The Red Cross is a worldwide humanitarian movement which practices protecting the lives of vulnerable individuals, while maintaining respect for all people. International Red Cross includes many diverse organizations which have common aims, principles and objectives. More specifically, the Canadian Red Cross is a member of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), and 187 National Red Cross and Red Cross Societies in almost each country around the world (Wikipedia. (2013). My Website analysis will cover one of my most preferred non-profit websites, which is the Canadian Red Cross, located at www.redcross.ca
Main Purpose
The Canadian Red Cross website is a non-profit site that makes locating information about its cause effortless. It is simple to figure out that the main purpose of the Canadian Red Cross website is to raise awareness in general and to provide information regarding possible contributions or donations. The main purpose revolves around spreading awareness in order to prevent potentially negative consequences which may be caused by disasters or obscurity. More specifically, the site raises awareness on how to react to emergencies and disasters such as, hurricanes which obstruct an entire area; disruptive fires, and many other disasters that lead to devastation within Canada and worldwide. Disseminating awareness and knowledge sharing is the main concept of the site by introducing online programs that help reduce and prevent violence, bullying, and abuse. Additionally, information on swimming lessons that may help individuals remain safe at the beach and information regarding how to react to potential drowning incidents, water injuries, and other catastrophes are identified. The outstanding tab “What We Do” takes users to the page that offers the website’s main purpose. (Canadian Red Cross. 2013).
Key Information addressed
The Canadian Red Cross recapitulates the key elements of its links distinctly at the heading tabs. The mission of awareness in the tab “What We Do”, volunteer, and fund raising are the key information addressed.
Important supporting information and Concept Used
Looking at the Canadian Red Cross website, I found that the “Donate” tab is clearly visible and always highlighted in red. It is a straight forward and simple process for individuals to donate money. The donation page is eminently attached to the home page and it is prominent in their navigation bar. Furthermore, the donation process requires no signing up and it is as easy as any online transaction. Keeping in mind, it is extremely important that donors pay close attention to the cause they intend to provide donations to. (Landsberger, J. (n.d.))
Influences or Conclusion (Design, images, etc)
Overall, the Canadian Red Cross website is readily guided and navigable, user friendly, and uses adequate design elements such as colors and fonts. The website is considered to display more than an exemplary corporate webpage. It is easy to find information about the organization across Canada. Conversely, the website does not include profiles of members on the board of directors and other key personnel. The site does, however, offer downloadable images so that journalists and bloggers can have quick access. The information on the website is delivered in a concise and language friendly manner which makes it easily understandable. With respect to the design, the Canadian Red Cross uses a design that is unsophisticated and represents the content of their function. In general, the content of the website is consistent. (Chapman, C. 2009)
Personal Opinion and Prior Assumption
My prior assumption regarding non-profit websites is that sites should be user friendly, making it easy for individuals to gain necessary information regarding the site’s cause, information on fund raising, and information on how to involve individuals in the community (Landsberger, J. (n.d.)). Moreover, the website should be attainable for journalists and other users to locate notions. In my opinion, the Canadian Red Cross website is privileged with the entire requirement of a non-profit website. In addition, the Canadian Red Cross makes its way to attract the potential donors and volunteers.
Personal Point of View
The website is donor friendly. Therefore, it is necessary for a non-profit site to have a donation section to promote donations periodically. In my opinion, the Canadian Red Cross is very concerned in getting the media’s attention because it can have massive impact on a non-profit organization. Getting attention from journalists and other audiences is fundamental in bringing more donations, gaining volunteers, and raising the profile of the organization. I would like to make it clear that my personal point of view is embedded in the group’s point of view and I agree with their standpoint.
Researching or working for Canadian Red Cross
Analysing the Canadian Red Cross website sparked my interest with respect to becoming a volunteer. I may not make a donation, but I am sentimental about how I can be helpful for myself and my community and family. In addition, the website is so rich with stories about emergencies and disasters in Canada and abroad. I would like to outlay my time civilizing myself by researching first aid and CPR, swimming and water safety, bullying and abuse prevention, and many other areas of interest from this website. I feel that by reading through this website, I can gain appropriate knowledge which may improve my skill for becoming a volunteer.
As a conclusion, the Canadian Red Cross has its aim to give the opportunity to people to share their stories in their society and keep others aware and connected. These sorts of intervention methods have been effective in reducing harm. Although these interventions have been effective, unawareness continues to affect the lives of a large number of people.
References
Canadian Red Cross. (2013). You can help when help is most needed: Give to the red cross. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.ca/
Chapman, C. (2009). Non-profit website design: Examples and best practices. Retrieved from http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/05/14/non-profit-website-design-examples-and-best-practices/
Landsberger, J. (n.d.). Study guides and strategies. Retrieved from http://www.studygs.net/evaluate.htm
Wikipedia. (2013). Canadian red cross. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Red_Cross
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