A. The first step to becoming a Red Cross volunteer 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. 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. 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.

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

A. 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!

A. 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 Southwest Washington.

A. Basic information about the American Red Cross and volunteer service can be found in the on-line orientation. Upon further review, if you have additional questions, contact us at volunteer.cascades@redcross.org.