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.

Most-Needed Volunteers: Shelter Service Associates and Shelter Supervisors

Be ready to help your local community! Due to predictions for an active hurricane and wildfire season and the complexities of COVID-19, the Red Cross will need thousands of volunteers to care for people when disasters strike. Train now to be a Ready Red Cross Shelter Volunteer so you can answer the call when your community needs it most!

We will need volunteers to help support emergency shelters by staffing different areas including reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks. We have both associate and supervisory level opportunities available. Will you be ready to roll up your sleeves and help?

Search for “Shelter” in the search bar to find positions.

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

Our work is possible because of people like you.

Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!

Or Apply Now »

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 our 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.