To become a volunteer, start the process by searching for Volunteer Opportunities in your area. You will be directed to send in an application through Volunteer Connection. You will receive an automated email containing a link that will activate your account. Once your Volunteer Connection account is activated, please complete all of the required steps listed to become an active volunteer.

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.

You will be contacted by a local Red Cross member to discuss your areas of interest and availability.

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.

Both adult and youth volunteers exist within the organization, the minimum ages varies by volunteer position. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to be a disaster responder.

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.

Youth Volunteers, ages 13-17, do not require about background check but the application does require parental consent forms to be submitted.

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

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.

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, increasing your bedside manners!

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

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 volunteers you must have at least a 2 week (14) minimum availability and ready to travel within 24 hours of being called to deploy.

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.

To transfer please contact your local chapter and ask to speak with a Volunteer Specialist, they will be able to help you with the process of a transfer.