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Mission Statement

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/Red Crescent Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Fundamental Principles

Henry Dunant founded the International Red Cross in 1863.  It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.  The International Movement is an international organization with societies in 176 countries.  It is unique among voluntary service organizations because it was founded on a set of seven Fundamental Principles which are:

Humanity

Impartiality

Neutrality

Independence

Voluntary Service

Unity

Universality

Our Organization

The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton in 1881 and is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.  The American Red Cross is headquartered in Washington D.C.  The Congress of the United States has mandated that all Red Cross chapters must provide services for the military and their families and provide relief assistance during all disasters, domestic and international.  Though congressionally chartered to serve, our organization is not funded by the government and relies on the voluntary and monetary support of its constituents to deliver service.

The Hampton Roads Chapter

On July 1, 1917, two Red Cross Chapters were formed on the Virginia Peninsula:  the Elizabeth County Chapter and the Newport News-Warwick Chapter.  In 1965, both chapters merged to become the Hampton Roads Chapter – adding Isle of Wight County to its jurisdiction in 1995.  For over 90 years, the Hampton Roads Chapter has been available, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, fulfilling the obligations of our congressional charter – providing disaster relief and service to the armed forces and their families.  Beyond these mandatory programs, we train thousands each year in life-saving skills such as CPR/AED, First Aid, Learn to Swim and more.  We support blood collections, provide preparedness training and engage a diverse base of volunteers and supporters in a variety of meaningful, mission-focused activities.

Our Commitment

The Hampton Roads Chapter accepts and encourages the involvement of volunteers at all levels of the organization and within all appropriate programs and activities.  We’re committed to diversity and inclusiveness – and believe strongly in the values that serve as the foundation for the way we behave and the standard to which we hold ourselves.  Accountability, Collaboration, Commitment, Results, Trustworthiness and Humanitarianism – these are our core values.  We strive to remain loyal to the values, goals and procedures of our organization.