Pros
1. As a well-established organization, the Red Cross has a lot of resources and is capable of reaching and helping a lot of people. 2. Within the Red Cross, you have the opportunity to work with a variety of organizations and individuals. 3. There are a lot of different types of jobs you can potentially get within the Red Cross, all while knowing that you are helping with the organization's mission. 4. Red Cross is not affiliated with any religious or political group. 5. There are a lot of opportunities for professional development as a Red Cross employee. 6. The Red Cross is a great organization to have on your resume. 7. Because the American Red Cross is a large organization with many staff members, entry level workers often receive a higher salary than they may have otherwise. The benefits package is great for full-time staff members and medical care is easily accessible.
Cons
1. The American Red Cross in particular has become too large. This results in a perception from the national organization that employees are expendable and easily replaced. The evidence for this comes from local chapters, where employees tend to "disappear" unexpectedly and are quickly replaced. 2. The American Red Cross has begun following the corporate model. This results in: a. A narrow focus on its mission, to the exclusion of any consideration for other organizations or individuals, even if it were possible for the American Red Cross to easily make changes. This includes environmental concerns such as recycling. b. The American Red Cross is preoccupied with a fear of being sued. As such, employees are not allowed to give references to former employees seeking jobs. An employee who is a perceived liability is summarily dismissed without attempts to assure the employee is actually a liability. The American Red Cross' lawyers appear to be ignorant or uncaring of laws regarding "perceived disability."
