Volunteer Services
Every day, the American
Red Cross helps people in emergencies...whether it's half a million
disaster victims or one sick child who needs blood.
Our vital work is made possible by people
like you, who learn how good it can feel to lend a helping hand. Red Cross "everyday heroes" come from all walks of life. They're all ages. Everyone
has something special to offer . . . including you.
You're needed by the Red Cross. Right now!
- Too busy? Your local Red Cross can work with you to provide rewarding experiences, whatever your schedule.
- Think you don't have any skills to offer? You'd be surprised. And, if you need training, we'll provide it.
We depend on volunteers, who constitute 97 percent of our total work force, to carry on our humanitarian work:
- Every year, the Red Cross is there for hurricane, earthquake, and other disaster victims--including 150 families forced from their homes by fire every day.
- 175,000 volunteers worked to prevent, prepare for and respond to nearly 64,000 disaster incidents last year.
- Over 15 million Americans turn to us to learn first aid, CPR, swimming, and other health and safety skills. Last year, more than 230,000 people volunteered to teach those courses.
- Half the nation's blood supply--six million pints annually--is collected by more than 190,000 Red Cross volunteers.
- Among our emergency services for the men and women of the armed forces is the delivery of urgent family messages--one every 22 seconds.
- Over 24,000 volunteers serve as chairs, members of boards of directors, or on advisory boards for local Red Cross units - chapters, Blood Services regions, and military stations.
- As part of the International Red Cross Movement, we work to ease human suffering on a global scale.
As a Disaster Action Team Member, you'll be trained to:
- Provide emergency assistance & comfort to disaster victims
- Survey homes for damage and losses
- Authorize temporary shelter and purchases of food, clothing and other immediate emergency assistance based on needs and loss
- Assist with the feeding and shelter of disaster victims
- If professionally qualified, assist with the physical and mental health needs of disaster victims
- Teach disaster preparedness in your community
- Participate in local drills
- Respond locally, statewide, and nationally to different disasters
Volunteers in Health and Safety:
- Teach CPR and first aid to members of the community
- Teach water safety or swimming
- Train lifeguards
- Teach HIV/AIDS prevention
- Teach babysitting skills to young teens
- Plan community outreach projects
Youth Volunteer Opportunities:
Get involved with the Red Cross! Either individually or as part of a group, you can make a valuable contribution, learn new skills, and meet new friends while fulfilling school community service requirements. You can choose what you want to do!
Volunteer opportunities are available to match your particular interests, special skills, and personal schedule. Here are just a few opportunities:
- Special Events Volunteer – Help to coordinate special events such as golf tournaments, auctions, dances, etc.
- Special Projects and Promotions Volunteer – Assist in assembling schedules, preparing mailings, etc.
- Speakers Bureau Member – Represent Red Cross and speak to community groups about different aspects of Red Cross Services
- Clerical Support Volunteer – Provide general clerical support in a variety of areas on a regular basis or as needed for special assignments.
Don't wait another day to find out how good it feels to wear the Red Cross emblem. Contact your local Red Cross for more information right now.