emergency response plan.

Annex Functions for the American Red Cross

The first function relating the American Red Cross (ARC) to an effective ERP is the Emergency support function (ESF) number six, about mass care, emergency assistance, temporary housing, and human services. ESF#6 is coordinated by the department of homeland security of the federal emergency and management agency (FEMA) (FEMA, 2020b). As the primary agency in this function, the ARC is responsible for availing sustenance resources, and essential services and offering statutory programs during a disaster. Under this function, the ARC works hand in hand with FEMA to ensure mass care, including feeding, distributing emergency supplies, and re-unifying children with parents or legal guardians and families. The Red Cross and FEMAs role for ESF#6 is well outlined in the NRF, and ARC serves as the co-primary agency for mass care. Additionally, the agency is engaging in leading the national mass care council to work with other support groups in developing pubic care approaches. The primary goal of working jointly with other organizations is to design common terminologies, expand mass capacities or capabilities and improve nationwide service delivery.

The second function from the NRF annex is the emergency support function (ESF) number 8, which entails public health and medical services. Typically, the primary coordinator and agency of ESF#8 is the department of health and human services (Department of Health and Human Services Disaster Behavioral Health Concept of Operations, 2016). The American Red Cross is involved in this function as an ideal ERP to offer support to the major controller. ESF#8 is a mechanism of federal aid, and agencies involved in this function are charged with supplementing local, tribal, state, or territorial areas resources in a time of natural events and emergencies (MRSC, 2021; Ziskin & Harris, 2007). ARC plays a crucial role in this support to detect and group health incidents, avail medical care to community members, offer human services to people affected, and enhance resiliency to respond to a situation. Such actions are informed by integrating bio-surveillance capabilities to assess peoples needs while maintaining the security of medical items.

To effectively carry out the function of public health and medical services, the red cross-agency must carry out specific actions that integrate into an effective emergency response plan (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010). For instance, the organization provides health behavior seeds by offering direct services or referrals where necessary. During a disaster, information retrieval and sharing with relevant parties are crucial to informing better practices and recovery processes. As part of carrying out medical services operations, the ARC provides mortality and morbidity data to requesting organizations (United States Government interagency domestic terrorism concept of operations plan, 2001). Staff availability is critical during emergencies, and the red cross-agency ensures there is a supply of adequate personnel to help in temporary immunization clinics, morgues, nursing homes, or hospitals. The Red Cross teams type of assistance involves but is not limited to administrative, logistics, and health service support within outline boundaries. As requested by the health and human service department, the Red Cross coordinates with the American association of blood bank (AABB) task force to ensure there are donation services in regional centers.

NGOs and Ethical Decision-Making

Individuals today are confronted by severe crises, some of which raise ethical questions. The challenging events may arise from economic, social, or environmental situations, but the most devastating ones occur from security scenarios that end up with conflicts, displacements, and killings. Some of these difficult circumstances can be avoided if the involved parties agree to embrace wisdom and put common interests ahead of personal desires. Todays events unfold new hardships to address, and available theoretical frameworks might not be adequate to contain them. As such, managers and respondents are compelled to make moral decisions during crisis intervention.

Ethical decisions could be derived from different sources, including cultures, laws, and religion (Schwab & Beatley, 2020). The latter is considered one of the oldest foundations of moral standards and yields varying influences. Religiously, it is believed that ethics are divine manifestations, drawing a line between what is good or bad in a society. People hold that behavior patterns are passed from one generation to another and are considered ideal in certain agreeable limits from a cultural aspect. In that way, a culture predominantly informs what is right or wrong.

On the other hand, laws are codes of conduct or procedures laid down by regulation systems to guide peoples behavior in various social fabrics (United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 2020). A significant challenge with the law is that rules can cover not all ethical expectations. For instance, in organizational environments, complying with specific procedures and policies is considered ethical, but businesses break the rules through tax ovation or compromising quality. Along with the sources of ethics, ethical decisions in real-life situations ate made from different perspectives. Examples of ethical approaches include the right process, fairness or justice, utilitarianism, common good, and virtue.

Utilitarian Approach

The primary ethical approach is utilitarianism, which coins the best laws to determine what is morally okay. Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill conceived utilitarianism theory in the 19th century to help legislators determine the effectiveness of regulations (Meeler, n.d). The two theorists suggested that moral actions strike a balance between what is good and evil. To differentiate what is right from wrong, one must focus on the outcomes- the basis of consequentialism. The most ethical decision is said to be that which would yield the most significant goods for many people. In military force or war, this model is very much applicable to determine the course of action.

Some principles serve as the axioms of the utilitarian approach, and they include happiness has intrinsic value and actions are right as long as they promote happiness. Also, the theory holds that the happiness of every person should count equally. In the past decades, it was known that some lives were more crucial than others, such that enslavers were more highly regarded than enslaved while the well-being of a king was [paramount compared to that of peasants. The code of equal happiness laid the grounds for policies that fostered equality.

A significant challenge with the utilitarian theory is that it is not easy to predict the future hence contrast to perceived outcomes. A person cannot tell whether their action will result in good or bad results, limiting the utilitarian approach. Also, the model has a problem in accounting for the values such as peoples rights. In that case, it is agreed that although utilitarian action is the best reason-based approach to inform the right or wrong, the framework has limitations.

In disaster or emergency response, the utilitarian approach is applicable to accomplish the stated goals of saving as many people as possible. During disaster ethics, utilitarianism theory suggests that some people should be sacrificed so that others and the majority could live, which would increase the social utility of saved individuals. Amid difficult situations, emergency responders are required to consider what and who will be impacted, the consequences of specific actions, maximized utility, and minimized anti-utility. Usually, many social programs are based on utilitarian perspectives where some harm is incurred to benefit. For example, in times of natural crises, there might be scarce resource supplies such that the response team would be forced to sacrifice some victims and save others.

Conclusion

To conclude, emergency management is about planning, preventing, preparing, or responding to situations for people and the countrys common good. An effective response plan is incomplete without integrating crucial support at the local, state, or national level. Private and governmental agencies work collaboratively following the laid guidelines to contain disasters and prevent the escalation of problems. In this process, encountering challenging situations is likely, and the appropriate standards must guide individuals.

References

Binder-Aviles, H. (2012). The NGO handbook: Bureau of International Information Programs United States Department of State. Web.

Brookes, P. (2017). 64th Islamist terrorist plot since 9/11 shows the U.S. must combat radical Islamist threat.Heritage Foundation. Web.

Department of Health and Human Services Disaster Behavioral Health Concept of Operations. (2016). Web.

DHS. (2021). Emergency response plan. DHS.gov. Web.

FEMA. (2020a). Emergency support function annexes. Web.

FEMA. (2020b). How a disaster gets declared. Web.

Meeler, D. (n.d.). Five basic approaches to ethical decision-making. Web.

