The first step to becoming a Red Cross Disaster Responder is to apply using our volunteer management system Volunteer Connection. You will be required to create a profile which takes less than 5 minutes and submit your volunteer application through the system. You will also be required to submit a background check. Upon receipt of your background check and application, you will be contacted by a recruiter to discuss next steps.

A. Volunteer Connection serves as the primary Volunteer Management System (VMS) for the American Red Cross. Volunteer Connection provides a robust database solution for volunteer record management, as well as a dedicated volunteer member site that supports group collaboration tools, volunteer hours sign up, and much more.

A. In order to activate your Volunteer Connection account you must have an active email address. If you do not have an email address we encourage you to acquire one from one of the many free services providers.

A. To volunteer with disaster services, you must be 18 years old. Volunteer opportunities at blood drives may be as low as 14. A variety of opportunities may be available for Youth Volunteers under the age of 18. There is no maximum age to be a Red Cross volunteer Please contact Volunteer Services at VolunteerNNE@redcross.org for more information.

Time commitments vary according to the area in which you choose to volunteer. It can be as little as 4 hours per month to 40+ hours per week. The specifics will be discussed with you by a recruiter once your application and background check are received in Volunteer Connection, our volunteer management system.

A. Volunteer opportunities vary with some that allow volunteers to work from home or in the field.

A. Yes. To transfer between regions please contact Volunteer Services at volunteerNNE@redcross.org.

A. Yes, although you must register to volunteer and have the appropriate training need for a deployment role. There is no better time than now to start, so complete an application today!