The American Red Cross is considered the nation's elite humanitarian organization, dedicated to helping people in need across the United States. The US Affiliation also established a joint association with the global Red Cross and Red Crescent networks around the world. They rely heavily on the time, blood and money of America's public volunteers to help support their life-saving services and programs. All volunteers and employees, alongside generous donors, share the mission to prevent and alleviate suffering, not only in the United States but around the world. According to RedCross.org, they do this through five key service areas: Disaster RecoverySupporting America's Military FamiliesLife Saving BloodHealth and Safety ServicesInternational ServicesOn May 21, 1881, Clara Barton and a group of her associates founded the American Red Cross in Washington, DC. Barton was the first to be introduced to the idea of ​​the Swiss-inspired global Red Cross network in Europe after the Civil War. Returning home, she began campaigning for the American Red Cross and for the ratification of the Geneva Convention. This proposal, the Geneva Treaty, was signed shortly thereafter by President James Garfield's successor after his assassination, Chester Arthur. It was ratified by the Senate in 1882 to protect those injured in war. Additionally, Barton successfully campaigned for the inclusion of peacetime relief work, as part of the global Red Cross network, considered the "American Amendment" (redcross.org). The Red Cross received its first two charters from Congress in 1900 and the second in 1905, a year after Barton resigned from the organization. For 23 years...... middle of paper ...... country. Even McDonald's can't say the same as an organization. Their vision statement can attest to this unique factor of what they have been able to and continue to provide to people around the world. On RedCross.org, the vision statement stated: “The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that… all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope; our communities are ready and prepared for disasters; everyone in our country has access to safe and life-saving blood and blood products; all members of our armed forces and their families find support and comfort wherever they need it; and in an emergency, there are always trained people nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.”