MRSC. (2021). Emergency planning at the local government level. Web.

Schwab, A. & Beatley. T. (2020). Session 4: Ethics. Web.

U.S. Department of Justice. (2010). Review of the departments preparation to respond to a WMD incident. Web.

United States Government interagency domestic terrorism concept of operations plan. (2001). Web.

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (2020).Emergency preparedness in response to terrorism. Web.

Ziskin, L. and Harris, D. (2007). State health policy for terrorism preparedness. American Journal of Public Health, 97(9), 1583-8. Retrieved from Trident Online Library.

Abstract

The American Red Cross is an organization that offers humanitarian aid to individuals struck by disasters and emergencies such as earthquakes, floods, blasts, and hurricanes. In the assessment, it is noteworthy that the author of the marketing plan is a competent individual with essential qualifications, and a passion to work as an operations manager in the organization. Since American Red Cross offers quality services, it enjoys a high reputation; therefore, it should employ effective marketing mix and perform SWOT analysis to maintain its position in the competitive realm of non-profit organizations.

Summary

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization in the United States that prevents disasters and alleviates the misery that people experience in the occurrence of disasters.

Organizational Background

The American Red Cross is an organization based in the United States and has its offices in Washington. The humanitarian organization offers donated blood, alleviates disasters, provides international relief, it improves human safety, and supports the military officers and their families (American Red Cross, 2014). Moreover, the organization offers services like education, training, and development of humanitarian structures to boost emergency responses in the United States.

The chief executive officer heads national operations, while the board of directors heads local offices in various states. The purpose of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors (Give, 2014, p. 2). In its purpose, the American Red Cross has gained significant reputation in providing humanitarian aid.

The emergence of the organization dates back to 1881, when Clara Barton started the organization, and made it receive the first and the second congressional charter in 1900 and 1905. The annual revenues of the American Red Cross are about $3,470,535,000 (Give, 2014). In addition, American Red Cross has 32,000 paid employees and uses 92% of its donations in programs (Give, 2014).

The goals of the programs are to improve disaster preparedness, promote health and safety conditions, prevent diseases, offer emergency services, support armed forces and their families, and provide humanitarian aid. The management of the organization comprises of Gail McGovern, the chief executive officer, who took over leadership in 2008, James Hrouda, the executive vice president, and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, who is the chair of the board of directors.

These top officials work together with the board of directors and executives such as Sarah Corrigan, Brad Campbell, and Richard Lee, who are directors of various local offices in the United States. In our community, the organization helps during emergencies by providing services like shelter, education, and blood donation.

Authors Background

Educationally, the author is a finalist pursuing a Bachelors degree in business administration with an associate degree of business in business administration from Baker College. The educational qualification shows that the author has key competencies in business strategies, creative leadership, marketing strategies, team development, and acquisition management. Professionally, the author has experiences in marketing, management of operations, and human recourses management.

Specifically, the author has more than one year experience working as an operations director and assistant operations director in Tax Service of America. Moreover, the author has worked as senior area manager, regional director, general manager, and district manage in various organizations since 1999. Since the American Red Cross has numerous operations that require effective management and extensive marketing, the author is interested in becoming part of the organization.

Therefore, based on the educational qualification and professional experience, the career plan of the author is to attain managerial knowledge and skills to qualify for the position of the operations manager in the American Red Cross.

Mission of the Organization

The American Red Cross has a mission that focuses on prevention of disasters and alleviation of misery, which individuals experience during humanitarian crises. The prevention of disasters and the reduction of misery that humans experience during times of emergencies and disasters are possible because the humanitarian organization receives enormous grants from people and organizations. Moreover, the countless volunteers help in mobilizing resources for the sake of humanitarian aid.

Customers of the Organization

The main customers that the organization serves include victims of emergencies and disasters like hurricanes, tornados, and earthquakes. In addition, the organization serves people from poor families by providing basic amenities such as housing, education, food, and clothing.

The Marketing Mix of the Organization

Product

Some of the products offered by the organization include emergency services such as donated blood and first aid (Labor Group, 2010). In addition, the organization provides services such as food, shelter, and psychological aid to the victims in the sites of disasters.

Mcgeehan (2013) reports that the organization promotes diversity and provides translation services to the victims because it employees are from diverse races. Other additional services offered by the organization include education, shelter, and food, which help victims of emergencies and disasters.

Place

The main places that the American Red Cross visits include areas affected by disasters and areas prone to humanitarian crises. The decision to visit locations or regions affected by a disaster or an emergency transpires because the organization aims at alleviating misery that people experience.

According to American Red Cross (2014), the organization also visits churches, schools, and other social places where people run to find shelter and safety after the occurrence of a disaster. Placement of the products takes place when the organization supplies them to the victims in churches, school, and regions affected by the disaster.

Price

The organization does not charge for the services that it offers to the victims affected by disasters. Instead, it offers T-shirts, caps, and other products to the general population with an objective of raising funds and creating awareness. Heightman (2014) argues that the driving force behind the free nature of the products offered by the organization is that the American Red Cross is a non-profit making organization.

Through the effective pricing strategy, potential clients obtain information about the organizational products, and they are convinced to purchase them. Thereby, the organization receives funds that enable it to provide humanitarian services to the victims. Marketing of the organizational products should be strategic.

Promotion

Promotion aims at increasing awareness and knowledge about the products offered by the organization. Mcgeehan (2014) explain that the organization needs to employ a good promotional strategy that will reach out to citizens living in the United States and inform them about the significance of purchasing the organizations products and affiliate products.

Increased purchases improve the services offered by the organization. It is imperative for individuals to understand that the organization relies on the sales in raising funds to helping victims of disasters and emergencies. The implication of a good promotional strategy is increased purchases because of the amplified understanding of the services that the organization offers to diverse customers.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

One of the strengths that the American Red Cross has is the trust and confidence it has within the United States and other parts of the world. The United States government and internal community usually enlist the services of the American Red Cross in cases of emergencies. The second strength is that the American Red Cross enjoys a higher reputation than its competitors because it offers quality services to victims of disasters and emergencies.

According to Heightman (2014), the American Red Cross is among the organizations that assist people during disasters and has a unique brand. As a result, several individuals in the United States associate themselves with the unique brand of the organization. The ability to provide extensive services and mitigate disaster is a third strength of the American Red Cross. Owing to its exemplary performance, the American Red Cross has received the charter and has met 20 standards for charity accountability.

Weaknesses

One weakness of the American Red Cross is that it has organizational conflicts between its board of directors and management team. As leaders fight for resources and power, it affects their performance and consequently the overall performance of the organization. The second weakness relates to the management of resources because they are prone to misuse. In some instances, the organization has experienced biased distribution of funds and misconduct among employees.

