IV. Relief Impact on Economic growth
The relief that the ARC provides to the various disaster stricken areas has over the years proven to be vital in the revival of the economy of the areas and the countries at large.
(a). Why some area receive less aid than others
The distribution of aid has various factors that determine the proportion of the aid that an area can receive. The fundamental one is the extent of the need that prevails. There are disasters that destroy the entire supply of the victims and leave them with no supplies; these are usually given more priority than those who need a supplement to the little they are left with after the disaster.
The other factor that would dictate the amount that a region can get over the other is the accessibility, the easier places to access by road or steamboats tend to receive more relief provided by well wishers.
The other factor is the security levels. For instance in a war situation, though the ARC will try to access all the regions, the approach has to be well calculated and safe for the staff, hence the more secure regions may be beneficiaries of the aid over the high risk regions.
(b). How giving aid threatens anyone
The aid distribution has, over the years, faced resistance and possible politicization in a grand basis. The sitting government at times feels that the distribution of the aid in the country would undermine his capability to provide for his people. At times the governments tend to think allowing aid from international bodies would be tantamount to allowing foreign influence in local internal issues which is not the case. The most recent case was the Burmese government that barred the American and French naval vessels from accessing its land yet it has carried tons of food supplies, cars and medicine for the suffering in the armed conflict (John Templeman, 2008)
(c). Crisis over distribution of funds
The ARC like some of the humanitarian organizations has had instances of crisis over the distribution of funds. One instance that stands out is the 9/11 funds. Where there was an official plan for funds diversion by Healy, but many donors objected the idea since they had donated for the 9/11 in specific as noted by Gary Galles (2001).
(d). Political impact or influence
The ARC is meant to be 100% neutral and non-political. However there are a few cases where the ARC and the other affiliate members have been accused of weighing some political influences. One outstanding instance is the Elizabeth Dole's case who was the president of Arc in 1991. She was the wife of the then senate majority leader and it was thought that this influenced her power to fundraise since prominent multimillionaires like Dwayne Andreas contributed millions of dollars to the ARC during that time (Charles R., 1996).
V. ARC Humanitarian service present state
(a).Cultural constraints
The cultural constrain that hinders the work of the ARC currently are not very pronounced though still worth taking care of. There are many societies who would choose the gender to help them due to cultural background or religious beliefs. This way the Red Cross is unable to adequately serve the region since there can be shortage of staff.
(b). Operation logistics
As mentioned earlier, this remains to be one of the biggest challenges that the ARC faces, there is a shortage of transport means and more often than not the ARC will ask the volunteers...
There can be food and other supplies availed to the organization but the transport and other operational logistics can be lacking hence hindering the work of the ARC.
(c). Public perception and changing ARC image
As noted hitherto, the ARC was perceived as that organization that caters for the military alone, however this public perception about it is fast changing as the ARC show face in each disaster that happens. The shift kin public view was highly catapulted by the involvement and participation in the 9/11 which had nothing to do with the military; hence many came to know it in a different light as not just meant for the marine American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, (2011).
(d). Personal participation
Bearing the wide field of operation of ARC, I will definitely participate in the blood donation once it comes to my city. It is the easiest yet most certain that I have helped someone who needs blood to stay alive in another part of the U.S. In as much as I would like to help in mass care, I may not dictate when this could be since we do not control disasters, indeed we pray that it doesn't hit the U.S., but blood donation is certain at any time.
References
American Red Cross, (2011). A Brief History of the American Red Cross. Retrieved April 6,
2011 from http://www.redcross.org/museum/history/brief.asp
American Red Cross, (2011). Reports Detail the Work of the American Red Cross in 2010.
Retrieved April 6, 2011 from http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=faa6f53dd7f9d210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD
American Red Cross Museum, (2011). World War II Accomplishments of the American Red
Cross. Retrieved April 6, 2011 from http://www.redcross.org/museum/history/ww2a.asp
American Red Cross in Greater New York, (2011). Disaster Planning and Response. Retrieved April 6, 2011 from http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=disaster_planning_and_response
American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, (2011). Mass Care Functions. Retrieved April 6,
2011 from http://www.chicagoredcross.org/general_calltoaction.asp?CTA=5&SN=248&OP=925&SUOP=933&SUOP2=14852&IDCapitulo=VF223FBDFD
Charles R., (1996). Article: Elizabeth Dole's Fine Line Between Charity, Politics; Red Cross,
Presidential Camp Share Major Donors. The Washington Post Article date: May 2, 1996. Retrieved April 6, 2011 from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-780091.html
Cindy Tweed (2011). American Red Cross Blood Services to Organize Community Blood Drives.
Fri, 04/01/2011. Retrieved April 6, 2011 from http://topnews.us/content/237806-american-red-cross-blood-services-organize-community-blood-drives
Gary Galles (2001). Diverted funds. Retrieved April 6, 2011 from http://mises.org/daily/840
John Templeman, (2008). Humanitarian Aid Politicized. Retrieved April 6, 2011 from http://www.policyinnovations.org/ideas/briefings/data/000070
Military Advantage, (2011). American Red Cross. Retrieved April 6, 2011 from http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/family-support/american-red-cross
The American National Red Cross (2011). Red Cross has helped U.S. military since the Spanish-
American War. Retrieved April 10, 2011 from http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=d8c918dbe0461210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD
