Welcome
About the Red Cross at UCSD
Welcome to the website for the Red Cross at UCSD! We are a student-run branch of the American Red Cross, San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter.
The Red Cross at UCSD was founded in 2003 by students who wanted to be more actively involved in the community. Over the past several years, this campus organization has grown to include a multitude of service opportunities for UCSD and the San Diego community (see below!). Keep an eye on our right-side panel so you know when our next GBM, blood drive, and other upcoming events will take place. We always welcome new members, and we don't discriminate as to whether you're a registered student or not. So bring a friend, and come! You'll feel great knowing that you're making a difference!
Some of what we do:
Quarterly Blood Drives
Annual Meal Point Drives
Free CPR and First Aid training
Relay for Life
Fundraisers for natural disasters relief efforts
Annual Measles Initiative fundraisers
Volunteer and internship opportunities with the American Red Cross
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross functions independently of the government but works closely with government agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), during times of major crisis. It is responsible for giving aid to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and to disaster victims at home and abroad. It does this through services that are consistent with its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, allowing the Red Cross to stay neutral and impartial.
What are the fundamental 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 one 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.