The misconduct among employees increases their turnover rates, and consequently, reduces organizational performance (Mcgeehan, 2013). The third weakness is the slow response of the organization to some emergencies and disasters like hurricanes serves. American Red Cross (2014) states that ineffective control and poor management of organizations reduces their performance.

Opportunities

To increase its efficiency in the nature of products it offers in the market, the organization needs to utilize its opportunities in a manner that facilitates growth and development. One of the opportunities that the organization can employ is the increment of donations. The organizations can increase its donations through increased awareness and enhanced education about the mission of the organization among individuals, as the executive director of York-Poquson Chapter excels in doing sales and marketing (York Red Cross , 2013).

Transparency in the management of the organization serves as the second opportunity that will help it improve its reputation and image among customers and donors in the United States and globally. The third opportunity is that the organization needs to be innovative and creative in raising funds and providing its services. The organization should transform its ways of raising funds and provision of services.

Threats

Some of the threats that the organization has encountered in the course of executing its services include competition, negative publicity, and misinformed perceptions about the organization. In the aspect of competition, the organization competes for donations and grants with other nonprofit making organizations, which threatens its capacity to fund numerous operations.

Negative publicity distorts the image of the organization and affects its capacity to influence customers and donors. The misinformed perception is a third threat that affects the performance of the organization because it creates mistrust and lowers confidence among customers and donors.

Competition

Currently, the organization is experiencing stiff competition from other nonprofit making organizations, which include Americas Blood Centers, Save the Children, and USAID.

These organizations compete with the American Red Cross as they fight for space, time, and resources in the United States (Jones, 2012). As a result, it is important to develop a good marketing strategy that facilitates the conveyance of information and persuasion of the potential customers and stakeholders with the objective of winning public trust and increasing donor levels.

Differentiation

What make the organization unique are its brand and the charter that it has received from the government of the United States. The unique brand of the organization makes it stand out and lead in the provision of blood in the United States and globally. Despite the controversies and challenges that the organization has experienced, it has worked hard to provide products that are up to the required standards according to the requirements of its customers.

Positioning

From the grid, it is evident that the organization enjoys a high reputation, which accrues from the high quality of services that it offers to customers. As a result, the organization faces minimal competition because it outweighs its competitors. Hence, donors are more willing to give grants and donations to the American Red Cross than to other competing organizations such as USAID, FAO, and Americas Blood Center.

Conclusion

The American Red Cross is an organization that offers help to victims affected by disasters, and it helps the poor people in the society. The current position of the organization in terms of quality of services and reputation requires an effective marketing mix and SWOT analysis so that it can achieve its goals and outperform its competitors. The educational qualification and key professional competencies displayed in developing this market plan makes the author suitable for the position of operations manager in the organization.

References

American Red Cross: Who we are. (2014). Web.

York Red Cross exec excels in new role. (2013). Daily Pres. Web.

Give: American Red Cross. (2014). Web.

Heightman, A. (2014). American Red Cross Making Big Commitment to EMS JEMS. Web.

Jones, M. (2012). The American Red Cross from Clara Barton to the New Deal. New York: JHU Press.

Labor Group: Get answers before giving blood. (2010). Chicago Breaking News. Web.

Mcgeehan, P. (2013). State Questions Charities on Flow of Hurricane Aid. The New York Times. Web.

A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis is a strategic planning tool to evaluate internal and external influences upon a common vision or specific goal. SWOT analyses are a common method for a company or organization to assess its capacity to execute a plan or achieve an attainable goal. This SWOT analysis will be conducted int he non-profit organization, the American Red Cross. By using SWOT analysis, we are able to achieve a better understanding of the organization. Then I will examine some of the weaknesses of the organization and determine a core problem. I then will list several recommendations for the organization’s leadership and board of leaders.

The American Red Cross is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that is led by volunteers, whose purpose is to prevent and relieve human suffering. American Red Cross is a non-profit organization whose history dates back to 1881. The American Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood in the United States, and part of the International Red Cross organization. Helping people during natural or man-made disasters, give assistance in providing relief to victims of natural and man-made disasters and prepare for and respond to emergencies has made it able for American Red Cross to create a brand name known all over the world. This organization had many successes and has also faced many difficulties because of this success.

Strengths

1. Established the history of the Red Cross;
2. Support of the United States Government;
3. The Red Cross requires employees and volunteers to participate actively in local environmental programs;
4. The Red Cross does not become involved in any controversies of a religious, political, racial, or ideological nature;
5. Coordinates with national and local governments;
6. Relationships with both police and fire department;
7. Has relationships with local businesses and national retail chains to provide much needed food, supplies and shelter;
8. Diversifies services, blood and disaster relief, plus community activities;
9. Strong brand name and strong supporters;
10. Funding.

Weaknesses

1. Social media;
2. Flexibility of fulfilling all services offered;
3. Technology;
4. The Red Cross does not always provide detailed information about the specifics of where funds and donations are going during disasters;
5. Poor labor relationships;
6. Past history of workers going on strike for unfair working conditions and not being treated fairly;
7. Negative publicity for misuse of donated funds;
8. Lack of brand protection (e.g., people using the Red Cross as a scam to get money);
9. Lack of online presence.

Opportunities

1. New technology;
2. Opportunities to expand on the Internet and social media;
3. People can enroll in online courses to become members of the American Red Cross;
4. Can expand into the cell phone market, where people donate cell phones and pay forward the service for the phones;
5. Celebrity endorsements;
6. Establish more alliances;
7. Adding more company sponsors would help build a stronger brand image, assist in fundraisers, and get more accurate information out faster;
8. Innovation.

Threats

1. Bad publicity on social media or the news;
2. Competition of other non-profit organizations that focus on disaster relief, and emergency relief;
3. Uncertain work environment for employees and volunteers;
4. Strick regulations.

Unique Aspects of the Red Cross Extreme Context

The Red Cross is an international organization provides relief in the form of food, shelter, medical attention, and emotional support for victims of disaster across the globe. This extreme context of disaster response requires something different than leadership in more stable contexts (Hannah et al., 2009) or even leadership in other extreme contexts. Such leadership is often termed crisis leadership. Scholars of business leadership often point to the need for leaders in a crisis to act decisively, have a plan, and address the needs of their followers (Weiss, 2002). Other leadership scholars focus on crisis as the context in which charismatic leadership emerges (Beyer, 2009). Little literature exists, however, that directly examines disaster-response leadership.

Another unique aspect of the extreme context in which the Red Cross works is that this organization relies on volunteers for the bulk of the work, leadership, and resources to fulfill this mission of disaster relief. This international organization was originally envisioned as an organization comprised entirely of volunteers, and to this day almost 90% of the individuals supporting the Red Cross effort are volunteers (Hamilton, 2005). During disaster-response efforts, these volunteers are guided by field leaders trained extensively by the Red Cross. The role of the field leader is of paramount importance to the relief effort because they work with volunteers who do not know each other well and have varied competencies and varied limitations. The field leader is charged with pulling together this disparate group of people and making quick decisions in the field, often with limited information. Field leaders are the primary source of direction and guidance for Red Cross volunteers, and they work almost exclusively in disaster emergency response situations.

