Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Urgent Need for Volunteers!
The Red Cross welcomes volunteers in all of our service areas. However, at this time, there are a few roles that need to be filled most urgently. If you are open to exploring those opportunities, please click the button below.
Learn About Volunteer Opportunities
The vital work of the American Red Cross is made possible by people like you who contribute their unique backgrounds, talents and skill levels. Our needs change based on current events, adding flexibility to get you involved in an area that inspires you!
Explore typical opportunities on this page, or browse our offerings in your area:
Your Local Red Cross Needs You
We have volunteer opportunities to match a wide range of interests and time commitment. Below just some of the ways you can get involved with the mission of the Red Cross and serve your community. Contact your local chapter or search current openings in your area to find out more about what is available near you.
Take a Leadership Role
Board Members
Serve on local boards and help with fundraising and marketing programs. Be the face of the Red Cross in your community and ensure we are serving your community well.
Volunteer Services
Assist with volunteer recruitment, placement, record keeping and recognition.
Community Volunteer Leader
Community Volunteer Leaders (CVL) act as a “face of the Red Cross” to the community and focus upon recruiting volunteers and managing key local relationships.
Support the Red Cross Blood Team
Blood Donor Recruiter
Work with individuals, groups and companies to recruit blood donors and promote blood drives.
Greet and register blood donors.
Pick up donated blood units from a blood drive and deliver to the laboratory to be thoroughly tested and then sent to the hospital.
Help During a Crisis
Provide food, shelter, and comfort for families affected by major disasters such as fire, hurricanes and tornadoes.
Quickly respond to single-family fires in teams of two or more to ensure those impacted have a safe place to stay, food to eat, clothes to wear and their life sustaining medication.
Educate Others
Disaster Preparedness Presenter
Educate individuals and groups on how to be prepared before a disaster occurs.
International Humanitarian Law Instructor
Facilitate classes and presentations to teach people about the Geneva Conventions and the rules of war which were born out of the Red Cross movement.
Support Our Armed Forces
Hospital Volunteer
Lend a hand to patients at Veterans Administration and military hospitals.
Ensure delivery of emergency communications for members of the military and their families.
Assist with Fundraising Efforts
Special Events
Support fundraising and special events.
Thank a Donor
Make calls to thank Red Cross financial donors.
Use Your Communication Skills
Grant Researching/Writing
Assist the fundraising team as they research, write and execute grants.
Speakers
Provide presentations about Red Cross programs in the community.
Public Affairs
During disasters, tell the Red Cross story to your community.
Engage your friends and followers on the topics that matter to you: like your support of the Red Cross.
Provide Office and Warehouse Support
Clerical
Assist with administrative tasks.
Logistics Support
Help with routine supply chain duties such as stocking supplies and checking inventory in warehouses, response trailers, store rooms or other locations.
Opportunities for Nurses and Nursing Students
Nurses have been vital to the work of the American Red Cross since 1888. Today, more than 15,000 of your fellow nurses are involved in providing disaster services, teaching and developing courses, managing blood drives and other leadership roles throughout our organization.
Opportunities for Young People
Over one-third of Red Cross volunteers are age 24 or younger. Being young is no barrier to being able to help people in need, in your community and around the world!
School Clubs
Create, plan and participate in service projects to help your school, your community and make an impact around the globe.
Find a Red Cross Club Near You
National Youth Council
Represent the 54,000 young Red Cross volunteers, advocate for youth involvement and advise Red Cross senior leadership on policies relating to young people.
Internships
Gain hands-on experience in working for a non-profit! Exceptional undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply for summer internships at Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Club Red Networking
Network with other socially-conscious professionals while planning social fundraising events and participating in community service projects. The groups also offer leadership development and mentoring opportunities.
Opportunities for Groups, Clubs and Businesses
Mobilize members and employees to demonstrate their commitment to making a difference through a range of activities that build community resiliency and save lives.
Contact your local chapter to find specific opportunities in your area.
View Typical Opportunities
Disaster Response
Receive training in Red Cross Disaster Services, including community disaster education, mass care and sheltering.
Groups can also lend their facilities in times of disaster. Yourlocal Red Cross chapter can tell you whether any of these opportunities are available in your area.
Preparedness, Health & Safety
Help the Red Cross deliver emergency and first aid safety information directly to area communities and families by providing local disaster education.
Service to the Armed Forces
Work with members of the military, veterans and families in military and VA health care facilities providing recreational and therapeutic services and supporting special events.
Educate Your Group
Ask your local Red Cross chapter about educational forums or speakers bureau opportunities for your organization or business to learn more about local Red Cross history, services and programs.
Biomedical Services
Host blood drives, recruit blood donors, and greet and register blood donors onsite.
International Services
Groups can support Red Cross international programs such as raising money for the the Measles & Rubella Initiative or contributing to data projects onMapSwipe that aid NGOs delivering services around the world.
Volunteer Internationally
Help us spread hope around the world. Find out more.
Restoring Family Links
The Red Cross works to reconnect families who have been separated by war or disaster. Your local Red Cross chapter may have opportunities for you to help overseas disaster victims find family members in your community.
International Humanitarian Law
Humanitarian principles are at the core of the Red Cross mission, and continuing this work requires inspiring and engaging the next generation. We offer engaging and challenging resources for students, teachers and law and policy professionals.
International Disaster Response
Although many international disasters are managed and staffed by people living in the affected communities, volunteers with exceptional technical skills, Red Cross knowledge and disaster relief experience can apply to become part of our international disaster response roster.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.