Post-Event Start Your Journey

Start Your Volunteer Journey

Let's Take the Next Step Together

May 25, 2023. Tacoma, Washington. Across the country and around the world, American Red Cross assists service members, veterans, caregivers and their families. At Joint Base Lewis Mc-Chord, Red Crossers provide a variety of comfort and care to service members.

For Jan Baker and Cooper, volunteering is a team effort. They’ve volunteered as a therapy dog team with the Red Cross since 2017, when Cooper was just one and a half years old. Their goal is to bring a calming presence to military families both inside and outside of medical facilities. If there’s an opportunity to lift spirits and bring a smile to someone’s face, they make sure to show up. “The smiles are worth the time we spend,” said Jan. Photo Illustration by Abby Walker/American Red Cross

Please note: this is a staged photo and shouldn’t be conveyed as a real event.

Welcome back! We know you are contemplating becoming a Red Cross volunteer. You’ve signed up for a volunteer information session. You’ve been on our website and maybe even checked out a few different opportunities. But, you haven’t taken that next step… yet.

We would love for today to be the day you that next step in your Red Cross journey and officially join the team!

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not sure where to begin.
The best way to begin is to start a Red Cross volunteer application. It just takes a few minutes and from there you will be connected with a team member who can help you find the right path.

To learn more about what roles are available in your area, visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.

I’m afraid I won’t like what I’m doing and I’ll be stuck.
The Red Cross has a wide range of volunteer opportunities. There is something for everyone. If you get started in a role and you discover it is not right for you. No worries. Communicate with your supervisor and connect with your local Volunteer Services team and we’ll get you sorted in to something that is a better fit.

How long is the application going to take?
The initial volunteer application is a streamlined process that takes most applicants just 5-10 minutes to complete.

How do I know if I have enough time to volunteer?
We have a variety of opportunities you can engage in from one-time events to regular weekly shifts — and everything in between. There are a couple of ways to help find the role that meets your time commitment:

When looking at opportunities you are interested in, each description will give you a the time commitment range for a successful volunteer in that role.
Talk with a member of your local volunteer services team. They will be happy to help you find the role that best fits your time, talents, and interests.

I have concerns about the background check or parental consent forms.
Reach out to 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] and we can help answer your questions.

I don’t know anything about helping people in emergencies. Can I really be of help?
Yes! If you have a heart to help, we can engage you in ways to support your community. Through a mixture of online and/or on-the-job training we will provide you with the support you need to be successful.

Is there going to be a lot of training?
Depending on the volunteer opportunity you select, there may be training required to be able to fulfill the role. Most training is online and at your own pace. All volunteer training required for volunteer roles is free.

Begin my volunteer application