When you volunteer with the American Red Cross, you become a part of one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world and are able to make a positive impact on your peers and in your community. Volunteering with the Red Cross will help you make a difference in other people’s lives, all while maximizing your talents, learning new skills, improving your resume and meeting new people.
One of the many ways to become a Red Cross volunteer is to start or join a Red Cross Club.
A Red Cross Club is a group that provides you and your peers with opportunities to make a meaningful impact by addressing your community’s greatest needs and developing leadership skills. Red Cross Clubs empower you with knowledge and life-saving skills to help prepare your school and community to respond to emergencies.
Club in a Box: A Toolkit to Help You Start a Red Cross Club
For more information about starting and joining a Red Cross Club, contact your local Red Cross Unit and ask to speak with the staff member who works with youth volunteers.
The American Red Cross has developed fun activity guides for your group to use to help spread the word about the Red Cross and its mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Activity guides can be used by Red Cross Clubs, groups, or classes that want to organize around Red Cross mission-related activities.
Volunteer Connection Guide for Youth and Young Adult Volunteers
This resource provides youth and young adult volunteers with step-by-step instructions for registering for Volunteer Connection and using main functions that are relevant to youth. Find it here.
Volunteer Connection Guide for Red Cross Club Leadership
This resource provides Red Cross Club leadership with tools to utilize Volunteer Connection and support Club members. This is designed as a supplemental resource to the Volunteer Connection guide above. Find it here.
How to Fundraise Presentation
A guide with tips on how to host a successful fundraiser for the American Red Cross.
How to Start a Red Cross Club Presentation
A PowerPoint presentation for Red Cross units to explain how to start a Red Cross Club.
Red Cross Club Presentation for School Administration
A presentation to introduce and explain Red Cross Clubs to school administration. Use when seeking approval from school administration to start a Red Cross Club.
5 Lines of Service Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides an overview of the 5 lines of service covered by the American Red Cross. Use the suggested activities listed under the various lines of service as a starting point for volunteer opportunities for youth and young adults at the Club and regional level.
Measles Initiative
Measles Advocate Video
A video raising awareness about the Measles Initiative.
Madagascar Campaign Video
An example video of what the Measles Initiative does.
Service to the Armed Forces
United We Serve SAF Toolkit
Originally used for a “United We Serve” Project, this toolkit gives great examples of what youth can do to help service to the armed forces!
If you are not sure how to get involved with the Red Cross, check out our Red Cross Youth Engagement Guide! Under each line of service, there is a list of opportunities and activities for youth and how to get involved with the Red Cross.
Friends Disaster Preparedness Activity Book
This educational workbook, targeted at grades 2 – 4, teaches children and their families what to expect before, during, and after a disaster in a fun and interactive way.
Are you wondering where our Red Cross Clubs are located? Is there a Red Cross Club at your school or in your community? Check out the Red Cross Club Listing page. The page provides an overview of the registered Red Cross Clubs in each state and allows you to see details about specific Clubs. You can search by zip or city and can filter by age group within your state.
Resources for Advisors
Guide to Mentoring Youth – A guide for youth advisors on ways to help youth.
Youtube Youth Playlist
Check out the Youtube youth playlist here!
Transition Guide for High School Graduates
There are many ways that youth volunteers can stay involved with the Red Cross after high school. Find new volunteer and leadership opportunities here for the next exciting chapter of your life!
Red Cross Club Officers Training Guide
This guide helps you plan and execute a training for Red Cross Club Officers. This training will provide Officers with the skills needed to lead a successful Club during the school year. Find it here.