The international Red Cross and Red Crescent network is the largest humanitarian organization in the world with a presence in almost every country.
All Red Cross and Red Crescent activities have one central purpose: to help those who suffer, without discrimination. Our teams deliver aid during conflict, in response to natural or man-made disasters, and amidst other crises.
There are three parts of the global Red Cross network. Each has its own individual status and exercises no authority over the others. These three parts are: Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies (of which the American Red Cross is one), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The American Red Cross works alongside Red Cross and Red Crescent teams around the globe to help save lives. With more than 13 million volunteers, our international work stems from local communities. Together, we serve humanity in alignment with our 7 Fundamental Principles.
Current ICRC/IFRC operations around the world:
By reconnecting families separated by crises, rebuilding communities devastated by disasters, and helping children around the world get vaccinated against disease, the Red Cross works every day to provide relief. Here are a few of the global efforts we're involved in at the local level.
New York City and the Greater New York region is a hugely diverse area. Our services impact many immigrant populations. For some of these residents, armed conflict, international disasters and mass migration has caused them to lose communications with loved ones. As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, volunteers in greater New York collaborate with Red Cross and Red Crescent teams around the world to help reconnect families separated by international crises. Read about twins who reunited after 68 years apart.
All Red Cross Services are free of charge.
The American Red Cross helps reconnect loved ones when:
The American Red Cross’s International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Youth Action Campaign empowers youth and young adults, ages 13-24, to learn about international humanitarian law—the body of law that governs armed conflict.
Young people volunteer to educate the American public on IHL by exploring topics with their communities through peer-to-peer education campaigns. Youth teams participate in an IHL training, during which they learn how to build their own educational campaigns and conduct in-person and social media activities to promote awareness around IHL.
We are ALWAYS looking for veterans, family members and those who care about serving these communities to become Red Cross volunteers. Reach out to safgny@redcross.org or rflgny@redcross.org for more information and a link to sign up.
Some current immediate need Red Cross volunteer positions include: