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Neutral and nurturing Whether white clad "angels" tending to wounded soldiers in World War I or hard-hatted workers helping to locate bodies after the Oklahoma City bombing, Red Cross workers have been internationally recognized icons of relief for over 100 years. Founded by Clara Barton in 1881, the American Red Cross maintains operations and projects that are as wide-ranging as the far corners of the globe. Based in Falls Church, Virginia, the organization stresses its neutrality and independence when intervening in military conflict. In the U.S., the organization is best known for aiding survivors of natural disasters. Speaking of which, 1998 was the Red Cross' most disastrous year to date. Between the hurricanes in Puerto Rico and flooding in the southern states, the Red Cross shelled out $162 million. All in all, it fought 239 disasters in 41 states and three U.S. territories. Fortunately, the American Red Cross is an expansive force, with more than 1,300 chapters, 18 tissue centers, 38 regional blood centers, and 200 outposts. Dedicated to good deeds Worldwide, there are more than 170 Red Cross and Red Crescent branches (The crescent is used instead of the cross in Islamic countries, although both organizations are essentially the same). Managed and supported by more than 1.3 million volunteers and 30,000 paid staff, the American Red Cross is considered one of the largest philanthropic agencies in the U.S. A 50-member panel called the Board of Governors presides over the company's missions and establishes the policies that all chapters must follow. With an annual budget of approximately $1.8 billion, the American Red Cross stresses its commitment to the following good deeds: disaster planning, education, and relief; emergency communications and assistance to members of the Armed Forces and their families; international disaster relief; health and safety services; and blood, blood products, and tissue services. In addition to performing research and development in the biomedical field, the American Red Cross also provides basic blood services, tissue and stem cell services, a dental program, and plasma operations. The International Red Cross leads the way The American Red Cross is guided by the International Red Cross; as such, it professes its commitment to the principles born of the larger organization: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. In 1998, the American Red Cross diverted from its historic exclusivity and partnered with community organizations. Community Blood Centers of South Florida, for example, assumed the local assets of the American Red Cross Blood Services. The South Florida branch and many others now operate as official "affiliates" of the Red Cross. "This marriage of the Red Cross assets and our operations will mean a more reliable supply of whole blood and blood products to hospitals throughout South Florida," said Dr. Charles Rouault, M.D., president of Community Blood Centers. Doling out relief In 1998 Elizabeth Dole, American Red Cross president, announced that disaster recovery expenditures in response to Hurricane Georges cost the American Red Cross $104 million, the single most expensive relief effort in the organization's history. The company dispatched more than 12,000 American Red Cross workers to assist almost 200,000 families in Puerto Rico, North Florida, the Florida Keys, Mississippi, Louisana, Alabama, and the Virgin Islands. Recently, American Red Cross has provided assistance to the Balkan region, Taiwan, and Mexico. Also, the relief agency has begun sharing its technology with other countries to reduce the spread of diseases such as AIDS.
For current employment opportunities, consult the American Red Cross' employment Web page, located at www.redcross.org/jobs/index.html. Listings are updated weekly, are organized according to location and type of work, and give appropriate contact information for each position. In addition to a resume, candidates should submit an Application for Employment (Form 615A or 615C), which they can obtain from their local Red Cross chapter.
Extremely rewarding Many who work for the American Red Cross find it to be one "of the most rewarding experiences" of their lives. Those working in Disaster Services enjoy the challenge of helping communities respond to "major floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes." Says one, "The work is sad sometimes, but if you're on the job for long enough, you get to see the many happy end results." Nevertheless, there are multiple drawbacks to the job - pay being the most abhorrent. "Pay is not good at all," remarks one informant. "And I was one of the highest paid regular employees at my chapter. Also, there are no bonuses." Unless you get off on that sort of thing Various divisions within the Red Cross elicit different responses. One forthcoming insider reveals, "Don't work in Disaster unless you get off on that sort of thing." He goes on to say, "The only fun departments to work in are Information Services, Marketing, MCC, PR, or the Print Shop, if they have one. AFES/Social Services is usually a restrictive place to work. Accounting is pretty cool, but also somewhat restrictive." Another insider is less critical, "Most departments are very relaxed, although each chapter is different." One Blood Bank insider considers her job more "detail-oriented" and even "tedious." Still, she feels "respected and valued" because she contributes "to the safety of the blood supply." A different Blood Bank respondent asserts, "It's not an easy thing to get people to come in and get stuck with needles." Feel the love All in all, American Red Cross workers say that dedication to the cause carries them through the day. Concludes one insider, "If you want to get rich, find another career. If you want the most rewarding position of your life, welcome aboard." To make sure you fit the philanthropic disposition necessary for Red Cross work, "volunteer for a while. They're looking for volunteers. And anyway, you'll get a real feel for the organization."
Human Resources
Disaster Aid;Blood More Company Profiles For more career information, go to Vault.com ©2000, Vault.com Inc
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