Where can I find out about career opportunities at the American Red Cross?

Redcross.org/jobs is the best place to learn about career opportunities at the American Red Cross. Simply click on the American Red Cross sector that best appeals to you– National Headquarters, Biomedical Services or our Chapter network – to browse and apply for jobs in various fields within that sector.
For additional information, you can go to Red Cross Culture and Values to learn about the Red Cross’ mission and fundamental principles that drive our workforce. You can also watch an online orientation to the American Red Cross – consisting of 4 videos that review our history, foundations, key services, and commitments.

What kind of jobs can be found at the American Red Cross?

Whether you like working with your hands or sitting behind a microscope, the American Red Cross has a variety of job types within the organization. The largest amount of our employees support our key areas of:

• Biomedical Services
• Services to the Armed Forces
• Disaster/Emergency Services
• Health, Safety & Community Services
• International Services

There are a wide range of career opportunities available at the American Red Cross. Among them you could lend your talents to positions like Phlebotomists, Nurses, Logistics, Safety Instructor, Sales or Fundraising, to name a few.

In addition, the American Red Cross employs a variety of staff such as internal audit, marketing, human resources, information technology, finance, and other professionals who support employees and implement corporate programs that keep us in step, or ahead of the competition.

Where are most of the jobs located?

We have opportunites across the United States and in international locations. In addition to our National Headquarters in Washington, DC we maintain hundreds of American Red Cross Chapters located in neighborhoods across the country. Each Chapter responds to local and national disasters, as well as offers health and safety services. We are also the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States, and therefore have biomedical job opportunities at blood collection, National Testing Laboratories, and manufacturing facilities across the nation.

I am interested in international career opportunites. How can I find out about these type of postions?

To view international job opportunities at the American Red Cross, simply visit www.redcross.org/jobs and conduct a job search within the National Headquarters and Biomedical Services sector. When specifying your search criteria, select Internatinoal Development as your area of interest, and international job listings will appear in your search results.
Are you interested in career opportunities with the world's largest humanitarian network? The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, of which the American Red Cross is member, lists vacancies supporting operations around the world. Please visit http://ifrc.org/en/who-we-are/careers/ for the most up-to-date information and job listings.

Where can I find out about career opportunities at the American Red Cross?

Redcross.org/jobs is the best place to learn about career opportunities at the American Red Cross. Simply click on the American Red Cross sector that best appeals to you– National Headquarters, Biomedical Services or our Chapter network – to browse and apply for jobs in various fields within that sector.
For additional information, you can go to Red Cross Culture and Values to learn about the Red Cross’ mission and fundamental principles that drive our workforce. You can also watch an online orientation to the American Red Cross – consisting of 4 videos that review our history, foundations, key services, and commitments.

Once I apply for a position, what should I expect?

Once you apply for a position, you will receive an auto-generated confirmation that your application was received by the American Red Cross. Applications are reviewed and only the most qualified applicants identified are contacted to move forward with the interview and hiring process. If you are not contacted or selected for a position, we encourage you to check our Careers site frequently for new opportunities as they become available.

Do you have internship opportunities?

Yes, the American Red Cross offers both paid and unpaid internships. The largest program is the Summer Intern Experience, but there are also internships available throughout the year in various departments, and ongoing volunteer opportunities too.

What types of employee benefits does the American Red Cross offer?

Total Rewards is the promise we make to our employees to reward their commitment to helping us fulfill our mission, and include competitive pay and benefits, recognition and engagement, growth and development, and the Red Cross Experience. The total rewards for being part of the American Red Cross team include the option to enroll or participate in medical, vision and dental insurance, Savings Plan 401(k), life insurance, paid-time-off (PTO), the National Awards program, volunteer opportunities, and much more. Eligibility may vary depending on employment specifications or location. Employment candidates are provided additional information during the interview process.

What do I have to do to get my digital certificate?

You will receive an email containing a link to your digital certificate once your instructor enters his or her class roster and has confirmed the basic class and participant information in the Red Cross Learning Center. Only participants with valid email addresses will receive an email. Participants who do not receive an email from the Red Cross can go to redcross.org/getcertificate to obtain their digital certificate.

How can my employer ensure that my Red Cross certificate is valid?

Each digital certificate has its own unique ID and QR code, making it easy to confirm that your employee’s certificate is valid and authentic. The codes ensure that your employees have learned their lifesaving skills from the American Red Cross, training you can trust. Employers can enter the unique alpha-numeric number at redcross.org/confirm or scan the QR Code on the certificate.

What is a QR Code and how is it used?

QR (Quick Response) Code is a special type of barcode that provides information when scanned by a smartphone. After downloading a free scanning app for your phone, you can scan the QR Code on the digital certificate and be directed to a website where the certification can be verified. You can also access the same information by going to redcross.org/confirm.

What if an employer requires a wallet card or printed verification?

Participants can print digital certificates in a wallet-card format cut from a printed page using regular 8½” x 11” sheet of white paper, card stock or standard business card cardstock. If you cannot print or do not want to print your own card, you can request a printed certificate by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A $7.95 shipping and handling fee is charged for each printed certificate request.

Can I access to digital certificates for classes I took in the past?

If the class was taken within the past two years, a digital certificate is available. You can go to redcross.org/getcertificate and enter basic information (first name, last name, zip code of the training location and the last day of the class). You will then have the option to view, print, or share their digital certificate. Make sure to determine that the validity of the certificate has not expired.

What do I have to do to get my digital certificate?

Where can I find answers to my questions about donating blood? Redcrossblood.org has a list of frequently asked questions.

How can I donate to the American Red Cross?

For your convenience we have several ways in which you can provide financial support to the American Red Cross. Online: Make a donation online by selecting DONATE FUNDS in the upper left-hand corner of the page. Phone: Call in your donation, by dialing 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669). Mail: You can submit your donation by mailing a check to: American Red Cross PO Box 37839 Boone, IA 50037-0839 Mobile: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation and support disaster relief efforts. At your local Red Cross Chapter: Donations can be made by dropping off cash or a check at your local chapter. Find your nearest chapter now. Please note: The American Red Cross website processes credit card donations in US dollars only. Donors should indicate the amount of the desired donation in US dollars and the currency conversion will be processed through the donor’s credit card company.

What portion of my donation directly supports your mission or service delivery?

Ninety-one cents of every dollar the American Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The other nine cents supports our general operations and helps ensure we are ready to respond wherever and whenever help is needed. For more information, please see our annual reports and other publications or our Where Your Money Goes page.

How can I update my personal information?

If you already have a Red Cross account, you can update your personal information online by logging into your Red Cross account. If you currently do not have a Red Cross account, you may contact Donor Services by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. We encourage you to create an account to manage your activity with the American Red Cross and to track the impact you’ve provided by supporting our efforts. To create an account, please sign up here.

How can I opt out of receiving Red Cross mailings or calls?

Please contact Red Cross Donor Services by completing our online inquiry form or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. I’m completing my taxes and need the mailing address and tax ID for the American Red Cross. The mailing address and tax ID for the American Red Cross is: American National Red Cross 431 18th Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 Tax ID: 53-0196605

How long will it take to receive a receipt for a donation?

Receipts for mail or phone donations are typically sent within 3 weeks following when the Red Cross receives your gift. For online donations, a printable receipt is sent via email and saved to your Red Cross account within minutes of the successful transaction. If you did not receive a receipt for a financial gift you've made, please contact Donor Services by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. You can expedite your request by completing our online inquiry form.

How can I receive a refund?

Refunds are available within 60 days of your original donation: Online by visiting the My Account section (up to $150) By calling donor services (1-800-RED CROSS) By submitting an online form If the requested refund is beyond 60 days of the original donation, please call 1-800-RED CROSS, and your request will be evaluated on an individual-case basis.

I have a ‘Pending’ transaction on my account from the Red Cross. What does this mean?

If this appears to be an authorized charge, your financial institution authorized the charge, but our anti-fraud protection rejected the attempted charge to protect your security and information. While you may see a hold on your account, no funds have been withdrawn or will be withdrawn from your account. The hold should lift in 1-3 business days. If this was an intended donation or you have additional questions, Please contact Red Cross Donor Services by completing our online inquiry form or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

How can a donor verify that their donation has been processed?

Gifts made by phone via credit card can be verified through your credit card company. Gifts made via check can be verified by your bank. Gifts made online can be verified by logging into your Red Cross account and reviewing Transaction History. Additionally, you can confirm that the Red Cross has received your donation by contacting Donor Services at 1-800-RED CROSS or by completing our online inquiry form.

My credit card was declined several times when I attempted to make a donation on the American Red Cross website, what should I do?

We are sorry to hear that you had difficulty making a donation. Donations are sometimes declined due to the following reasons: Your personal information did not match with the credit/debit card entered You are currently outside of the US and/or using an international credit card You are within a corporate or government firewall Our fraud protections blocked your transaction. Because we value donor privacy, we have strict protections in place to prevent fraudulent charges. If you have attempted to donate online and received a ‘donation declined’ message, please check with your bank to see if the transaction actually went through. We appreciate your gift to the American Red Cross and would like to share with you alternate ways to give a gift: Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Mail your donation to your local Red Cross or to the American Red Cross at: P.O. Box 4002018 Des Moines, IA 50340-2018 You may receive support by completing our online inquiry form. For a faster response, please have the details of your transaction ready when you contact us. If you are located outside the U.S., please contact your National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society to determine the best way you can provide support.

I live outside the U.S. Is this why I'm having trouble making a donation?

Donors from outside the U.S. can make a gift as long as their credit card is supported by a U.S. based card company. Our online donation system is designed to protect donor security and privacy, and prevent fraudulent use. If your credit card is not U.S. based, you can still mail in your gift by check using our mail in form.

I would like to contribute to relief efforts for the recent disaster. How do I designate my gift for a specific disaster?

We understand that many donors are motivated to give during a specific disaster. If you would like to support a specific disaster please write the name of that event on the memo line of your check . Designated donations for a specific disaster will be used for that event; however in the rare case where donations surpass the Red Cross expense for that disaster, the remaining contributions will be put to use serving the recovery needs of the affected communities.

I don't see the specific program or event that I wanted to donate to. What do I do?

Due to space limitations, we only offer select giving options online which enable us to meet the needs of the people we serve in your community and around the world. By supporting these programs, you give the Red Cross the resources and flexibility essential to respond to disasters and other emergencies immediately, when assistance is needed the most. For additional assistance in donating to an option not listed, please contact Donor Services at 1-800-RED CROSS or visit our website at www.redcross.org/contact-us/financial-donation-inquiry/ for assistance.

Can I dedicate my donation to someone or make a donation on behalf of a person?

Yes. You can make your donation a "tribute" to someone—in their honor, or in memory of a lost loved one. This information is entered in the Honor/Memorial section of the donation form on www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross will mail a Tribute card to your recipient announcing that an Honor or Memorial donation was made by you. You will also receive a card acknowledging your gift.

How long will it take for my Tribute Card to be delivered to the recipient?

For your convenience, the American Red Cross offers two options for sending your tribute cards. You will have the opportunity to select the best option during your checkout process. E-cards are sent same day or the date of your choice. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery of printed tribute cards.

How can an individual make a donation in memory or in honor of someone?

When making a donation via www.redcross.org, you can select “Make a Tribute Gift” to make a donation in memory or in honor of someone. From here you can choose to send a printed card or an e-card. A printed card will take 5-7 business days to arrive and an e-card is sent automatically. When making a donation over the phone, please inform the representative that you would like to make your gift in honor/memory of an individual. For donations made by mail, please enclose a document with the name of the recipient. After the initial donation is made, Donor Services can not mail a printed card, but an e-card link will be emailed to you.

I would like to make a gift through my will or estate plan. What is the appropriate language to include?

A bequest by will or revocable Trust can be tailored to complement your personal and financial goals and also support the Red Cross. If you include the Red Cross in a bequest provision, please notify us so that we ensure your wishes can be fulfilled. Your notification will be treated confidentially. Unrestricted Gift: A gift that can be used where the need is greatest “I give, devise, and bequeath to the American National Red Cross, Washington, DC and / or the American Red Cross _____ (Specific Chapter Name) in, _________(City, State), _______(Dollars)* to be used for its general purposes.” * Rather than leaving a sum certain, you can include language that refers to a percentage of your estate or a description of the property you wish to give.

Does the American Red Cross collect money for international disasters?

Yes, Just as the American Red Cross helps people in the U.S. prepare for, respond to and recover from disaster, we also relieve suffering globally. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, an intricate support system made up of 187 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross. When a national society requests assistance, its partner societies coordinate a unified response to avoid duplication, fill gaps and enhance service delivery. In instances where American Red Cross assistance has not been requested, we will not accept designated gifts for the disaster.

Will international donors receive tax credit for a donation to the American Red Cross?

The American Red Cross cannot offer tax advice. If you are an international donor, please contact your tax advisor since the answer is dependent upon the country and personal situation in each case.

My company emailed me stating that the American Red Cross has not responded to a Matching Gift request. How do I have the American Red Cross follow up to receive the additional funds?

Please send your request to arcmatchinggifts@redcross.org. In the email, please provide your: Full Name Full Address Donation Amount Date of Donation Corporation participating in Work Place Giving Campaign. A Matching Gift representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Is my credit card information secure?

The American Red Cross takes every precaution to protect our donors' information. When donors submit sensitive information on redcross.org, their information is protected both online and offline. We use high grade encryption and the https security protocol to communicate with your browser software. This method is the industry standard security protocol, which makes it extremely difficult for anyone else to intercept the credit card information you send to us. The companies we work with to process credit card transactions also use high grade encryption and security protocols. The American Red Cross employs error checking procedures to make certain transactions are processed completely and accurately. As necessary, changes are made to improve our systems. Additionally, independent external and internal audits are conducted to ensure the privacy, security and appropriate processing of your information on our site. Committed to the protection & privacy for all of our users, it is the policy of American Red Cross to continually enhance our fraud protection systems and our other processes to fight identity theft. In addition to maintaining privacy and security controls over information you share with us, the American Red Cross works to accurately process your contribution information. During business hours (M-F, 9am - 5pm EST) our Donor Services staff is available to answer questions about your financial donation at -1-800-RED CROSS, or visit our website at www.redcross.org/contact-us.

Can I change where I want my donation to go?

Yes. Please contact American Red Cross Donor Services at 1-800-RED CROSS or complete our online inquiry form. Please have ready the date of your gift, the dollar amount, the fund it went to, and the fund you would like it to go to. If you need to leave a voicemail message, please be sure to leave your name and phone number, including your area code.

I would like to donate clothes, cars or other items to charity. Does the American Red Cross accept donated goods?

Unfortunately, due to logistical constraints the Red Cross does not accept or solicit individual donations or collections of items. Items such as collected food, used clothing and shoes must be sorted, cleaned, repackaged and transported which impedes the valuable resources of money, time, and personnel. The Red Cross does accept bulk quantities of product and services when these items meet our service delivery needs. These donations typically come from manufacturers, suppliers, and/or distributors that can package the items in bulk, palletize them and transport them directly to Red Cross sites. Financial contributions allow the Red Cross to purchase exactly what is needed for a disaster relief operation. Monetary donations also enable the Red Cross to purchase relief supplies close to the disaster site which avoids delays and transportation costs in getting basic necessities to disaster victims. Because the affected community has generally experienced significant economic loss, purchasing relief supplies in or close to the disaster site also helps to stimulate the weakened local economy.

I want to help raise money for a specific family who was affected by disaster. Can I make my gift through the Red Cross?

We applaud your desire to help a family at a difficult time, but unfortunately gifts for a specific family or person cannot be made through the Red Cross. We are committed to helping every family in need recover from emergencies by providing food, clothing, shelter and other essential services and supplies based on need. Special contributions for a specific family violate our principles of providing help equally to all who need it.

Why do you require my email address?

Your email address is required so we can send you a proper acknowledgement of your gift. Details of your donation are found in this email, which you can print or save for tax purposes. The American Red Cross will not sell, trade, or share personal information about our financial donors with anyone else, nor will we send mailings to our financial donors on behalf of other organizations, unless a donor has given us specific permission to do so.

