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American Red Cross Bay Area
[ View Opportunities ]
| Last updated on March 25, 2008 |
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization led by volunteers that helps individuals and communities prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters.
Description:
The Bay Area Chapter of the American Red Cross serves the six counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Solano. Our volunteers offer a multitude of services to their communities including: free preparedness courses; response to over 500 local emergencies a year; CPR, First Aid and other Health and Safety courses; emergency communications and support for families with members in the Armed Forces; seminars on International Humanitarian Law; awareness and fund raising for international programs to fight HIV and AIDS, malaria and other health epidemics; youth leadership clubs and events; and corporate preparedness.
The Red Cross is financially supported by voluntary contributions of individuals, organizations, foundations, and cost-reimbursement charges for the products and services it offers to the public.
The organization is governed, supported, and primarily staffed by volunteers. Nationally, about ninety-seven percent of the Red Cross workforce is made up of volunteers.
History:
The American Red Cross is a part of the International Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal Movement. After exposure to the ravages of wars in Europe, Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant, called for international cooperation and equal treatment for all wounded, regardless of their nationality. He emphasized the need for trained volunteers and the formation of international societies prepared to provide relief during times of armed conflict. The first of four Geneva Conventions was held in 1864 which laid the groundwork for national societies that would become known as the Red Cross.
At the same time that Henry Dunant was advocating for the International Red Cross Movement, Clara Barton was bringing a similar concept to the United States. She founded the American Red Cross in 1881 and influenced the government to sign the Geneva Conventions in 1882, establishing the American Red Cross as one of national societies currently operating around the world.
In 1905 the United States Congress chartered the American Red Cross to partially meet its obligations as a party to the Geneva Conventions and also to meet the nation's need for a humanitarian organization to meet the needs of the American people for disaster relief during times of peace.
The Congressional Charter serves the same purpose as articles of incorporation for a corporate entity under state law. It establishes the American Red Cross as a federal instrumentality and a qualified, tax-exempt charitable corporation. The American Red Cross is not a federal agency.
The local Bay Area chapter of the American Red Cross, founded in 1898, provides Disaster Services, Health and Safety Services, Armed Forces Emergency Services, Community Preparedness and Youth Services, and International Services.
Contact people:
Main office number: (415) 427-8000 Office fax number: 415-427-8116
Address:
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85 Second Street, 8th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.redcrossbayarea.org
Directions:
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This office is located between Mission and Market. We are on the 8th floor. Parking during business hours is difficult. Several garages are nearby. Many buslines and the MUNI/BART stop less than a block from this office.
Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Montgomery BART/ MUNI,
Walk distance (in minutes): 2 min
Nearest Bus Stop: 14 Mission, 1 min minute walk |
Miscellaneous Information
| Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency? |
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American Sign Language, Cantonese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog
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| What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency? |
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N/A
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| Is your agency wheelchair accessible? |
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Yes
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| Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10? |
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Yes
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| Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20? |
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Yes
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The inclusion of any organization or person in this database does not
constitute a representation, warranty, or endorsement with respect to the
competence, suitability, or reliability of such organization or person by
The Volunteer Center Serving San Francisco and San Mateo Counties;
nor does The Volunteer Center Serving San Francisco and San Mateo Counties
sponsor or endorse any third-party web site.
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