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.

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.

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.

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

A. Yes, to transfer between regions please complete a volunteer transfer request within Volunteer Connection.

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!

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

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.