Why do you require another identification number besides my credit card number?

The Card Security Code (CSC) is a 3- or 4-digit number printed on your credit card. It provides added security when you use your card on the Internet or over the phone. The number appears only on the card itself, not on receipts or statements.

Why do you require a minimum donation amount of $10?

Credit card thieves regularly use websites like ours to test the validity of stolen card numbers. The cards are commonly tested using small dollar amounts in an effort to avoid detection by both the cardholder and card processor. The Red Cross has established a $10 minimum credit card donation to deter fraudulent use of our website, which helps us protect the cardholder and prevents us from incurring financial penalties by the card issuer.

I made a donation online (or a memorial/in honor of donation) and now I have questions about it. Who can I call?

Donor Services Department 1-800-RED CROSS or www.redcross.org/contact-us/financial-donation-inquiry/.

I made a donation through a Red Cross street fundraiser and now I have questions. Who can I call?

Donor Services Department 1-800-RED CROSS or www.redcross.org/contact-us/financial-donation-inquiry/.

Is monthly giving helpful to the American Red Cross?

Yes. Your monthly giving to the Red Cross is a total lifeline to all aspects of our work. Thanks to the commitment of our monthly donors who we refer to as our Champions, a steady stream of funding is available for services like rapid response to disaster victims in need, and ongoing programs that help prevent disasters and prepare people to deal with them.

Can I make automatic credit card donations and/or a recurring monthly donation to the Red Cross?

Yes, Please select DONATE NOW in the upper left-hand corner of the page to set up automatic credit card donations. Once you select the cause you wish to support, you will be presented with the opportunity to make your gift monthly. You may also contact our Donor Services Department at 1-800-RED CROSS or complete our online inquiry form. Our Red Cross street fundraisers can also help you set up monthly donations.

How do I make changes to my monthly giving account such as, change my monthly amount or change my credit card number?

If you set up your monthly gift through redcross.org, you may make changes to your monthly giving donation by logging into your Red Cross account. All changes that you make are processed immediately. If you do not have an account, you may contact our Donor Services department by calling 1-800-RED CROSS and we will handle it for you. Donor Services may process your request the same month, or the following month, depending upon when we receive your call. If you set up your monthly gift through a Red Cross street fundraiser, please contact American Red Cross Donor Services at 1-800-RED CROSS or complete our online inquiry form.

Can I cancel a recurring donation?

If you currently have a Red Cross account and would like to cancel a recurring monthly donation, you can do so by logging into your account. If you do not have a Red Cross account, or need to cancel a single payment of a recurring donation, you can contact American Red Cross Donor Services at 1-800-RED CROSS or complete our online inquiry form. For quickest assistance, please have the details of your transaction ready when you contact us.

Tell me more about the year-end statement that I will receive as a Red Cross monthly donor. When does that come?

Our monthly donors receive a year end cumulative statement reflecting the prior year's total contributions. This statement is sent electronically in February. If you haven’t received your statement by the end of February, email or call us right away at 1-800-RED CROSS and we’ll help you get what you need. Please note that this statement will only contain donations made through the monthly program and other online donations made through www.redcross.org.

How can I fundraise on behalf of the Red Cross?

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Red Cross! Please visit redcross.org/branduse for information on ways to fundraise on behalf of the Red Cross or to request use of the Red Cross brand.

How can I fundraise online for the American Red Cross?

Thank you for your support of the American Red Cross. It’s easy! If you are passionate about our mission and want to fundraise to support those in need, start by setting-up your fundraising page, share it among your circle of friends and give them the opportunity to make an online donation to support your efforts on behalf of the Red Cross. Learn more about creating an online fundraiser or build your online Red Cross fundraising campaign now!

Why does the American Red Cross have a licensing program?

The American Red Cross has a licensing program to:
• Protect all marks, trademarks and verbiage that relates to the Red Cross and to ensure that the use of these marks reflect on the Red Cross in a favorable manner.
• Produce revenue to support and enhance the Red Cross Mission and programs.
• Ensure consistency of use among supporters and merchandise.

Does the Red Cross own trademarks and logos?

Yes. All rights to the identifying marks and symbols of the Red Cross are reserved. No one may use, reproduce or copy them without the written permission of the Red Cross.

What qualifies as a trademark, logo and/or symbol?

A trademark is any mark, logo, word, letter, symbol or combination of these that can be associated with the Red Cross.

Who needs a license to use the American Red Cross brand?

Any individual, organization or company wishing to use the name or identifying marks of the Red Cross must obtain a license. This includes requests to raise funds on behalf of the Red Cross and requests to use the brand on products and services.

What is a license?

An agreement between a trademark holder (licensor) and third party that grants permission to the third party to use certain trademarks subject to the terms outlined by the permission and scope granted by licensor. At the American Red Cross, the agreement must be in writing and contain certain preferred terms related to the opportunity.

Does a license agreement mean the Red Cross will endorse my products?

No. A license agreement does not indicate an endorsement from the Red Cross.

What if a license is not granted?

If a license is not granted, the requesting entity is not permitted to use any Red Cross trademarks.

How are requests submitted?

Anyone who wishes to submit a request to use the American Red Cross brand may complete the appropriate form at redcross.org/branduse..

My friends and co-workers have collected items to donate to American Red Cross. Where do we send them?

The Red Cross is unable to accept individual donations or collections: The American Red Cross understands that during times of disaster, donors are moved to help victims by the images they see and hear in the media. But the Red Cross does not accept or solicit individual donations or collections of items due to logistical constraints that are often associated with the acceptance of them. Items such as collections of food, used clothing and shoes must be sorted, cleaned, repackaged and transported which impedes the valuable resources of money, time, and personnel. The Red Cross, in partnership with other agencies, suggests that the best use for these types of donations is to support non-profit organizations within your community.

What kind of help does the Red Cross provide after a disaster?

The Red Cross responds to emergencies in order to meet the urgent needs of those affected by disaster. Our focus is to ensure those impacted are provided safe shelter, food, emotional support, health services, and critical relief items. Once emergent needs are met the Red Cross works one-on-one with clients to help them plan their recovery.

What kinds of emergency services are not provided by the Red Cross?

Services such as evacuation coordination, search and rescue, advanced medical care, pet sheltering and medical sheltering are best performed by government agencies or organizations that have the resources, trained workers and expertise to carry out those functions. We work closely with the groups involved in those services to ensure that we can meet the needs of people who come to us for help.

Will the Red Cross replace groceries or food lost because of a power outage?

No. Power outages are often widespread and sometimes affect hundreds of thousands of people. It would be nearly impossible—both logistically and financially—for the Red Cross to replace groceries for that many people. Instead, the Red Cross focuses on providing meals at emergency shelters or through mobile feeding routes in heavily impacted neighborhoods after a disaster. These services help to ensure that no one goes hungry after a disaster.

What should I bring to a Red Cross shelter?

We encourage people who plan to stay in a Red Cross shelter to bring the following items for each member of their family: prescription and emergency medication, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items. Additionally, special items for children and infants, such as diapers, formulas and toys, should be brought, along with other items for family members who may have other needs.

How can I request Red Cross assistance following a disaster?

Please contact your local chapter or 1-800-RED-CROSS for immediate assistance following a disaster. To find a shelter or register as Safe and Well, please click here.

How can I find out if a Red Cross shelter is open near my home?

From a computer, visit the GET ASSISTANCE section of www.redcross.org and click on “Find An Open Shelter.” Red Cross shelters that are currently open will be indicated with a flag on the map and in a list on the right side of your screen. By clicking on either the flag or the name of the shelter a new box will appear on the map with the address of the shelter. You can also use the search box to find shelters close to a specific address or within a certain zip code.

Can the Red Cross help me reconnect with my family after a disaster?

During an emergency, letting your family know that you are safe can bring your loved ones great peace of mind. That’s why the Red Cross has developed an easy-to-use online tool to help families and individuals notify loved ones that they are safe during an emergency. Redcross.org features a secure section called Safe and Well, where people in a disaster-affected area can register their well-being and where loved ones can access that information. The site also allows disaster victims to update their status on Facebook and Twitter during the registration process. With just one quick registration, you can provide peace of mind to all of your loved ones at once.