Another unique aspect of this extreme context is that Red Cross field leaders find themselves providing leadership in a socially close context with their followers. While theories exist that help us understand crisis leadership from a socially distant perspective (Pillai & Meindl, 2018), very little research or theory illuminates what emergency response volunteers are looking for from their socially-close leaders in the field during a disaster.

Recommendations

Red Cross leaders need to place an emphasis on social media, everyone and everything is on social media that is just the era we live in. Red Cross leaders need to focus on being more transparent to avoid accusations of misusing funds, or not fulfilling promises that were made. The Red Cross is a household name when it comes to any form of disaster relief, the Red Cross is the first name to come up. So, Red Cross leaders should be focusing on building more prominent relationships with high class individuals that are also heavily involved with social media. The leaders should also be focused on the innovation of blood collection, the Red Cross is responsible for 43% of the United States blood supply, by innovating and creating they will set a standard to be followed by other blood and disaster relief organizations. The leaders main focus should be setting the Red Cross apart from other non-profit disaster organizations.

Red Cross: Its Mission and Purpose

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian, not-for-profit organization that has been organize by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter, as well as the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (The American Red Cross, 2011). The venture provides help to people who became the victims of natural disasters and catastrophe so as to prevent and react to the emergencies.

According to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross, humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary services, and universality are five main pillars shaping the organization’s main mission and purposes (The American Red Cross, 2011). Hence, the Red Cross has been created to provide assistance to people irrespective of race, nationality and social status to prevent and diminish the consequences of disaster.

Its core purpose is to support victims of disasters and protect their health (The American Red Cross, 2011). Finally, organization promotes a message about cooperation, understanding, friendship and lasing peace all over the world. The movement remains independent because it is not subject to government and the laws of different countries.

Red Cross Crisis in Haiti: Exploring the Facts and Consequences

Two years ago, the population of Haiti suffered from a 7.0 earthquake leading to significant destructions and leaving millions of people without home. Minnesota, along with other U.S. states, responded actively to the disaster and donated a significant sum of money for improving the situation in Haiti.

Now, the Red Cross has introduced a two-year report on the efforts and actions taken in Haiti to relieve the population (MyFox, 2012). The report presents significant progress in front of serious challenge, but some of the presented facts can lead to negative publicity concerning the action plan (MyFox, 2012).

The point is that the American Red Cross got nearly $ 486 million in donations whereas $ 330 million were spent only on Haiti recovery efforts (MyFox, 2012). One the one hand, many questions arise concerning the remaining sum of money. One the other hand, the Red Cross’s campaign has not been completed yet and, therefore, there are no reasons for rushing in conclusions.

Identifying Specific Goals and Their Rationale

As the world-known non-profit organization, the Red Cross should introduce a new form of reporting through publicly presenting information about financial matters. In such a way, it is possible to enhance information transparency and accuracy to ensure the population of their donations invested to prevent disasters.

Specifically, the report does not only improve communication and relation with outside stakeholders, but also attract more investors. Sustainability reporting can also enhance the Red Cross reputation and contribute to effective alleviation of critical situations.

Introducing sustainability reporting system can help the organizations several goals. To begin with, the Red Cross can uncover a number of opportunities for development, as well as provide a full picture of existing problems in the country and outside it. Second, organizational performance and sustainability can improve organization’s relation with the most influential investors and monitor all environmental, social, and economical aspects of development influencing the activities and efforts initiated by the Red Cross.

Finally, external disclosure of information can increase chances of the organization to create a powerful network for eliminating the consequences of natural disasters. In addition, the new reporting system can sustain organization’s reputation at an appropriate level and increase its influence all over the world.

Defining Steps for Achieving the Established Goals

In order to achieve the identified goals, a specific framework should be established. A changing pattern can be introduced through a number of steps. First of all, it is purposeful to identify the main target of the organization, which will be environment, people, community, and human resource management (Global Reporting Initiative, 2011).

Second, it is necessary to organize a survey to define how people evaluate the action and effects presented by the organization (Global Reporting Initiative, 2011). Third, organization should focus on the most problematic areas to define the main strengths and weaknesses of those. Finally, the Red Cross should establish effective schemes of responding to disasters, as well as plan the reports on efforts and reliefs within shorter periods of time.

Introducing a management approach can significantly increase productivity and performance, as well as attract more volunteers to take part in different missions. Reporting about the impact of Red Cross activities on the community should also be launches for the American to have a better idea of the importance of developing the organization.

More importantly, the above-presented principles and steps are congruent with the mission and purpose of the organization. The only difference is that it provides a transparent picture of all operations. With regard to the Red Cross crisis in Haiti, the following framework can be presented:

1. Introduce a detailed report on the financial resources used during the disaster;
2. Provide an account on the remaining sum of money that can be distributed for reconstruction of buildings and technological devices for improving safety and quality of life in Haiti.
3. Establish new principle of mutual interaction between people investing money and people receiving help. Specifically, it is important for investors to know how their money is used for eliminating the disaster.

Evaluation Plan: Assessing the Outcomes

Many companies, including non-profit organization, strive to work out effective strategy for managing people and monitoring daily operations and activities. Because the American Red Cross is a powerful organization possessing a great number volunteers working for them, it is rational to pay attention to such issues as diversity, information exchange, and public influence on the organizational performance.

The introduction of the action plan should provide the corresponding correction to the established mission and purpose of an organization. More importantly, the given plan can provide a solid platform for further development in terms of information spread among mass media. The latter should be carefully considered because failure to establish favorable relation with mass media can lead to shaping negative reputation, which can also influence organization’s activities.

In this respect, consistence and transparency can help the Haiti population to recover after the earthquake in the shortest possible time. By changing the policy to the employees/volunteers, the organization acquires greater chances to receive recognition and reputation among the external environment. Hence, volunteers will be more concerned with the outside environment; more importantly, they become more consistent while implanting the Global Reporting Initiative principles of managing reports.

Indeed, sustainability reporting fully meets the needs of the organization because it is also directed at improving social, economic and environment climate. So, the accomplishment of the defined goal will lead an organization to an upper level of development and provide more incentives to work better.

References

Global Reporting Initiative (2011). G3.1 Guidelines. Web.

MyFox. (2012). What Happened to You Haiti Earthquake Donation? Web.

The American Red Cross. (2011). Mission Statement. Web.

There is a number of not-for-profit organizations operating in the United States, and it is important to review their financial statements in order to get an idea of financial accounting in such organizations. The particular organization that has been chosen for the assignment is the American Red Cross that is known all over the world due to its initiatives and programs aimed at mitigating the negative consequences of natural disasters, providing blood services, and promoting health in regions where citizens’ quality of life is low.

