Belarus RC plays an important role as a national relief and welfare organisation. It is well known in the country for its humanitarian activities and social services. There is no division between governance and management because the president, vice presidents and regional chairpersons become executive officers once elected for five years and two-thirds of the presidium can be staff members. The Society has 2.3 million members and 790,000 volunteers. Volunteers participate in the visiting nurses programme, youth, disaster preparedness activities, refugee programme and first aid training.
Financial problems make it difficult to attract and retain staff.
There are 16 staff members at the Federation's Delegation in Minsk. This delegation also has regional functions. Advice and concrete assistance in facilitating the opportunities for participation in project work, translations and providing financial assistance wherever possible are permanent tasks of the Delegation. Priority Programmes for Federation Assistance 4.1. To enhance its assistance to victims of a catastrophe, the Society's disaster response service has recently launched a first aid education programme.