How does Safe and Well work?

When you visit the Safe and Well site and choose “List Myself as Safe and Well,” you will then be asked for your name, pre-disaster address and phone number. You can select from a menu of pre-scripted messages or create your own personalized message that will be viewed by your loved ones. Examples of messages include: “I am safe and well,” “Currently at shelter” and “Will make phone calls when able.” If you don’t have internet access, you can register with Safe and Well by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or have a loved one register you on the site. If you are concerned about a loved one, visit the “Search” page, enter the person’s name and pre-disaster phone number or complete address. If your loved one has registered, you will be able to view the messages that they posted. It’s that simple.

I don’t have access to a computer, but my cell phone has Internet access. Can I still use Safe and Well?

Yes. The Red Cross has created a mobile version of the Safe and Well website that can be easily accessed from smart phones. It’s as easy as going to www.redcross.org/safeandwell from your cell phone browser. From the mobile site, you can either register yourself as “safe and well” or search for a loved one.

Hurricane Harvey Immediate Assistance Program

Where can I find evidence of American Red Cross Corporate Insurance?

The insurance broker for the American Red Cross, Marsh USA, has created a link to a Memorandum of Insurance that provides information about insurance policies carried by the American Red Cross.

What is International Humanitarian Law?

Even in times of war, there are restrictions on whom you can fight and how you can fight them. International humanitarian law (IHL) is a set of universal rules which place basic limits on how war is waged. They protect people who are not fighting, like civilians, and people who can no longer fight, like sick and wounded soldiers or those that surrender.
On 12 August, 1949, the four Geneva Conventions in their current form came into being. Now adopted by the United States and every other nation, they are the cornerstone of international humanitarian law, also known as the law of war or the law of armed conflict.

When does IHL apply?

International humanitarian law governs warfare between nations and also applies during non-international armed conflicts, like civil wars. It does not apply to sporadic acts of violence such as riots. The law only applies when a conflict has begun, and then equally to all sides regardless of who started the fighting.

Who does IHL protect?

IHL protects people who are not directly participating in hostilities. This includes women, children, refugees, journalists, Red Cross and other humanitarian aid workers, wounded, shipwrecked, or sick members of the armed forces, prisoners of war, medics, and religious personnel.

What are the basic rules of IHL?

Some of the specific protections provided under IHL include:
• Enemies who surrender or unable to fight cannot be killed or wounded.
• The wounded and sick must be cared for, even if they are from the opposing side.
• All medical personnel and hospitals must be protected.
• Prisoners of war and those detained in relation to a conflict must be respected and protected. They also have the right to communicate with their families and to receive food, shelter and medical care.
• No one can be subjected to torture.
• Civilians and civilian property cannot be the targets of attacks.
• Those protected by the law are entitled to fundamental judicial guarantees.

Are humanitarian law and human rights law different?

International humanitarian law and human rights law and human rights law are complentary. Both aim to protect the life, health and dignity of individuals.
IHL contains rules that govern the conduct of war and provide protections for the vulnerable, such as civilians and wounded soldiers. These laws only apply in times of war and all parties to a conflict must follow them.
Human rights law applies in peacetime but does not contain any restrictions on how wars can be fought. These laws apply during both war and peace. Moreover, unlike IHL, some human rights can be suspended in times of national emergency.

Is it a violation of IHL if civilians are killed during war?

A major objective of IHL is to protect civilians. Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, civilians are to be protected from murder and permitted to lead normal lives, if security allows. The principle of distinction strictly prohibits the deliberate targeting of civilians or their property.
However, if an attack is on a military target and in line with the military objective, the fact that civilians could also be killed does not necessarily make it unlawful.

How does IHL protect women?

While women have the same general legal protections as men, the Geneva Conventions also recognize that women should benefit from additional protections based on gender differences. As a result, rape, enforced prostitution or any form of indecent assault are strictly prohibited. To learn more about women and armed conflict, see the ICRC study "Women Facing War"..

How does IHL protect children?

The protection of children in wartime is another important part of IHL. In addition to general protections for civilians, children must also be protected against any form of abuse if they fall into the hands of the enemy. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols of 1977 lay down a series of special protections that recognize the particular volnerability of children and their needs in armed conflicts.
IHL also prohibits children from taking part in hostilities. It requires that children under 15 not be recruited into the armed forces, and that "all feasible measures" be taken to ensure that they do not take a direct part in the fighting. The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child prohibits the recruitment of children under the age of 18, although children ages 15 to 18 can still join voluntarily.

How is IHL enforced?

Unfortunately, international humanitarian law is not always observed. Sometimes, violations result from a lack of discipline amongst troops. Other times, one side may believe that humanitarian law does not apply to their own actions because the other side is not following the same rules. Yet, humanitarian law is binding in all situations.
All nations are legally obligated to uphold IHL in the midst of war and are required to enact domestic laws to enforce legal sanctions against violators. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is an example of this legislation in the United States.
Legal action against alleged perpetrators of violations of IHL can also take place before an international tribunal, as was the case after World War II and follwing the conflicts in Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. The International Criminal Court can also exercise jurisdiction over war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity in situations where national systems are either unable or unwilling to prosecute alleged perpetrators.

Why is the Red Cross teaching Americans about IHL?

As a “federally chartered insturmentality of the United States”, the American Red Cross is charged with carrying out the purposes of the Geneva Conventions. The Red Cross is obligated on behalf of the people and the government of the United States to help Americans know and respect these laws and the humanitarian principles they reflect.
In the United States, international humanitarian law education is a responsibility shared by the Department of Defense which focuses on service members, and the American Red Cross which focuses on the general public. At hundreds of Red Cross chapters throughout the country, staff and volunteers help adults and youth understand international humanitarian law and its relevance to daily life.

What is my role?

If the rules are going to be obeyed during armed conflict, they must be understood before armed conflict breaks out. With armed conflicts ongoing around the globe and significant American millitary operations overseas, the need for understanding of these rules is as critical as ever.
By understanding the difference IHL makes to millions of people around the world and close to home, you can contribute to the reduction of suffering. By sharing this information with others, you can help build greater awareness of IHL and the need for humanity in the midst of war. Exposing Americans to humanitarian issues also inspires students, parents and educators to make positive choices and contributions in their lives, communities and beyond.
You can make a difference. Ask your local Red Cross chapter how you can get involved or email us at EHL@redcross.org.

How can I learn more about IHL?

The American Red Cross provides opportunities to learn more through its international humanitarian law program that offers an introductory level course that raises awareness about the Geneva Conventions, the basic rules of international humanitarian law, and the role of the Red Cross during armed conflict. Through a hands-on approach utilizing group activities, class discussion and compelling multimedia, this course invites participants to reflect on their images and perceptions of armed conflict and explore the powerful and fundamental concept of human dignity even in the midst of war. The American Red Cross also offers the Exploring Humanitarian Law educational toolkit for students and educators. To find out if a chapter near you is offering the half-day course or other opportunities, please contact your local chapter or email us at at EHL@redcross.org.

What is Exploring Humanitarian Law?

Youth need to learn about international humanitarian law, as future leaders and policymakers. Learning the rules that govern warfare is essential to understanding the complexities of foreign affairs. The Red Cross Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL) helps middle and high school teachers introduce global humanitarian principles in their classrooms. It offers a customizable set of resources that help students understand the rules governing war and their impact on human life and dignity. Furthermore, it challenges students to investigate real situations and discuss some of the most important humanitarian questions facing us today. Learn more, and download the free toolkit, at www.redcross.org/ehl..

How, when and why does the American Red Cross respond to international disasters?

As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, the American Red Cross maintains a corps of trained disaster responders and strategically positions relief supplies worldwide to deliver immediate support. Our help is triggered by a request from the local Red Cross or Red Crescent team in the country affected and can take the form of relief supplies, cash, telecommunications, mapping, disaster management, and other contributions. See more information here.

Does the American Red Cross accept donated household items for natural disasters that occur overseas?

