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 Erika Dillard, Senior Engagement Lead at erika.dillard@redcross.org or Jae Cobb, Engagement Specialist at Jennifer.cobb@redcross.org.

A. Volunteer Connection serves as the primary Volunteer Management System (VMS) for the American Red Cross.  Volunteer Connection provides a robust database solution for record management, as well as a dedicated volunteer member site that supports group collaboration tools, volunteer hours sign up and much more.

1. Go to redcross.org/volunteer
2. Enter your zip code and hit "Update.”
3. Filter by areas of interest
4. Click on each opportunity description to learn more about the role.
5. If interested, click "Apply Now'
6. Create a username and password to create your Volunteer Connection account.
7. Complete all application steps.

A. Once you have completed the application process and background check, a volunteer Engagement Specialist 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. Varies from position to position; normally 4 to 6 hours shifts.

A. 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, an Engagement Specialist will contact you to discuss the next steps.

A. Yes, although you must have experience with disaster response as a local Red Cross volunteer.  To acquire that experience, you must apply, train and serve with your local chapter.  

A. Typically, there are very few deployed internationally, and they are specially trained to manage international emergency operations.  We need you locally and nationally.