A. To become a volunteer, start the process by submitting an application through Volunteer Connection. You will receive an automated email after submitting the initial step – you must click on the link in this email to activate your account. Once your Volunteer Connection account is activated, please complete all of the required steps to become an active volunteer.

A. You will have completed all the steps listed in Volunteer Connection and been assigned to a position and group.

A. Volunteer Connection serves as the primary Volunteer Management System (VMS) for the American Red Cross. Volunteer Connection provides a robust database solution for volunteer record management, as well as a dedicated volunteer member site that supports group collaboration tools, volunteer hours sign up, and much more.

A. In order to activate your Volunteer Connection account you must have an active email address. If you do not have an email address we encourage you to acquire one from one of the many free services providers.

A. To volunteer with disaster services, you must be 18 years old. A variety of opportunities may be available for Youth Volunteers under the age of 18. Please contact your local chapter for more information.

A. Background checks have been part of the American Red Cross volunteer process for many years. After the hurricanes of 2005, mandatory background checks for employees and volunteers were instituted. Red Cross continues to affirm our accountability to the American public. The background check initiative will help us achieve a more efficient and safer work environment for our employees and volunteers.

A. The American Red Cross requires all volunteers to go through the necessary training before being deployed to other parts of the country. Once trained and identified as a disaster services volunteer, you must have at least a two week (14 day) minimum availability, and be ready to travel within 24 hours of being called to deploy.

A. The American Red Cross does not recruit volunteers specifically for international disaster. The best way for you to help the International Red Cross is to get involved with your local region. Your region will train you to develop the skills of local volunteers based on the needs of the community. Your involvement can help build the local community, particularly following major disasters.

A. The American Red Cross accepts community service hours needed for graduation requirements. However, we cannot accept any “court-ordered community service hours.”

A. The American Red Cross Central Florida Region does not provide blood services.

A. Time commitments vary depending on the area in which you choose to volunteer. Many volunteers work regular schedules. As a volunteer, you may choose to volunteer as much or as little as you like. Or you may simply choose to be available only for major disasters.

A. We encourage volunteers to get involved in a variety of areas. However, as a medical student or nurse, your skills would be beneficial to our Client Services in Disaster Services. Through Client Services, you would work directly with those who have lost everything to a fire, allowing you to practice your bedside manner!

A. Our volunteer job opportunities vary which enables some volunteers to work from home or in the field.

A. To transfer to the Central Florida Region, please complete a volunteer transfer request here.

A. All American Red Cross volunteers aged 18 and over are required to clear a background check.