The Red Cross is also unable to accept collections of items such as clothing, food or cleaning supplies. The cost to sort, package and distribute these types of items is almost always greater than the cost of purchasing the items locally, and it is logistically impossible to distribute the items as the sender intended. In rare cases, the Red Cross can only accept bulk quantities of product and services from manufacturers, suppliers, and/or distributors as in-kind donations. In-kind product must be non-expired, palletized and transported at the donor's expense. See this page for more information.

How do I volunteer for the American Red Cross overseas?

Most Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in other countries have their own employees and volunteers who are trained and prepared to respond to disasters. If support is requested by a sister society, the American Red Cross can tap into our cadre of disaster specialists, who are specially trained to manage and contribute to international emergency response. For more information, click here.

How can the American Red Cross help reach a loved one living overseas during war, conflict or following a natural disaster?

The American Red Cross helps to reconnect thousands of refugees, immigrants and other individuals with their families each year by partnering with our sister Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world to locate missing loved ones separated by war, conflict or disaster. Visit your local American Red Cross chapter or call our free national helpline at 844-782-9441 for more information about our international family tracing services.
If you are concerned about a U.S. citizen living or traveling in another country, call the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 for assistance.

How is the American Red Cross connected to other Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world?

Throughout the world, all Red Cross and Red Crescent activities have one central purpose: to help those who suffer without discrimination. The American Red Cross works closely with our sister societies—who share and promote the same humanitarian values—to improve basic living conditions of those in chronically deprived and marginalized areas of the world. Depending on the needs within their respective countries, the local Red Cross society may provide slightly different services day-to-day, but in a crisis we are able to leverage our unparalleled access, community presence, local knowledge and trust to assist in a coordinated and consistent way.

What is the difference between the red cross, red crescent and red crystal symbols?

The emblems are universally recognized symbols of assistance for the victims of war and disaster. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols spell out how the red cross, red crescent and red crystal are used to protect people, vehicles and structures during war as well as identify routine humanitarian services within a country. International humanitarian law also specifies the use, size, purpose and placing of the emblems as well as the penalties for misuse. While these emblems are not intended to convey a religious or political affiliation, certain countries opt to use one over the other for cultural appropriateness. The red crystal is an optional emblem, equal in status to the red cross and red crescent, but used only in environments where another emblem could be perceived as not being neutral. In addition, though not included in the Geneva Conventions, the red shield of David identifies the Magen David Adom, the national humanitarian society in Israel.

The Internship Program is for undergraduate and graduate students engaged in an educational program when submitting the application. The goal of this program is to attract a pool of diverse, skilled, enthusiastic young professionals and provide them with an opportunity to build a long-term relationship with the American Red Cross family.

The American Red Cross offers internships year round. The current list of open internship positions can be found on our Careers Site (paid) or on our Volunteer page (unpaid). Although some of the positions do not have the word intern" listed in their descriptions, most positions will provide excellent experiences. If you have any further questions on non-paid internships, please contact us at VolunteerResources@redcross.org.

The Internship Program offers a range of paid and unpaid positions.

No. The prospective candidates are responsible for securing accommodation for the duration of their internship program.

Since applicants come from all over the country, most interviews are completed via telephone during the application process. Under certain circumstances where an intern resides in the proximity of the internship site, an in-person interview may be scheduled.

Each intern will have a variety of projects and responsibilities determined by the department for which the intern works. However, all interns are responsible for demonstrating a strong work ethic as well as keeping their supervisor informed of their personal work progress.

The official dress code for interns is business casual. You are held responsible for your own attire and you must aspire to dress in a manner that reflects maturity and professionalism and promotes the Red Cross image.

Throughout the program, the interns will benefit from a substantive professional experience as well as exposure to critical issues in nonprofit management and the nonprofit sector. We disseminate information about available career opportunities in the American Red Cross. In addition, there are a series of networking and personal development opportunities, which include meeting with Red Cross senior leadership. We present significant projects to interns that require students to apply their previous knowledge and skills in an actual work setting. By taking part in this experience, students greatly enhance their chances for securing employment at an organization or corporation after graduation.

For more information on the Internship Program, please send an email to Internships@redcross.org.

Invoice Central is our application designed to simplify the process of receiving and paying your American Red Cross invoices. With Invoice Central we have provided a way for your organization to view your invoices and monthly statements as well as approve, print and export your invoice information- all via the Internet. With our application, you will also be able to process payments electronically using ACH transactions.

Invoices and statements will be available within 24-48 hours of being produced without waiting for conventional mail. You can download data from the invoices to your own computer in various formats (HTML, PDF, Comma/Tab Delimited). Payments can be made and tracked online, without writing and mailing checks. Quick Pay discounts will be easier to obtain due to the faster turnaround time. Electronic messaging is easier on the environment than producing paper and engaging resources to process mail.

Nothing. We do not charge a fee. All you need is:
• An Email Address
• An Internet Browser
• A High Speed Internet Connection
• Adobe Acrobat Reader – download for free at adobe.com

Yes, your confidential information is highly secure. Invoice Central uses the most secure encryption available and requires Internet browsers that use 128-bit encryption.

The system will provide a Forgot Your Password? link on the login screen. When you first signed into the system, you set up a security question, this will be used to authenticate you as a user and allow you to reset your password.

When you start using Invoice Central, you will no longer get a hard copy invoice in the mail. You can, however, print as many copies as you like from the website, or download a copy to your computer.

Yes, you will be able to add or remove users as you see fit to meet your processing needs.

Yes, you will be able to add to or remove users from the email administration as you see fit. You can also determine what notices each user would like to receive.

The online payment method is an ACH debit. You are required to store your bank account information online in order to process payments. We do NOT accept Credit Card payments online at this time.

Invoice Central includes an Export function that enables you to download invoice and payment information in standard formats for input in your A/P application. Simply choose Export from the main navigation bar. Optionally, you can work with us to integrate invoice data directly into your back office system. This takes some work on our part and yours, but it enables you to minimize human interaction and free your staff to work on exceptions, analysis and other tasks. If you are interested in this type of integration, email us at InvoiceCentral@redcross.org for further information.

Approximately 5-10 days depending on the day of order and the system processing calendar.

Once the transactions have been processed, it is 24-48 hours for the email notification to be sent to the your email address.

The difference is the entire mail delivery time since the invoices are available on Invoice Central no later than when the hardcopy invoice is received at the originating post office.
Based upon US Postal Services quotes, the estimated time for mail being sent from Charlotte NC to reach various locations is:
• Los Angeles, CA - 3 - 4 days
• Dallas, TX - 3 - 4 days
• San Juan, PR - 4 - 5 days
• Chicago, IL - 3 days
• Philadelphia, PA - 2 days

Every invoice will have a message at the bottom that states: “Questions regarding your order call:” this is the phone number and/or email address you will use for questions regarding orders.

Within the IC application, there is online help available on the main menu bar – InfoCentral. You can also contact us via phone at 1-888-316-4695 or email at InvoiceCentral@redcross.org.

Contact InvoiceCentral@redcross.org and notify them of the necessary changes. Include the new administrator’s name, email address, phone number and department name.

The word "Ombudsman" (pronounced "ahm – buhds-man") comes from a Swedish term meaning "a person who has an ear to the people." It is used world-wide to designate independent, impartial and confidential offices that receive inquiries from designated groups of people and work to achieve fair and equitable resolutions.
An Organizational Ombudsman provides confidential, off-the-record and impartial guidance to assist in resolving concerns or problems relating to an organization's mission, programs, or workplace. As an independent and neutral resource, the Ombudsman works with people inside and outside of the organization to promote fairness and resolve problems effectively. An ombudsman also keeps track of the kinds of issues that are raised to report that data back to the organization to support systemic improvements.
An Organizational Ombudsman does not conduct formal investigations or accept complaints for the organization. Rather, the Ombudsman encourages people to voice concerns before they turn into crises or degrade the organization's operations and reputation. Informal conflict management approaches are used to assist in the resolution of concerns.

Our services are available to the entire American Red Cross community, including employees, volunteers, donors, service recipients, suppliers, partners and the general public.

