Indian Red Cross Society

Karnataka State Branch #26, Red Cross Bhavan, 1st Floor, Race Course Road, Bengaluru-560 001 080-22264205 E-mail: ircskar@vsnl.net; ircskar@gmail.com GUIDELINES FOR YOUTH RED CROSS IN KARNATAKA The Red Cross is an international humanitarian service organization dedicated to the cause of suffering humanity both in times of war and peace since 8 decades. It is constituted under the Act of Parliament known as Indian Red Cross Society Act XV 1920. The Red Cross in the State has been helping the physically challenged by providing various appliances such as Tricycle, Artificial Limbs, Wheel Chairs, Crutches etc., etc., we are also maintain a 24 hour Blood Bank helping the poor and needy with safe blood. Recently the Red Cross helped the Tsunami affected victims with the necessary medical care and needy items in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and other affected areas.
THE RED CROSS ORIGIN INTRODUCTION The Red Cross is an International Organization meant for humanitarian services. Its Headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland with many affiliated National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. It is a non-religious, non-political and non-sectarian International body. Regardless of either frontiers or Race, the Red Cross remains a voluntary organization and also an independent one having considerable welfare activities to its credit. It is the biggest relief organization in the World with two hundred million members and tens of thousands of employees. The Red Cross was established in 1863, in Geneva. Though at the beginning it aimed at taking care of the people affected by war, in due course, its area of operation was extended to the prevention as well as the relief of human suffering during natural havocs and at other times. ORIGIN JEAN HENRY DUNANT, known as the father of the RED CROSS, was born on May 8, 1828, in Geneva, Switzerland. His father, a successful businessman and a citizen of some prominence, was a man of means. His mother was a gentle and pious woman. She more than anyone else, was responsible for her first-born child's early education. Her influence had much to do with moulding his character. At a very early age he developed deep religious convictions and high moral principles. He became a member of an organization in Geneva known as the League of the Alms, whose purpose was to bring spiritual and material comfort and aid to the poor, sick and afflicted. He was also a regular visitor to the city prison, where he laboured to help reform the transgressors of the law. It was while journeying on a business mission in Italy that Dunant chanced to arrive in June 1859 at Castiglione della Pieve. It was the same day on which the Battle of Solferino was being fought nearby. The town was filled with causalities and the army medical services available at

1 |Page

that point proved to be inadequate. It was wholly natural for Dunant to try to help relieve the pain and suffering of the wounded. By temperament, tradition and training, he could do no less. To put an end to this ghastly tragedy. Mr. Jean Henry Dunant with four citizens of Geneva i.e, General Guillame Henry Dufour, Mr. Gustave Moynier, Dr. Louis Appia and Dr. Theodore Maunoir founded the International Committee for the relief of the wounded in 1863, which was later called International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC). In October 1863, answering the Assembly in Geneva, which decided on the creation of those societies to come to the aid of the wounded, which Mr. Dunant so earnestly desired. The Red Cross was founded. These associations of voluntary relief workers were later called Red Cross Societies. This experience completely changed the course of his life. From that time onwards, Dunant's business activities and other interests became secondary as he sought to find a way in which such suffering could somehow be prevented, or at least ameliorated in future wars. Furthermore, his concept of an International treaty among nations to assure more humane care of the wounded aroused considerable interest. These were the humble beginnings of an organization whose growth and potentials were not yet visualized by Dunant who struggled on with his life aim of human care, giving up his own likelihood, thus for 20 years he lived precariously on the pittance friends could give him and a small allowance from members of his family. In 1901, the Nobel Committee awarded him its first peace prize shared jointly with Frenchmen Frederic Passy. From Geneva, his old home came this message from the International Committee of the Red Cross. This great man, passed away peacefully on 30.10.1910 Red Cross Societies in times of peace pursue a variety of activities devoted to the health, safety and well being of the people of the world, secure in the knowledge that some at least of the sick and the suffering will be given succor at time of need Because of the relationship and understanding existing between many Governments and their national societies, Governments also frequently choose to channel the assistance given from their resources, to the stricken people in other countries, through their Red Cross Local Organization. There can be no doubt that, in the hundred years since Solferino, millions of persons have been spared much needless misery, degradation, and suffering in war time, and uncounted numbers of lives have been saved because of the existence of the Red Cross and the Geneva Conventions.

