Volunteer Opportunities in Louisiana

Volunteer Opportunities

Each year, more than one million Americans work with the Red Cross as volunteers serving local community needs. Every day, Red Cross volunteers – your neighbors – provide a broad array of vital services to people in Louisiana.

Red Cross volunteers perform such critical services as helping victims of fires, floods, storms and other disasters; serving as a Red Cross representative at community health fairs; providing lifesaving training in CPR and water safety; and educating young adults about International Humanitarian Law and more. Others help the organization with office work, event planning, and much, much more.

Volunteers are a part of everything we do and there's a volunteer opportunity for everyone.

Red Cross "everyday heroes" come from all walks of life. Young, old and in-between, everyone has something special to offer ... including you.

Questions? If you have any issues registering or questions regarding volunteering, please contact our volunteer team at (800) 229-8191 ext. 3130. Our Volunteer FAQs that are listed below may also provide some assistance.

Already a Red Cross Volunteer? American Red Cross volunteers can access their profile, search opportunities and stay updated on happenings by logging into Volunteer Connection.

Volunteers carry out 90% of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross.

Portrait of a Red Cross volunteer wearing a mask to protect against coronavirus transmission.

Volunteers Needed!

Learn about our highest-priority positions and how you can make a difference!

Blood Collection Support: Join a lifesaving team to help support blood collections in your community. Click "Apply Now," then search for “Blood” or “Biomed” in the search bar to find positions.

Disaster Action Team: You can be part of a team that helps people who are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other disasters. Click "Apply Now," then search for “DAT” or “Disaster Action Team” in the search bar to find positions.

_{Please note that positions will vary by location.}

APPLY NOW

Safety First!

Please note: Volunteers applying for in-person position assignments must be fully vaccinated. Instructions on providing information and supporting documentation of vaccination will be provided once you submit your application.

If you are already a Red Cross volunteer, log in to Volunteer Connection to access volunteer opportunities, sign up for shifts, log hours, or access local volunteering information.

Volunteer FAQs

How can I volunteer for disaster relief efforts?

The first step to becoming a Red Cross Disaster Responder is to apply using our volunteer management system Volunteer Connection. You will be required to create a profile which takes less than 5 minutes and submit your volunteer application through the system. You will also be required to submit a background check. Upon receipt of your background check and application, you will be contacted by a recruiter to discuss next steps.

What is the time commitment required to volunteer?

Time commitments vary according to the area in which you choose to volunteer. It can be as little as 4 hours per month to 40+ hours per week. The specifics will be discussed with you by a recruiter once your application and background check are received in Volunteer Connection, our volunteer management system.

Can I volunteer for disaster relief operations nationally?

Yes, although you must have experience with disaster response as a local Red Cross volunteer. To acquire that experience, you must register, train and serve with your local chapter. There is no better time than now to start, so complete an application today!

Can I volunteer for disaster relief operations outside of the United States?

Typically, there are very few volunteers deployed internationally and they are specially trained to manage international emergency operations. Please consider supporting your community’s local needs by volunteering with the American Red Cross of Louisiana.

Where can I learn more about how to help?

Upon further review, if you have additional questions, please contact Lou Kennedy, Volunteer Services officer, at Lou.Kennedy@redcross.org or (800) 229-8191 ext. 3130.

How do I choose which volunteer opportunity is right for me?

Once you have completed the application process and background check, a volunteer recruiter will contact you to discuss volunteer opportunities and together you will determine a match. Consider how much time you are interested in dedicating, your skills and talents, where you are willing to volunteer, and what your schedule is.