You may contact the Ombudsman Office regarding any concern related to the ability of the American Red Cross to accomplish its mission or programs. These concerns may be individual or systemic and involve: the delivery of business line services (Service to the Armed Forces; Biomedical/Blood Services; Disaster Services; Health and Safety Services; International Services; Chapter Services) or workplace environment and treatment.

The Ombudsman Office will:
• Remain impartial to all parties
• Keep information confidential
• Protect the identities of people who contact the office
• Listen to concerns
• Assist the inquirer to analyze and understand the issues
• Help identify and evaluate resolution options
• Make referrals to the other Red Cross resources when appropriate
• Identify trends and opportunities to improve the Red Cross
The Ombudsman Office will not:
• Take sides
• Conduct formal investigations
• Determine policy
• Be a substitute for formal channels
• Accept notice or claims on behalf of the Red Cross
• Make management decisions
• Participate in formal proceedings
• Provide legal advice or determine rights
• Testify or serve as a witness on matters brought to us

The Ombudsman Office maintains the confidentiality of the information it receives and the identities of the people who contact the office. We will not identify you or disclose identifying issues and concerns shared with us to anyone unless we request and receive permission during the course of our informal discussions. An exception to confidentiality occurs when we believe that disclosure is necessary to address an imminent risk of serious harm.
Without breaching confidentiality, the Ombudsman Office will use the information shared to help improve the American Red Cross. By tracking and reporting general trends we observe, we can help build a stronger American Red Cross. And we will do so as a completely neutral, confidential, informal and independent resource.
The Ombudsman Office does not retain any permanent information that would potentially identify the individuals involved in a matter.

The Ombudsman considers the interests of all parties in a dispute, with the aim of assuring a fair process to resolve the issue. The Ombudsman does not arbitrate or adjudicate and has no decision-making power.

Those who need services can contact the Ombudsman Office to schedule an appointment at (202) 303-5399 or 1-866-667-9337 (toll-free). You can also reach us by fax at (202) 639-9825 or by e-mail at ombudsman@redcross.org. Please remember that given the nature of electronic communications we cannot ensure the absolute confidentiality of e-mail communications.

Ready When the Time Comes (RWTC) is a corporate volunteer program that was founded and sponsored by W.W. Grainger Inc. The purpose is to prepare corporate employee volunteer teams who can be quickly deployed for short duration disaster events within the local area.

Each year, the American Red Cross responds to an average of 70,000 disasters – hurricanes, fires, storms, floods, tornados, explosions, etc. – serving those affected with shelter, mass care and financial assistance. Some of these events may stretch local resources. RWTC provides local Red Cross units with additional resources that can be quickly deployed for a variety of support roles during a disaster. The program also fulfills local corporate partner’s desire to support their local communities with their corporate resources.

Unfortunately, RWTC is not available in every chapter in the U.S. As of 2011, it is available in 52 Red Cross chapters. The program was first developed in 2000 as a partnership between the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago and W.W. Grainger, Inc. With the support of W.W. Grainger, Inc. as the National Founding Sponsor, RWTC rolled out as a national pilot program limited to a number of chapters. The goal of the three-year pilot program was to have 16 chapters working in partnership with 100+ corporate partners with several thousand trained RWTC volunteers in place and to have created a model that can be efficiently replicated nationwide. With the success of the demonstration project the RWTC program has grown and is now available in several American Red Cross chapters across the country. Please check with your local Red Cross for more information on program locations.
Please contact Marcela Espinoza, National RWTC Program Manager at marcela.espinoza@redcross.org or (917) 416-9004.

RWTC is a "top down" program, where the management of a company signs on before employees are recruited. The recruitment of volunteers for RWTC is usually conducted by the partner company itself. (Some companies send e-mails or post information about the program on an Intranet site. Others place it in the company newsletter). Companies partner with their local Red Cross chapter, recruiting employees as volunteers who then are trained by the chapter as disaster-response volunteers. Partner companies commit to making these employees available for service at least one day per year. When a local, large-scale disaster occurs, the Red Cross contacts their RWTC company liaisons, who then call their RWTC employee volunteers into action. The chapter then assumes responsibility for their deployment and management.

RWTC volunteers may be trained in such specialty areas of service as:
• Sheltering
• Mass Care and Feeding
• Damage Assessment
• Bulk Distribution
• Casework
• Medical or Mental Health (licensed professionals only
• Community Response Center
• Intake and Management of Spontaneous Volunteers
• Media and Public Relations
• Partner Liaison
• Other services, as needed by the local Red Cross Chapter

Partner companies benefit in a number of ways, including:
• Supporting employees in their desire to help, particularly in times of great local need, which in turn raises employee morale, increases loyalty and helps companies retain valuable employees;
• Visibility – companies are seen to be a supportive community partner, which leads to good public opinion toward the company as being socially responsible;
• RWTC associates the name of the company and brand with one of the most trusted and charitable organizations in the world, the American Red Cross;
• RWTC companies are acknowledged in the local chapter's communication materials – including website and newsletters.

Generally, partner companies are asked to:
• Sign a non-binding statement of understanding, the content of which is jointly developed with the chapter, which helps establish the partnership;
• Identify primary and secondary coordinators for the RWTC Program who can be available 24/7 as contacts for the chapter and, in turn, to activate their volunteer teams;
• Take the lead in recruiting their employees as volunteers to fill specific needs identified by the chapter;
• Provide logistical support and space for training of their RWTC volunteers by the Red Cross;
• Allow their volunteers to respond to a deployment request during normal work hours if required;
• Allow their volunteers to participate in at least one mock disaster drill each year.

There is no requirement to make a financial contribution to be an RWTC partner company. RWTC is first and foremost an opportunity for employee volunteers to support Red Cross disaster response. We hope that as our relationship grows that partner companies will look for additional opportunities to support our work – through involvement by employees in non-disaster volunteer opportunities, financial and in-kind contributions, or participation on our board of directors or committees.

RWTC volunteers gain vital training enabling them to assist in a large-scale disaster. Participating in the RWTC Program increases confidence, as well as involving employees in meaningful and rewarding volunteer work. Volunteers have the opportunity to make a real difference in their community, meet new friends, and learn new skills.

All RWTC volunteers are required to:
• Participate in Red Cross provided training in one or more specialty areas of service; may receive additional on-site training to take on additional roles
• Be prepared to deploy within 24 hours when requested
• Participate in at least one annual disaster drill
All Red Cross volunteers are required to participate in an online national criminal background check, either when they volunteer or at the time of deployment.
They may be asked to:
• Stand ready for on-site training to take on additional roles;
• Consider participating in non-disaster volunteer opportunities in the chapter.

RWTC volunteers will be managed by employees or trained disaster volunteers of the Red Cross.

If the partner company agrees, not only active employees but also members of their families and retirees and their family members are welcome to participate in RWTC.

Yes. Our commercial general liability insurance covers volunteers for personal liability that they may incur while acting as agents of the Red Cross. A volunteer is considered to be an agent of the Red Cross when he or she is acting under the direct control and supervision of the Red Cross and within the scope of his or her Red Cross duties. We normally do not indemnify another party in these situations. Also, workers’ compensation does not extend to volunteers in most situations. Full details of insurance coverage are available upon request.

Although Ready When the Time Comes was originally, and still is, designed to provide chapters with local RWTC corporate employee volunteer teams, some corporations and other Non Government Organization partners have occasionally expressed a positive interest in deploying their employees on large, national disaster operations.
RWTC corporate volunteer employee team are encouraged to deploy beyond their unit, but we ask that they give us a work week; that is, travel on a weekend, work for five days and return on a weekend; although we’d welcome a longer commitment.
The partner and the deploying team will be fully briefed and understand the potential hardships they may encounter, including berthing in staff shelters, adverse weather and working conditions, physical and medical restrictions, as well as the need for just-in-time training at the operation. We will try to deploy teams closest to the Disaster Relief Operation first and then expand opportunities from there. The decision to deploy RWTC teams beyond the unit is ultimately based on the needs of the relief operation. We want to ensure that our partner teams have the best possible experience; and that their talents and experience are fully utilized on the operation.
Possible deployment to any disaster operation is initiated and coordinated through the affiliated chapter.
If you have a corporate team that has expressed an interest in sending a RWTC team out to one of our ongoing relief operations, contact Marcela Espinoza at marcela.espinoza@redcross.org or by phone at (917) 416-9004 and we will work with you and our DSHR staffing to see if we can make this happen.