The American Red Cross does its best in order to maintain a good reputation in the global community; therefore, the organization singles out transparency as one of the key values. When it comes to non-profit organizations, their financial statements must align with a series of rules identified in guidelines prepared by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (Financial Accounting Standards Board, 1993).

As it follows from the information presented in the document created more than twenty years ago, financial statements of the not-for-profit organizations must include information related to their liabilities, assets, and net assets. More than that, organizations are required to include the data on net assets, paying increased attention to the role of various financial operations and transactions in their formation. Also, it is obligatory to provide a full list of operations with financial resources such as outflows and inflows.

Apart from the sums of money, the type of each operation should be defined. Importantly, the document states that it is not appropriate to present inflows and outflows of financial resources separately; in addition to the general tables, it is necessary to demonstrate the relations between these two types of financial operations. In their financial reports, non-profit organizations operating on the territory of the United States are obliged to include information on liquidity and the way that a company receives and spends money in hand. Financial statements provided by non-profit organizations in the United States should include information for a particular period.

Thus, lists of activities, current financial position, and accompanying notes should be presented. Having reviewed the report of the organization, indicating financial results in 2016, it is possible to conclude that the discussed guidelines were followed.

According to the notes presenting information on investments, there is a range of funds used by the organization. When it comes to money market funds, it remains one of the fund categories that is the most widely used by ARC – the investments in these funds have significantly increased since the end of the previous financial period (The American National Red Cross, 2016). Such funds act as a good tool for organizations as they provide fixed incomes.

Another fund category used by ARC is presented by hedge funds and other types of private funds. The advantages of the use of such funds for the organization are obvious as hedge funds are expected to maximize profit-making capacity or reduce financial risks for investors. Another category used by the organization is represented by commingled funds – according to the financial data, this category remains one of the most popular. There are numerous advantages of commingled funds such as lower operating costs, and the number of strategies chosen by the organization includes arbitrage strategies and many others.

Speaking about the areas of potential interest for stakeholders of the organization, it is important to single out investments in biomedical products and services that belong to the number of the leading activities in terms of financial results and media coverage. In particular, the potential areas of interest include blood services and disaster services, as is clear from the financial results for these spheres. Stakeholders making their contribution to these activities of ARC are provided with an opportunity to improve their social reputation, use the most recent scientific research results retrieved in ARC, and take part in the development of innovative projects as well.

The statement of cash flows is presented in great detail, and the data for three types of activities (investing, operating, and financing) is included. The information for the beginning and the end of the year is presented as well. In general, there are no significant deviations from the recommended format for cash flow statements provided by GAAP. Importantly, these standards do not require companies to unite results for two reporting periods in one table to provide a comparison. In the case of ARC, its cash flow statement provides this comparison to illustrate that cash flows have increased.

Information on pledges and contributions of different types is presented in tables and comments, and particular attention is paid to information on volunteers and materials or gifts provided by them. Exchange transactions are known as one of the ways to conduct fundraising activities, and they can be used by non-profit organizations as well. Considering that the organization is charitable, financial exchange transactions (the exchange of goods and services) are not widely presented. There are more than nine categories of funds that ARC utilizes, and the data on investments is presented separately for each level of the fair value hierarchy.

Fiscal health can be defined as the ability of companies to provide high-quality services in the future without significant risks for financial stability. Total operating revenues of ARC have decreased by more than $70,000 if compared to the previous fiscal year, just like the total expenses. At the same time, the total net assets of ARC have decreased since the end of 2015. The total liabilities of ARC exceed $2,250,000.

This financial measure has increased by $350,000 since the end of the previous reporting period, whereas total net assets have decreased by more than $600,000. According to figures for fundraising, this measure has decreased by more than $10,000 recently. Program activities of ARC include more than six types of services, and expenses on biomedical services remain the most substantial as it follows from the financial information presented.

When it comes to contributions received by the American Red Cross during the reporting period, it needs to be said that the amount of financial resources contributed by both individuals and companies donating to charity has decreased – as at the end of 2015, total contributions including financial resources from independent givers, federal organizations, bequests, and the range of services and contributed materials exceeded $390,000.

In comparison, the results for the discussed reporting period are not as good because the total contributions have decreased by more than $20,000. This tendency is the most obvious when it comes to contributions received with the help of bequests and legacies, and the contributions from United Way and other large non-profit organizations have also experienced a significant decrease. In the report, revenues from grants are presented as revenues from contracts, and this measure has increased by more than $8,000. At the same time, the report does not present the detailed data on costs charged to the government related to the specific types of grants, as the authors acknowledge that this information should be audited at the governmental level.

References

Financial Accounting Standards Board. (1993). Statement of financial accounting standards no. 117. Web.

The American National Red Cross. (2016). Consolidated financial statements. Web.

Introduction

If the federal authority is tasked to respond to disasters, actions taken at all governmental levels or other resources are directed by the national response framework (NRF) (Binder-Aviles, 2012; Brookes, 2017). The latter provides coordination of how support is delivered and augments efforts of state or local authorities involved. The NRF was signed as an agreement between the federal agencies, the national voluntary organizations active in disaster (NVOAD), and the American Red Cross. Like other plans, NRF consists of various components with particular administrative purposes. Under the NRF are the emergency support function annexes, which outline how support is organized, and the group resources and capabilities needed in the national response (FEMA, 2020a). In this assignment, the appropriate NRF annex for the American Red Cross and functions related to an effective ERP are identified (DHS, 2021). The paper aims to address the functions of the Red Cross as per the ideal emergency response plan.

Annex Functions for the American Red Cross

The first function relating the American Red Cross (ARC) to an effective ERP is the Emergency support function (ESF) number six, about mass care, emergency assistance, temporary housing, and human services. ESF#6 is coordinated by the department of homeland security of the federal emergency and management agency (FEMA) (FEMA, 2020b). As the primary agency in this function, the ARC is responsible for availing sustenance resources, and essential services and offering statutory programs during a disaster. Under this function, the ARC works hand in hand with FEMA to ensure mass care, including feeding, distributing emergency supplies, and re-unifying children with parents or legal guardians and families. The Red Cross and FEMA’s role for ESF#6 is well outlined in the NRF, and ARC serves as the co-primary agency for mass care. Additionally, the agency is engaging in leading the national mass care council to work with other support groups in developing pubic care approaches. The primary goal of working jointly with other organizations is to design common terminologies, expand mass capacities or capabilities and improve nationwide service delivery.

