Ethical, responsible, climate-friendly and safe volunteering

Humanity is the most important principle guiding the work of the Red Cross. Voluntary service and universality provide an open channel for everyone to contribute to the promotion of humanity. The other principles make it possible to provide help and support in the widest possible range of situations and circumstances. These principles have proven their resilience throughout the global organization's 150-year history and must be carefully cherished. The principles are manifested in the way we act.

• I always want to champion humanity
• I work together with those in need of help or support in a way that strengthens their own resources
• When representing the Red Cross, I do not express opinions or participate in activities that conflict with the organization’s principles
• I take a stand against incitement to hatred, hate speech, and violence

I respect different people, values, and ideas. I treat all people as equal and of the same value regardless of their gender, age, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, language, religion and conviction, opinion, disability, health status, sexual orientation, or other reason related to the person.

• I acknowledge the individuality of people and value everyone's opinions and contribution to achieving common goals
• I treat others fairly
• Through my actions, I increase understanding, cooperation, and trust between people
• I build interaction that is accepting, encouraging, and based on mutual support
• I remain open to new ideas and evaluate my own ways of working
• I share my knowledge and skills with others

Our humanitarian work requires strong trust in the organization. I take care of the organization's resources in the best possible way to achieve our goals.

• I do not participate in the processing or resolution of matters where my private interest may conflict with the interest of the organization
• I look after the safety of those participating in the activities
• I strive to reduce the burden on the environment
• I keep my promises and ensure that any potential problems or errors are corrected quickly and openly
• I prevent substance abuse
• I respect the privacy of those receiving help or support and others involved in the activities; I handle information accumulated in the activities carefully and with respect for people
• I am bound by confidentiality when participating in humanitarian tasks. I understand that confidentiality and secrecy apply to all situations I see or hear, as well as to the identity of those helped and other confidential information.
• I recognize my special responsibility when working with children and young people or those in a vulnerable position
• I use the Finnish Red Cross facilities and equipment only for activities consistent with the organization's principles

Storing and bringing weapons, ammunition, and other weapon-like objects into Red Cross offices, other facilities, and vehicles is specifically prohibited under the Geneva Conventions.

The red cross and its counterparts, the red crescent and the red crystal, are international protective symbols used in situations of war and conflict to safeguard medical services and relief activities. The Red Cross Movement also has the right to use the symbol as an identifying sign for its own activities. The use of the symbol is governed by the Geneva Conventions and Finnish law. At its worst, misuse of these protective symbols jeopardizes the ability to deliver aid to victims of war.

• I ensure that the organizational symbol is used in accordance with the guidelines
• I can use a small version of the symbol as a lapel pin, for example

Transparency and honesty are prerequisites for the economic, social, and ethical sustainability of the Red Cross. Therefore, it is important that any potential misconduct is intervened in quickly and decisively. Reporting misconduct is the right and duty of every representative of the Finnish Red Cross, and it must not result in negative consequences for the reporter.

• If I observe misconduct, I will immediately report it to the organization, which is responsible for the appropriate handling of the report.
• The organization has the right and the operating models in place to intervene in activities contrary to the rules and principles in a phased manner. Inappropriate behavior is addressed to ensure a safe and respectful operating environment for everyone.
• I also intervene in the misuse of the symbol.