The American Red Cross has been serving the American people for over 125 years. The Ulster County Chapter has been serving the Ulster County community since 1908. In 2008, we will be celebrating 100 years of service.


Mission of the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.


Mission of the Ulster County Chapter

The Ulster County Chapter of the American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that, through volunteer and staff, helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies, always ready to provide support, shelter, and compassion to those in need. The Ulster County Chapter of the American Red Cross will deliver essential services, wherever and whenever needed, to the members of our community. We will provide the best possible service to our community.


American Red Cross Core Values and Guiding Behaviors

Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable for our organization and chapter's performance.

Collaboration
We collaborate and work as one Red Cross team. We collaborate with our partners as one community. We take responsibility for bringing together appropriate resources and partners to achieve success. We seek to build collaborative relationships. We communicate proactively and share information and knowledge with others. We take pride in the accomplishments of the team.

Commitment to Results
We demonstrate the drive, perseverance and commitment to get results.

Trustworthiness
We act with integrity, respect and openness, and are trustworthy. We treat people with dignity. We value the diverse talents, skills and experience of our team members and partners.

Humanitarianism
Our passion for our humanitarian mission is reflected in what we do and how we work. We actively support the vision, strategy and values of the organization.  We aim to demonstrate the highest level of integrity and stewardship by operating in the best interest of those we serve and those who trust us with their contributions.


American Red Cross Membership
Membership in the American Red Cross is given to those who donate time, money or blood to support the ongoing relief efforts of the organization. The American Red Cross is not a government agency; it is a private charitable organization that depends on the generosity of the American people to support its ongoing programs and services in the community.


Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Humanity: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality: It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality: In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence: The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

Voluntary service: It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity: There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.