The American Red Cross provides tracing and messaging services. Traces can be initiated in cases where the location of a loved one is unknown. The American Red Cross caseworker will gather the available information and then American Red Cross will work with its international Red Cross and Red Crescent partners to try to locate the sought person. The American Red Cross also provides Red Cross Messaging services. Red Cross messages can be used to facilitate communication internationally in instances where the sought person’s location is known, but regular means of communication are unavailable.

Family is defined broadly by the American Red Cross to account for cultural and personal differences in the way family is defined. Generally, the Red Cross will search for any loved one as long as communication had been established at one point and was then severed by a humanitarian emergency.

The American Red Cross has no role in bringing persons from other countries to the United States or securing or verifying visas. The Unites States government processes all requests for travel to the United States. The process usually begins at the overseas United States Embassy in the country where the person wishing to travel to the United States lives.

The American Red Cross helps to reconnect families separated internationally by war, disaster, migration and other humanitarian emergencies. Requests can be accepted from family members who were in contact before the emergency situation separated them. A sufficient amount of information on the missing family member is needed to initiate a search. Service may not be available in all countries or all areas of specific countries due to security restrictions or accessibility barriers. If you would like to initiate an international search for a family member, please contact your local American Red Cross office.

When countries become signatories to the Geneva Conventions, their governments agree to apply certain protections to non-combatants (POWs, civilians, etc.) during armed conflict. They also agree to help people locate family members separated by armed conflict. Each country is required to establish a single Red Cross or Red Crescent that works with other members in this global network to trace missing relatives, among other responsibilities. Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, started tracing during the American Civil War when she carried messages between wounded soldiers and their families. More than a century later, the American Red Cross continues to provide information, comfort and relief to families separated by wars, disasters and other humanitarian emergencies.

No. American Red Cross tracing services are free.

If you live outside the United States, you should contact the Red Cross or Red Crescent in your own country. You can view a list of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies on the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies website at www.ifrc.org. Criteria for accepting cases varies from country to country, and your local Red Cross or Red Crescent will be able to direct you to appropriate resources within your country.

Yes, the American Red Cross assists families seeking:
• The fates of loved ones missing since the Holocaust
• Documentation of: forced labor, forced evacuation from former Soviet territories, internment in concentration camps, or deportation required for reparations.
The American Red Cross utilizes World War II archives as well as information available through Red Cross societies globally to obtain information on the fate of persons missing during World War II and the Holocaust.

Yes. However, while there are other organizations devoted to Holocaust research, documentation, and remembrance, the Red Cross is unique in its mission to use archives located throughout the world to trace missing loved ones. In fact, many well-known organizations such as the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum refer people to the Red Cross regularly.

No. The Red Cross serves anyone who wishes to obtain documentation or learn the fates of family members they were separated from during the Holocaust or World War II. The criteria for accepting a case is that the separation occurred in Europe between 1933 and 1957 as a result of Nazi actions.
It is well known that the Nazis and their collaborators imprisoned or killed more than 11 million people including 6 million Jews who were especially targeted for extermination. Polish Catholics, clergy, gypsies, Jehovah's Witnesses, Ukrainians, Russian soldiers, homosexuals, and the disabled were also targets for forced labor, medical experiments, and murder.

The American Red Cross cannot transmit medications, money, or other articles to individuals in other countries. Businesses such as money transfer companies, shipping companies, or pharmaceutical companies regularly provide these services.

The American Red Cross Restoring Family Links program can help to search for the documentation required by many of the restitution funds, including documentation of forced labor or internment in a concentration camp. There are numerous restitution funds available from many different sources. For information on the requirements of particular funds, we recommend that you first consult the Guide to Compensation and Restitution for Holocaust Survivors, published by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference), which can be accessed at www.claimscon.org.

During disasters, if you see or hear about any instances of people misusing the Red Cross name or logo to collect funds on behalf of Hurricane Sandy victims, or any other types of disaster-related fraud, please call the National Center for Disaster Fraud (a program under the U.S. Department of Justice), toll-free, at (866) 720-5721, or email the NCDF at disaster@leo.gov. All calls and emails will be treated as confidential.
In non-disaster situations, if you believe that someone is posing as a Red Cross employee and fraudulently soliciting, collecting, or receiving money or material, please report it to us.

The American Red Cross is committed to integrating diversity into all our business strategies and decisions. As part of this commitment, we are dedicated to increasing diversity among those with whom we do business. This means doing business with diverse suppliers.
The Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) of the Red Cross is designed to strengthen our organization and our communities by proactively seeking woman, disabled, and minority business enterprises (WMBEs) who represent the communities we serve.

Our supplier diversity process provides WMBEs an opportunity to compete and participate in Red Cross procurement activities. While developing and promoting mutually beneficial relationships between our organization & suppliers, we are able to fulfill Red Cross operational requirements / needs at best quality & value.
An “Enterprise” is any business which fulfills the definition of Minority-Owned Business, Woman-Owned Business, Disabled Veteran-Owned Business, and Disabled-Owned Business. Enterprises must be certified by an acceptable agency, including without limitation, the Small Business Administration, the NMSDC Affiliated Council, or the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (“Agency”), etc.
Definitions:
“Minority Group” — African Americans, Latino Americans, Native Americans (American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts, and native Hawaiians), Asian-Pacific Americans, and other minority groups as recognized by the United States Small Business Administration Office of Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development.
“Minority-Owned Business Enterprise” - A “for profit” enterprise, regardless of size, physically located in the United States or its trust territories, which is at least fifty-one (51%) percent owned, operated and controlled, by one or more member(s) of a Minority Group who maintain United States citizenship.
“Woman-Owned Business Enterprise” - A “for profit” enterprise, regardless of size, located in the United States or its trust territories, which is at least fifty-one (51%) percent owned, operated and controlled by a female of United States citizenship.
“Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise” - A “for profit” enterprise, regardless of size, located in the United States or its trust territories, which is at least fifty-one (51%) percent owned, operated, and controlled by a disabled veteran. The disabled veteran's ownership and control shall be real and continuing and not created solely to take advantage of special or set aside programs aimed at supplier diversity. The Association of Service Disabled Veterans, www.asdv.org provides certification for this category of business owners throughout the United States.
“Disabled-Owned Business Enterprise” - A “for profit” enterprise, regardless of size, located in the United States or its trust territories, which is at least fifty-one (51%) percent owned, operated and controlled, by an individual of United States citizenship with a permanent mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities and which has a significant negative impact upon the company's ability to successfully compete. The ownership and control shall be real and continuing and not created solely to take advantage of special or set aside programs aimed at supplier diversity. Due to the absence of a certifying agency for this category of business owners, the Disabled-Owned Business Enterprise must complete an affidavit and provide supporting documentation to be eligible for consideration towards diverse supplier participation.
1st Tier
Primary contractor/supplier engaged in direct business with the American Red Cross
2nd Tier
Sub contractor/supplier engaged in indirect business with the American Red Cross
Sourceable Spend
All sourceable dollars spent with suppliers by diverse and non-diverse status captured by commodity, ethnicity, and demographics both direct and indirect

Suppliers are encouraged to build relationships with local Red Cross units to find out if there are local upcoming contracting and procurement opportunities. Find your local Red Cross chapter now.