The second function from the NRF annex is the emergency support function (ESF) number 8, which entails public health and medical services. Typically, the primary coordinator and agency of ESF#8 is the department of health and human services (Department of Health and Human Services Disaster Behavioral Health Concept of Operations, 2016). The American Red Cross is involved in this function as an ideal ERP to offer support to the major controller. ESF#8 is a mechanism of federal aid, and agencies involved in this function are charged with supplementing local, tribal, state, or territorial areas’ resources in a time of natural events and emergencies (MRSC, 2021; Ziskin & Harris, 2007). ARC plays a crucial role in this support to detect and group health incidents, avail medical care to community members, offer human services to people affected, and enhance resiliency to respond to a situation. Such actions are informed by integrating bio-surveillance capabilities to assess people’s needs while maintaining the security of medical items.

To effectively carry out the function of public health and medical services, the red cross-agency must carry out specific actions that integrate into an effective emergency response plan (“U.S. Department of Justice,” 2010). For instance, the organization provides health behavior seeds by offering direct services or referrals where necessary. During a disaster, information retrieval and sharing with relevant parties are crucial to informing better practices and recovery processes. As part of carrying out medical services operations, the ARC provides mortality and morbidity data to requesting organizations (“United States Government interagency domestic terrorism concept of operations plan,” 2001). Staff availability is critical during emergencies, and the red cross-agency ensures there is a supply of adequate personnel to help in temporary immunization clinics, morgues, nursing homes, or hospitals. The Red Cross team’s type of assistance involves but is not limited to administrative, logistics, and health service support within outline boundaries. As requested by the health and human service department, the Red Cross coordinates with the American association of blood bank (AABB) task force to ensure there are donation services in regional centers.

NGOs and Ethical Decision-Making

Individuals today are confronted by severe crises, some of which raise ethical questions. The challenging events may arise from economic, social, or environmental situations, but the most devastating ones occur from security scenarios that end up with conflicts, displacements, and killings. Some of these difficult circumstances can be avoided if the involved parties agree to embrace wisdom and put common interests ahead of personal desires. Today’s events unfold new hardships to address, and available theoretical frameworks might not be adequate to contain them. As such, managers and respondents are compelled to make moral decisions during crisis intervention.

Ethical decisions could be derived from different sources, including cultures, laws, and religion (Schwab & Beatley, 2020). The latter is considered one of the oldest foundations of moral standards and yields varying influences. Religiously, it is believed that ethics are divine manifestations, drawing a line between what is good or bad in a society. People hold that behavior patterns are passed from one generation to another and are considered ideal in certain agreeable limits from a cultural aspect. In that way, a culture predominantly informs what is right or wrong.

On the other hand, laws are codes of conduct or procedures laid down by regulation systems to guide people’s behavior in various social fabrics (“United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” 2020). A significant challenge with the law is that rules can cover not all ethical expectations. For instance, in organizational environments, complying with specific procedures and policies is considered ethical, but businesses break the rules through tax ovation or compromising quality. Along with the sources of ethics, ethical decisions in real-life situations ate made from different perspectives. Examples of ethical approaches include the right process, fairness or justice, utilitarianism, common good, and virtue.

Utilitarian Approach

The primary ethical approach is utilitarianism, which coins the best laws to determine what is morally okay. Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill conceived utilitarianism theory in the 19th century to help legislators determine the effectiveness of regulations (Meeler, n.d). The two theorists suggested that moral actions strike a balance between what is good and evil. To differentiate what is right from wrong, one must focus on the outcomes- the basis of consequentialism. The most ethical decision is said to be that which would yield the most significant goods for many people. In military force or war, this model is very much applicable to determine the course of action.

Some principles serve as the axioms of the utilitarian approach, and they include happiness has intrinsic value and actions are right as long as they promote happiness. Also, the theory holds that the happiness of every person should count equally. In the past decades, it was known that some lives were more crucial than others, such that enslavers were more highly regarded than enslaved while the well-being of a king was [paramount compared to that of peasants. The code of equal happiness laid the grounds for policies that fostered equality.

A significant challenge with the utilitarian theory is that it is not easy to predict the future hence contrast to perceived outcomes. A person cannot tell whether their action will result in good or bad results, limiting the utilitarian approach. Also, the model has a problem in accounting for the values such as people’s rights. In that case, it is agreed that although utilitarian action is the best reason-based approach to inform the right or wrong, the framework has limitations.

In disaster or emergency response, the utilitarian approach is applicable to accomplish the stated goals of saving as many people as possible. During disaster ethics, utilitarianism theory suggests that some people should be sacrificed so that others and the majority could live, which would increase the social utility of saved individuals. Amid difficult situations, emergency responders are required to consider what and who will be impacted, the consequences of specific actions, maximized utility, and minimized anti-utility. Usually, many social programs are based on utilitarian perspectives where some harm is incurred to benefit. For example, in times of natural crises, there might be scarce resource supplies such that the response team would be forced to sacrifice some victims and save others.

Conclusion

To conclude, emergency management is about planning, preventing, preparing, or responding to situations for people and the country’s common good. An effective response plan is incomplete without integrating crucial support at the local, state, or national level. Private and governmental agencies work collaboratively following the laid guidelines to contain disasters and prevent the escalation of problems. In this process, encountering challenging situations is likely, and the appropriate standards must guide individuals.

References

Binder-Aviles, H. (2012). The NGO handbook: Bureau of International Information Programs United States Department of State. Web.

Brookes, P. (2017). 64th Islamist terrorist plot since 9/11 shows the U.S. must combat radical Islamist threat.Heritage Foundation. Web.

Department of Health and Human Services Disaster Behavioral Health Concept of Operations. (2016). Web.

DHS. (2021). Emergency response plan. DHS.gov. Web.

FEMA. (2020a). Emergency support function annexes. Web.

FEMA. (2020b). How a disaster gets declared. Web.

Meeler, D. (n.d.). Five basic approaches to ethical decision-making. Web.

MRSC. (2021). Emergency planning at the local government level. Web.

Schwab, A. & Beatley. T. (2020). Session 4: Ethics. Web.

U.S. Department of Justice. (2010). Review of the department’s preparation to respond to a WMD incident. Web.

United States Government interagency domestic terrorism concept of operations plan. (2001). Web.

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (2020).Emergency preparedness in response to terrorism. Web.

Ziskin, L. and Harris, D. (2007). State health policy for terrorism preparedness. American Journal of Public Health, 97(9), 1583-8. Retrieved from Trident Online Library.

Introduction

The International Red Cross Movement is a worldwide organization with a branch in almost all countries across the world. Apparently, the movement is made up of a number of components that include the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

According to International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (1999), there are about 186 National Societies that also form part of the International Red Cross Movement. Arguably, the International Red Cross Movement is the most expansive philanthropic organization that exists in the world today.

It is managed by a strong team of qualified staff scattered in different parts of the world. Presently, the operations of the International Red Cross Movement are carried out by approximately 100 individuals comprising of volunteers and staff. Their efforts are augmented by National Societies and collaborating partners in different countries.