The World wide organization of the Red Cross and the way in which Governments and the Red Cross and do co-operate for the benefit of suffering humanity attest to the greatness of the idea and the ideals conceived by Henry Dunant a century ago. Few men in history have had a nobler or more enduring monument by which to be remembered than Dunant richly deserved by him. INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF RED CROSS - (ICRC) International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has the following components: The International Committee of the Red Cross [ICRC]

2 |Page

The International Federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (founded in 1919, this is the World Federation of National Societies) The National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

ICRC is an operational organization, working throughout the world to protect and assist victims of armed conflict and strife. Its activities are based on rules of International Humanitarian Law, which it has itself developed and convinced stats to adopt. THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the permanent liaison body of the National Societies and acts as their spokesman and representative internationally. Its object is to prevent and alleviate human suffering through the activities of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Federation encourages the creation and development of National Societies in Countries all over the World. It advises and assists National Societies in the development of their services to the Community. It organizes and Co-ordinates international relief for victims of disasters and refugees outside areas of conflict. NATIONAL RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES Each country has Red Cross or Red Crescent Society at National level to organize the activities within the country through its branches. National Societies render services to the victims affected by war and other calamities. It gets assistance and guidance from ICRC during wartime activities and from the Federation for relief work during other calamities.

INDIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY The Indian Red Cross Society was established under provision of the section 8 of the Indian Red Cross Society Act XV of 1920, with its National Headquarters in New Delhi. Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch was established in 1921 with its Headquarters at Bangalore. Originally, the objective of the Society was to come to the relief of wounded and sick soldiers. Subsequently, the activities have expanded into other areas of humanitarian assistance, like Disaster Relief to victims of flood, cyclone, earthquake or any other disaster Blood Bank Hospital services to the wounded and sick personnel of the armed forces, both in war and peace, including welfare services, provision amenity and diversional therapy material to Military Hospitals. Maternity and Child Welfare Community services THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT

3 |Page

HUMANITY The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Society Movement born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, 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 or Red Crescent Society Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide. INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW The purpose of international humanitarian law is to limit and prevent human suffering in times of armed conflict. The essence and core of this law is enshrined in the four Geneva Conventions and their two Additional Protocols. Today virtually all the countries in the world are party to the Geneva Conventions. The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 are applicable to international armed conflicts. They stipulate that civilians and people who are no longer taking an active part in the hostilities, such as wounded or captured combatants, must be spared. They also set out the role the ICRC- the initiation of contemporary humanitarian law- plays in alleviating human suffering. In addition, Article 3 common to all four Conventions authorizes the ICRC to offer its services in the event of non-international armed conflict and accords minimum protection to the victims of such situations. VISION

4 |Page

To develop among youth sustainable approaches in addressing three key areas. a) Disaster b) Health c) Social exclusion. To cope with spreading social turmoil requiring a change in the mind sets and attitudes to how we live and relate to each other.
MISSION STATEMENT The ICRC acts to help all victims of war and internal violence, attempting to ensure implementation of humanitarian rules restricting armed violence. The ICRC's mission arises from the basic human desire, common to all civilizations, to lay down rules governing the use of force in war and to safeguard the dignity of the week.

The ICRC has received a mandate from the international community to help victims of war and internal violence and to promote compliance with international humanitarian law. The ICRC's activities are aimed at protecting and assisting the victims of armed conflict and internal violence so as to preserve their physical integrity and their dignity and to enable them to regain their autonomy as quickly as possible. The ICRC is independent of all Government and International organizations. Its work is prompted by the desire to promote humane conduct and is guided by empathy for the victims. The ICRC is impartial. Its only criterion for action is the victims needs. The ICRC is neutral and remains detached from all political issues related to conflict. MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE YOUTH RED CROSS MOVEMENT The Indian Red Cross Society, is organized for the purpose of inculcating in Indian Youth the ideal and practice of service especially in relation to

Taking care of own health and that of others Understanding and accepting of civic responsibility Maintaining a sprit of friendliness and helpfulness towards other youth in India and all over the world Dissemination of the Red Cross Movement. AIMS OF YOUTH RED CROSS 1. The Indian Youth Red Cross Society is a part of the Indian Red Cross Society. (Students in college or age between 18 to 30 years are called Youth Red Cross

5 |Page

2. The Indian Youth Red Cross is organized for the purpose of inculcation in Indian Youth the ideal and practice of service especially in relation to (1) Taking care of their own health and that of others (ii) Understanding and accepting of civic responsibility (iii) Maintaining a spirit of friendliness and helpfulness towards other youths in India and all over the World and (iv) Dissemination of the Red Cross Movement. 3. The Youth Red Cross is a group movement, organized within the college and the lecturer is the recognized leader and called Programme Officer of the group.

WHAT IS YOUTH RED CROSS The Youth Red Cross is the most important constituent of its mother organization, Indian Red Cross Society. It is a group moment organized for students in colleges and technical institutions. The students are trained and encouraged to manage the affairs of the group, electing their own office bearers.

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE YOUTH RED CROSS The Youth Red Cross unit, will be attached to the college, both male and female students can join the Youth Red Cross. Each unit functions under the guidance of a Youth Red Cross Programme Officer who may seek the help of the college authorities, if necessary. To Co-ordinate the YRC activities of the college in the district, one District organizer is nominated from among the Programme Officers of the District by the Vice Chancellor of the university concerned at the university level, one zonal Co-ordinator, nominated by the Vice-Chancellor, who has to look after the Youth Red Cross activities with in his university zone. HOW TO START YOUTH RED CROSS UNIT Respective College should be registered under Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch, Bengaluru by paying `.1,500/- as onetime payment of Youth Red Cross registration fee as per G.O. No.ED 64 Misc.2011 Bengaluru dtd. 22.12.2011 Students membership fee `.50/- should be collected by students at the time of admission, out of students membership fee collected 30% of students membership fee should be sent to Indian Red Cross Society, Karnataka State Branch, Bengaluru for administrative expenses and 70% to be retained with college to carry out Youth Red Cross activities.

6 |Page

 Separate Bank account should be opened in the name of Youth Red Cross Wing and account should be operated jointly by Principal and Youth Red Cross Programme Officer. One Programme Officer should be nominated by the college authorities to look after the Youth Red Cross Wing. College authority may appoint programme officer according to the strength of students (i.e. one programme officer for 1000 students more than 1000 students one more programme officer may be appointed) The programme officer of Youth Red Cross is permitted to take incentive of 20% out of 70% of the amount of Youth Red Cross student membership fee collected in the college to monitoring YRC unit and to organize activities. After submitting the YRC activities report to IRCS, KSB end of the year, the 20% of incentive amount has to be taken by the programme officer with the approval of the Principal of the college. The Programme Officer will be the leader of Youth Red Cross Wing and he will guide the Youth Red Cross members in organizing Youth Red Cross activities. Youth Red Cross members have to take pledge at the time of Youth Red Cross Wing inauguration. YRC PLEDGE I pledge myself to take care of my own health and that of others, to help the sick and suffering, especially children and to look upon all over the world as my friends A Board to be displayed at college premises

Youth Red Cross Wing College name and address

ROLE OF THE YRC PROGRAMME OFFICER The Programme Officer is nominated by the College Principal. Programme Officer initiates the work of organizing a YRC Unit by talking to the students about the Youth Red Cross is general, mentioning the work done by other similar groups in Colleges, both in India and other countries, and then suggesting the advantage of having such a group in their own College and Endeavours to create in them a genuine enthusiasm, so that work might begin with confidence and interest. 7 |Page

ROLE OF YRC MEMBERS The students members may elect from among themselves their Office- bearers i.e Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary and draw up their programme bearing in mind the main objectives of Youth Red Cross. EVENTS TO BE OBSERVED World Health Day World Red Cross Day World Blood Donors Day Geneva Convention Day World AIDS Day 7th April 8th May 14th June 12 August 1st December

YRC ACTIVITIES No hard and fast rules are laid down regarding Youth Red Cross activities. Youth should be encouraged to manage their own affairs and choose their own activities. Their programme should be, as far as possible based on the following heads, which are the objectives of Youth Red Cross. Promotion of Health & Hygiene Service to others National Integration World friendliness Relief work during emergencies like flood, fire and other natural calamities Literacy campaign Avoidance of drugs AIDS awareness Communal harmony Conflict resolution Hospital services to the wounded and sick both in war and peace Community service Blood Donation Maternity and Child welfare Get involved in Pulse Polio / Health Checkup Camps International Womens Day Childrens Day 8 |Page

 Girl Child Day

9 |Page

10 | P a g e