The following websites can be used to begin the certification process:

National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)

(212) 944-2430

http://www.nmsdcus.org

National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)

800-675-5066

http://www.nwboc.org

Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

(202) 872-5515 ext.12

http://www.wbenc.org

Small Business Administration (SBA)

1-800-U-ASK-SBA or 1-800-827-5722

http://www.sba.gov

United States Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce

1-800-696-7818

http://www.uspaacc.com

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

1-888-324-1551

http://www.mbda.gov

U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

(202) 842-1212

http://www.ushcc.com

Second Tier Relationships
The Red Cross encourages and strongly advocates in our Contracting and Request for Proposal language that where possible all non-diverse contracted suppliers actively support our supplier diversity process by participating in and promoting tier two relationships with WMBEs. See clause below taken from our contracting language as related to Diversity:
“Red Cross Policy: Contractor recognizes that it is the policy of the Red Cross to support WMBEs by providing such WMBEs with the maximum practical opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts for products and services. Contractor will endeavor to establish and conduct a program that will enable WMBEs to be considered fairly as subcontractors under this Contract.”

If you have questions regarding the Supplier Diversity Program email

sdiversity@redcross.org.

• Provided emergency communication between members of the armed forces and their families
• Recruited and certified 104,456 registered nurses to support military medical facilities
• Collected 13.4 million pints of blood for military patients
• Assembled and shipped nearly 28 million parcels which contained food and medicine for U.S. and Allied prisoners of war
• Provided war relief supplies for 75 million civilians overseas
• Carried on extensive relief and rehabilitation programs for civilian war victims
• Stockpiled plasma from the Red Cross Blood Donor Service for use by the US Armed Forces. Example: Red Cross blood was used at hospitals near the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. For the next four years, many lives were saved as a result of the new and innovative Red Cross blood donor services.
• Operated recreation clubs and clubmobiles in rest and recreation areas overseas and provided morale services for the troops they accompanied
• Attached Red Cross caseworkers and recreation staff to military hospitals, on hospital ships, and on hospital trains

The mission of Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces is to provide humanitarian support to service members, veterans and their families around the clock, around the globe, under a trusted symbol.
Service to the Armed Forces ensures that current members of the miltary and their families have worldwide, 24-hour access to timely and reliable emergency communications, case management services, and access to emergency financial assistance from the military aid socieities. The Red Cross also supports service members and their families at Veterans Affairs (VA) and military hospitals, in communities throughout the U.S., and on military installations around the world. The organization continues to enhance existing programs and establish new services to meet the needs of today’s service members, veterans and their families.

Military service is unique, frequently separating families for extended periods of time and often placing loved ones in harm’s way. Red Cross emergency communication services keep families in this unique situation connected when an emergency occurs back home. Our 24/7 communications system enables military families to apply to military aid societies for emergency financial assistance.
With the exception of these two unique services, the Red Cross provides similar services to both military and civilian populations, including disaster assistance and access to preparedness training and education.

Even at a time when families can stay connected through e-mail and cell phones, the Red Cross communications service is critical during times of emergency. Red Cross workers are able to quickly verify the circumstances of a family emergency and provide a verified and confidential report to a service member’s commanding officer. This helps military authorities make timely, informed decisions on when, and whether, to send someone home armed with the best information available. When days, hours and minutes matter, the Red Cross is able to help make a trusted connection.

The American Red Cross offers CEUs for a wide variety of preparedness and health and safety courses. Once training has been completed, continuing education units may be obtained online. Make sure to verify with the appropriate accrediting organization that CEUs received from taking Red Cross courses will be accepted.

If you took an American Red Cross course and you need a replacement certificate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and select the prompt for “Health and Safety Training for assistance. To help process your request, please have the following information available when you call: location, date, where you took the course instructor's name, and your name. Most Red Cross certifications, including First Aid/CPR/AED, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers and Lifeguarding, are valid for two years from the course completion date. If more than two years has passed, you will need to take another class to get recertified.

For most Red Cross courses, you can take a Review or Challenge course to renew your certification. A Review course consists of an overview of the material in the program, followed by a test. A Challenge course is a testing session only, and there is no review or teaching component. Find a Review or Challenge course near you.

Contact our Training Support Center at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and select the prompt for “Health and Safety Training to arrange first aid and/or CPR training for your employees. The Red Cross offers a variety of training programs for your workplace, including classroom, online and blended learning options. Training can take place at your location or at one of our regularly scheduled community classes.

If you’d like to learn more about becoming an instructor, or if you’re ready to get started, contact the Training Support Center at 1-800-RED CROSS (and select the prompt for “Health and Safety Training” or email support@redcrosstraining.org. Instructors who teach non-Red Cross programs may qualify for a quick bridging process. To find out, contact the Training Support Center.

You need to be at least 15 years old by the last day of the Red Cross Lifeguarding class you are taking.

Participants must be 11 years of age by the last day of the course you are taking to receive a certificate for American Red Cross Babysitter's Training. This age was selected as most states require children to be 11 before they can be left alone for short periods without adult supervision. However, local or state regulating agencies may have different age requirements to be able to babysit. Check with your local child welfare, child protective services, health department and or police. You may receive different answers, so ask for a written copy of the statutes and or regulations that pertain to your location.

You can text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which helps people affected by disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and tornadoes, at home and around the world. Mobile Giving Foundation, the agency working to collect and process donations on behalf of the Red Cross, charges a minimal fee per donation.

Mobile Giving Foundation, the agency working to collect and process donations on behalf of the Red Cross, charges a small fee per donation. Depending on your carrier agreement, message and data rates may apply. Your $10 donation will appear on your regular monthly phone bill.

To document your donation, after you send a text message you will receive a confirmation text that asks you to reply "YES" or your billing zip code if you intend to give a $10 donation to support the Red Cross. A thank you text will follow.

Go to http://www.mobilegiving.org/tax-receipt for a tax receipt for your text donation. If you run into issues please reach out to support@mobilegiving.org.

Only US wireless subscribers can donate this way.

The carriers and The Mobile Giving Foundation work to get the Red Cross these donations as quickly as possible. Under normal circumstances, the $10 donation amount is added to a donor's phone bill and it is sent to the Red Cross at the end of the billing and payment cycle, which can take 60-90 days.

After your donation and acknowledgement, you will then receive one more text asking you to reply with YES if you want to receive text updates from the Red Cross. You do not need to reply to this message if you do not wish to receive updates. If you DO want to receive text updates you will need to reply with YES.

In addition to the Red Cross, only Mobile Giving Foundation and Mobile Commons, working under an agreement with the Red Cross, have access to the donor information.

No. Only Mobile Giving Foundation and Mobile Commons, working under an agreement with the Red Cross, and the Red Cross, have access to your information (i.e., a cell phone number and donation amount). We will only send messages to supporters who have asked us to send follow up text messages by opting into this program. You can opt-out at any time.

People contacted via these text messages generously donated to support the Red Cross, and then opted in to receive future correspondence from the Red Cross, which will include updates, as well as information on how they could continue to support the Red Cross in a variety of ways.

The Red Cross can communicate with opt in donors up to 8 times per month via text. Red Cross communicates on average one time per month via text, but may communicate more or less based on current news and events.

You can opt-out from receiving additional text messages from the Red Cross by texting "Stop" to 90999. If you would like to follow our relief efforts you can connect with us on Twitter, follow us on Facebook or register at redcross.org to receive email messages.

When you text the word STOP, we are required to send you a follow-up message stating that you will not receive any more messages. If you send the word STOP again, you will get this confirmation message again.

Once you have confirmed your donation by replying with YES, neither the Red Cross nor Mobile Giving Foundation can cancel your donation. Please contact your wireless carrier for more information.

Go to http://www.mobilegiving.org/tax-receipt and enter your mobile number. If your donation did not go through (and you have not donated to any other campaigns), you will be told that no donations were found for that mobile number and you should try again. You will then be able to see confirmation of all donations you have made via the mobile number you entered. If you run into issues please reach out to support@mobilegiving.org.

Wireless carriers will allow you to donate up to $50 to a specific keyword (like REDCROSS). If you wish to donate more, please visit redcross.org/donate or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

When you make a text donation, you will receive a text back asking for you to confirm your donation by replying with the word YES or with your zip code. Once you confirm you will receive a thank you/confirmation message that your donation was successful. You will then receive one more text asking you to reply with YES if you want to receive text updates from the American Red Cross. You do not need to reply to this message if you don’t want to receive updates. If you DO want to receive text updates you will need to reply with YES.

This message means that the campaign is no longer accepting donations. You can always donate text REDCROSS to 90999 to give to general disaster relief.