Become a Volunteer
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people's lives.
Join a team that responds to an average of about 65,000 emergencies every year. We supply all the training you need.
When disasters strike and people are displaced from their home, you can be the shelter in the storm. Shelter volunteers work directly with residents to ensure their basic needs are met as well as help them access additional services. If you are a calm and compassionate person, this is the opportunity for you.Join today and start your training. This way you can be ready to respond when the next major disaster strikes.
Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
Volunteerism isn't just an act; it's a movement that unites communities and drives meaningful change.
Read how Red Cross is changing lives in the Volunteerism Year-in-Review Report.
Volunteers help respond to an average of about 65,000 disasters every year
More than 25,000 volunteers support Red Cross Blood Services
More than 10,000 nurses and other health professionals volunteer
25% of volunteers are aged 24 or younger
How to Volunteer
We appreciate your interest in volunteering with us! The first step to becoming a Red Cross volunteer is to apply using our volunteer management system, Volunteer Connection. You can begin by creating a Red Cross ID on the right side of the page.
If you are a new volunteer and need application support, please e-mail our team at VIPC@redcross.org or call to speak to a member of our team at 1-844-621-4243 [10AM to 7PM ET M-F, 10AM – 4 PM ET Sat].
If you have volunteered previously with the Red Cross and looking to get back involved, please reach out to our team by e-mailing reactivatemyaccount@redcross.org.
Once your application is processed, you will be contacted by your local Red Cross to discuss next steps and the volunteer opportunities that are available in your community. We appreciate your desire to support our mission!
Having a tech issue with our Volunteer Connection?
If you are having a technical issue with your Volunteer Connection account or the Volunteer Connection website, please contact the IT Service Desk by calling: 1 (888) 778-7762.
Group Volunteer Offers
We appreciate your interest in having your group volunteer with the Red Cross. Group volunteering is arranged through your local Red Cross chapter, so please contact your local Red Cross region’s Volunteer Services staff to assist you. Visit Redcross.org > Local Red Cross and enter your zip code to locate your local Region’s website for contact information.
Volunteer for Disaster (U.S)
The Red Cross greatly appreciates your interest in volunteering! The need to help during disasters has never been greater. The first step to becoming a Red Cross Disaster Responder is to apply using our volunteer management system Volunteer Connection. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up for opportunities with your local chapter. Once your application has been processed, you will be contacted to discuss next steps.
Please note: If you see a disaster on the news, do not go to the disaster area to help. Only trained disaster volunteers who have been deployed by a disaster relief organization should go to those affected areas. The first step to becoming a Red Cross volunteer is to create a Red Cross ID using our volunteer management system, Volunteer Connection.
We appreciate your thoughtfulness! People can make a difference in someone’s life by becoming a Red Cross volunteer!
Volunteer for International Disasters
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for international disasters, please visit our Volunteer Internationally page for more information.
Volunteering for the American Red Cross while living outside of the United States
The Red Cross greatly appreciates your interest in volunteering! If you do not currently live in a US territory and are not affiliated with the US Armed Forces, we encourage you to connect with your local Red Cross/Red Crescent Society at ifrc.org/get-involved/volunteer-us to explore volunteer opportunities.
If you did not find the answer to your volunteer question, please email VolunteerResources@redcross.org.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