The movement plays a pivotal role of meeting the needs of the poor, preserving lives and promoting human dignity. Underlying all its operations is the alleviation of poverty and human suffering. Although the different components that make up the International Red Cross Movement are distinct from each other, they work jointly to facilitate the delivery of critical services to the intended beneficiaries. The International Red Cross Movement thus provides a platform for the integration of the different components.

History of the International Red Cross Movement

The Red Cross Movement began its operations in 1863 under the leadership of Henry Dunant, a businessman of Swiss origin. Disturbed by the suffering that thousands of men left to die after the battle of Solferino in the year 1859, Dunant chose to respond differently. Apparently, these men died as a result of neglect since none of the warring parties could provide help save their lives.

Dunant came up with the idea of establishing relief societies not aligned to any particular party to provide assistance to the wounded (British Red Cross, 2014). The relief societies were to consist of volunteers equipped with skills and training to impartially take care of the wounded during times of war.

This was later followed by the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland and the drawing of the Red Cross charter in 1863. Since its establishment in 1863, the movement has been very instrumental in providing assistance to those aggrieved as a result of war or because of different calamities (International Committee of the Red Cross, 2014).

Usually, victims of war are forced to flee their homes or countries of birth in order to seek refuge in other countries. They are also made to lose loved ones, property and their dignity. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (2014), the organization accomplishes its objectives through direct involvement in issues that affect humanity across the world and by promoting the formation of laws that uphold human dignity.

Structure

At the very top, the International Red Cross Movement consists of an Assembly and an Assembly Council. The Assembly Council is a subsidiary of the Assembly with certain powers delegated to it (International Committee of the Red Cross, 2014). The top leadership also includes a Directorate which is the executive body of the movement and ensures a smooth running of the organization’s affairs.

The Directorate acts under the guidance of the Assembly and the Assembly Council as may be appropriate. The Assembly and the Assembly Council are chaired by the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross assisted by a Vice President. The Directorate on the other hand is made up of five members and is chaired by the Director General.

Issues that relate to policy formulation, strategy and decision making regarding the development of international humanitarian laws are all handled by the Assembly and the Assembly Council. The Assembly also controls what is done by the Assembly Council and the Directorate.

Effectiveness of the International Red Cross Movement

Over the years, the International Red Cross Movement has touched the lives of many victims of war, natural disasters as well as criminal activities across the world. In the United States, a number of states have been hit by natural disasters and the Red Cross movement has been instrumental in helping the affected to rebuild their lives after the calamities. Many other parts of the world have also benefited from the activities of the International Red Cross Movement including war torn places in Africa.

The conflict in South Sudan, for example, has left scores of people homeless and many have been forced to flee to neighboring countries. With help from supporters, the International Red Cross Movement has already provided support to many who have been affected. In solidarity, the British Red Cross pledged a substantial amount of money to facilitate the operations of the International Red Cross Movement.

The efforts that have been made by the International Red Cross Movement can not be underestimated. While it might take the government too long to respond to an emergency situation, all that the International Red Cross Movement needs to know is that there is a need somewhere and without wasting time, specialized teams of volunteers and experts will be on the ground working hard to restore normalcy.

On many occasions, the movement has been involved in working closely with victims and ensuring that they are able to stand on their own before leaving.

Reasons of Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the International Red Cross Movement can be attributed to a number of reasons. One of the greatest strengths of the International Red Cross Movement is its commitment to offering voluntary services. According to the tenets of the International Red Cross Movement, nothing matters more than preserving lives. While money plays a big role for some humanitarian organizations, service to humanity is critical for the International Red Cross Movement.

Another reason for its effectiveness has to do with the fact that all members of the movement are required to subscribe to a strict code of conduct.

Adherence to the code of conduct enables all players to behave appropriately when called upon to deal with an emergency. The code of conduct clearly stipulates that delivery of services to the affected must be in accordance with the requirements of the international humanitarian law. Though voluntary, organizations that subscribe to the code of conduct are expected to enforce its application in their various operations.

The International Red Cross Movement has also succeeded because of the huge support received from collaborating partners and well wishers. Organizations and individuals across the world recognize the efforts of the Red Cross Movement to protect the interests of the less fortunate (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 2011).

By working closely with such organizations, the International Red Cross Movement is able to finance its operations without much struggle and as a result, provide essential services to the needy. Ordinarily, assistance may be in kind or in monetary form.

Effectiveness of the movement’s operations is also as a result of being transparent and accountable in running its affairs. Certainly, failure to account for resources has a very negative impact on charitable work. On the other hand, both transparency and accountability encourage sponsors to continue with their acts of philanthropy by supporting the activities of the International Red Cross Movement.

As part of its transparency policy, the organization allows sponsors to visit any project they are supporting. In case a sponsor has given substantial contribution towards a project and he or she wishes to visit, it is possible for the Red Cross Movement to make arrangements for this to happen. The need for accountability has thus played a very big role in ensuring that the International Res Cross Movement is effective in its operations.

The International Red Cross Movement also benefits greatly from its huge pool of volunteers. Usually, the cost of maintain volunteers is reasonable and does not place a heavy financial burden on the organization. While volunteers benefit from the world class training offered by the Red Cross Movement as well as an opportunity to get experience in offering humanitarian services, the International Red Cross Movement manages to get its work done much faster because of the huge population of volunteers at its disposal.

The relationship between the Red Cross Movement and the volunteers is thus mutually beneficial. To ensure that volunteers deliver as expected, they are taken through a vigorous training that includes understanding the tenets that govern the operations of the International Red Cross Movement. The principles that are used to provide guidance include respect for humanity, upholding the spirit of impartiality, remaining neutral when offering services to the afflicted, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

Due to the number of disasters that the International Red Cross Movement has to deal with, staff and employees are often prepared to respond swiftly in most emergencies. Professionals and volunteers who work for the movement are also constantly engaged in research to understand how to deal with calamities or emergency situations.

Normally, they would focus on strategies that help in predicting hazards, assessment of the environment in order to single out vulnerable areas and communities that may be seriously affected in case of a disaster. The International Red Cross Movement is also involved in advocacy activities aimed at ensuring that the world is a better place for everyone to live in.

Global Performance of the International Red Cross Movement

The International Red Cross Movement has a presence in most countries across the world and its determination to save humanity has received praise from many beneficiaries. Despite being scattered globally, the various representatives of the International Red Cross Movement in different countries pull resources together to provide a solution in the event that a disaster occurs anywhere in the world.

Because of the movement’s global presence and elaborate network of collaborators, it is often easy to get organized and act when disaster strikes. Generally, the International Red Cross Movement stands from other humanitarian organizations because of its dedication and selflessness to fight for the rights of the disadvantaged in the society.

All over the world, the International Red Cross Movement has been working alongside other humanitarian organizations to preserve life and to uphold respect for humanity. According to Global Road Safety Partnership (2014), a world disasters report released in 1998 indicated that the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, a component of the International Red Cross Movement, was the first to talk about the global effect of road carnage.

