„Volunteering is the fundamental organizational principle of building the Movement. It states that its members join this humanitarian organization out of their own decision, out of solidarity with those in trouble. The work of the Movement’s volunteers is motivated solely by moral factors, so their activities can be classified as alturistic. At the bedside of the wounded of the Battle of Solferino, the beautiful idea that all men are brothers was formulated. This thought stimulated the foundation of the Movement and has characterized it’s activities ever since.

This thought led to the organized movement of compassion. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement can only fulfill its mission if it has volunteer helpers, if it receives support from people. It also needs employees who are permanent, but the social base and ability to act are provided by those volunteers who undertake social work without compensation.”