As I reflect on this year, I am reminded of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross and a true visionary at heart. Her story is proof that one can dedicate their life to service and motivate others to persevere and recognize their full potential and power. As such, today, I want to share my findings regarding her legacy of humanitarian service.
Clara Barton was born on December 25, 1821, in North Oxford, Massachusetts. She worked as a teacher and a government employee, but it wasn’t until she nursed soldiers during the Civil War that she realized her true calling. Clara was an advocate, even when her ideas were not so popular. As a schoolteacher she started advocating for equal pay as she wanted to be paid equal to her male colleagues, and was successful in her efforts.
She was a self-taught nurse with no formal nursing degree. Clara acquired nursing experience at a young age while caring for her injured brother, and later on the battlefield and in field hospitals while caring for wounded soldiers during the Civil War. She was known as the ‘Angel of the Battlefield.’
After the Civil War, she focused on a variety of social movements, including but not limited to women’s suffrage, civil rights, and many more. In 1869, Clara visited Switzerland, where she learned about the Red Cross movement: a movement in Europe that demonstrated a unique approach to serving others. Its core belief was that humanitarian aid should be provided to all, regardless of identity, and without discrimination. Clara was inspired to carry them over to America and thanks to her devotion to these endeavors, she founded the American Red Cross in 1881.
As I explored the background behind the founding of the American Red Cross, I also learned about Clara’s involvement with the Geneva Treaty. This international agreement articulated the Red Cross mission, and she was instrumental in lobbying for the American government to sign it. I am inspired by Clara’s refusal to conform to the societal barriers at that time (as in the late 1800s, women were expected to be subservient). She paved the way for women to freely voice their opinions and is a role model for those advocating for their beliefs.
Thanks to Clara’s leadership, the American Red Cross was able to internationally expand its operations. Eleven years later after its founding, Clara spearheaded relief operations that extended into Armenia, Russia, and Turkey. These included distributing food and providing supplies in times of famine and unrest.
As Clara Barton’s 202nd birthday draws near, I recognize her impact and the selfless nature that guided her in all her endeavors. Her widespread efforts to reach the sick and wounded across all corners of the world have motivated millions to follow in her legacy, to help those in need of blood, emergency care, preparedness education, and more. Clara’s influence continues to reverberate, and her spirit continues to beat inside the countless individuals who are committed to the Red Cross mission.
If you feel inspired to support your community, visit redcross.org to volunteer, donate blood, learn lifesaving skills, or make a financial contribution. You can also explore Clara’s inspiring journey and her impactful humanitarian work around the globe, showcased through a video.
Written by Communications Intern, Kat Lin.
[KL1]Cite from sources
[KL2]Cite with red cross article
[KL3]Cite with red cross article
[KL4]Hyperlink with Geneva Treaty doc
[KL5]Cite with red cross article
[KL6]Cite with red cross article