As a result of the intervention by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, the World Bank and the British Department for International Development (DFID), formed the Global Road Safety Partnership.

The creation of the Global Road Safety Partnership opened an avenue that brought together stakeholders from government and civil society to devise strategies of addressing road carnage issues. This is a very clear indication of how the International Red Cross Movement influences decision makers on behalf of many others who may not be in a position to do so.

As pointed out earlier, the International Red Cross Movement has for a very long time been involved in influencing the formulation of policies that uphold human dignity. Often, the needs of the less fortunate in the society are neglected in various levels of government. As such, policies that are developed by government officials do not recognize their needs.

By cooperating with other international humanitarian organizations, the International Red Cross Movement has been able to spearhead the formulation of laws and policies that are inclusive and demonstrate respect for humanity.

According to the International Committee of Red Cross (2010), the growing number of armed conflicts across the world presents a serious challenge to the work of the International Red Cross Movement. Unfortunately, conflicts arise and continue for a very long time without a definite end.

Certainly, the responsibility of caring for those affected becomes strenuous both emotionally and financially to those involved in offering help. The conflicts that have been experienced in the Middle East and many other parts of Africa are a clear example of how involving the work of the International Red Cross Movement can be.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (2010) also postulates that the emergence of new challenges such as environmental degradation and effects of climate change will compel the International Red Cross Movement to create new partnerships, widen its networks and have a very strong presence in different countries.

Conclusion

The challenges faced in various parts of the world today require a proactive approach by humanitarian organizations. Natural calamities, civil wars, climatic changes and acts of terrorism are all responsible for destabilizing the society in one way or another. Victims may end up dying, displaced or becoming refugees in foreign countries.

The role of the International Red Cross Movement is thus very critical in supporting the affected. Although governments make attempts to assist the afflicted, the help often comes in late or may sometimes be insufficient to fully address the problem at hand. By working closely with well wishers and volunteers, the International Red Cross Movement always endeavors to provide the much needed support without showing favoritism.

To ensure effectiveness in service delivery to the affected, the International Red Cross Movement works with professionals to predict hazards and understand the ability of vulnerable groups in the event of a disaster. Effectiveness of the International Red Cross Movement is further reinforced by having a strict code of conduct that member organizations have to subscribe to. The movement also promotes a high level of transparency and accountability which motivate supporters.

References

British Red Cross. (2014). The beginning of the Red Cross Movement. Web.

Global Road Safety Partnership. (2014). International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Web.

International Committee of the Red Cross. (2010). ICRC Strategy 2011-2014: Achieving Significant Results for People in Need. Web.

International Committee of the Red Cross. (2014). History of the ICRC. Web.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). (2011). Red Cross Red Crescent Perspective on Aid Effectiveness. Web.

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. (1999). Red Cross and Red Crescent History. Web.

Introduction

The Red Cross has been in existence since 1981. The headquarters is in Washington, Dc. This is a humanitarian aid entity that provides education, Emergency relief, and emergency assistance to people across the world. The Red Cross is a volunteer based organization that provides assistance to needy people. The American national Red Cross operates in the United States of America. The American Red Cross also provides services in blood distribution, processing and collection, community services, educational services on safety, health and preparedness just to name a few. The Red Cross assists approximately 67,000 people every year and works hand in hand with 175 other relief agencies globally (McKenzie et al, 2011, p. 52).

The experience of my sister with the Red Cross

There was a fatal accident that claimed several lives on 26^th December last year. This incidence was along the Amsterdam Avenue in New York. The accident was a head on coalition between two public service vehicles. My sister was among the survivors and got admission at the New York Presbyterian hospital. She was in urgent need of blood because of excessive bleeding. Unfortunately, her blood group is O which is rare. The American Red Cross stepped in by providing the blood from their bank. This assistance from the Red Cross was vital in the survival of my only sister. I always remember the Red Cross society for their quick intervention in saving the life of my sister.

Skills required for a Red Cross volunteer

The Red Cross is a volunteer based organization. There are several skills that a person requires in order to work with the Red Cross society. These skills go hand in hand with the job description. The first skill that is vital for this volunteer job is communication. This is because the volunteer interacts with several needy people in the course of work. The volunteer should be able to communicate well verbally and non-verbally. The reason is that some needy people may be unable to express themselves. The volunteer should be able to understand sign language to help him serve this category of individuals. The ability to communicate effectively is vital for Red Cross employees (Baristain, 2006, p. 118).

Another thing people in an emergency condition require is a person who can listen to them. They need someone to share with their experiences. The Red Cross volunteers should have excellent listening skills in order to serve the community better. Needy people require a person to share with their experiences. They tend to recover fast when they get a person who listens to them. The Red Cross volunteer should be acquainted with all the requirements of a good listener. The Red Cross serves people with diverse cultural backgrounds. The volunteer needs to understand all the behavioral styles. This helps him to come up with strategies of handling each behavior (Oxfam, 2000, p. 17).

Comparison between Red Cross and other service organizations

Most humanitarian organizations focus on providing disaster relief to people in need. However, Red Cross has gone a step higher by providing services in five other areas. The first area that Red Cross focuses on is comfort and communication services for the military. They offer these services to the military and their family members. The Red Cross also takes part in the distribution, processing and collection of blood and its products. This helps people in urgent need of blood like accident victims.

The Red Cross also offers educational programs to the community. These are training programs in safety, healthy and preparedness. Most of these programs are free of charge. The Red Cross also offers development and international relief programs. This organization offers community service to needy people globally. The Red Cross offers a wide range of services in comparison with other humanitarian service provides. The Red Cross is the biggest humanitarian service provider with more than 30,000 employees and trains over 12 million people annually in America.

Red Cross is an excellent organization to work for because of the wide range of Services they provide. This is because it does not limit workers to one line of humanitarian service provision. Working with the Red Cross exposes the employee to different skills that are vital for career development. Red Cross operates globally and gives employees a high opportunity of career growth. Because of the advantages of working for Red Cross, I can work with the organization if given the opportunity.

Conclusion

Red Cross is a humanitarian and none profit making organization. This essay focuses on the experience my sister had with Red Cross. She had a fatal road accident and Red Cross saved her life by supplying her with blood. This essay also looks at the skills an individual requires in order to be a volunteer with the Red Cross. Because of the nature of the work, a person requires excellent communication and listening skills. This essay finally looks at the difference between Red Cross and other humanitarian service providers. I can work with Red Cross because of the wide range of services they provide.

References

Baristain, C.M. (2006). Humanitarian aid work: A critical approach. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania press. Web.

McKenzie, J.F., Pinger, R.R. & Kotecki, J.E. (2011). An introduction to community health. London: Jones and Berlet Learning, LLC. Web.

Oxfam, K.D. (2000). Listening to the displaced: Action Research in the conflict zones of Sri Lanka. Oxfam: Oxfam GB. Web.