Q.  How will I know that I have become a Red Cross volunteer?

A.  You will receive a “welcome email” from the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region – Volunteer Services department stating that you are now an official Red Cross volunteer AFTER your volunteer profile has been processed.

Q. How do I start the process of becoming a volunteer?

A. To become a volunteer, please start by completing an online application then sign up to receive a link to an online orientation, and lastly complete a background check. For more information please visit: RedCrossLA.org/volunteernow

Q.  How old must I be to volunteer with the American Red Cross?

A.  18.

Q. Can I get a Letter of Recommendation?

A. Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@arcla.org and put “Letter of Recommendation” in the subject line. Volunteer must be listed as “active” for at least 6 months and have reported volunteer hours on record.

Q. How long before I can start volunteering?

A. After you complete the application, orientation, background check, and receive an ‘approval’ status email from My Background Check, a Red Cross Representative will contact you to begin your volunteer service based on the volunteer job opportunity you applied for and/or your selected area(s) of interest (on the application).

Depending on how quickly you complete the steps above, you may be contacted within up to 3 weeks from the background check approval. If you were born outside of the US, it may take longer for you to receive the results of your background check. If your background check is not approved, you will also receive an email. At this time, the Red Cross cannot accept unapproved background checks. The background check screens for criminal history and DUI. Please contact us at volunteer@arcla.org if you have questions.

Q. Why do I have to complete a background check to volunteer?

A. Background checks have been part of the American Red Cross volunteer process for many years. After the hurricanes of 2005, mandatory background checks for employees and volunteers were instituted. Red Cross continues to affirm our accountability to the American public. The background check initiative, coupled with our previous efforts on the front, will help us achieve a more efficient and safer work environment for our employees and volunteers.

Q. How soon can I go overseas to volunteer after a disaster?

A. The American Red Cross does not recruit volunteers specifically for international disaster. The best way for you to help the International Red Cross is to get involved with your local area chapter. Your local chapter will train and develop the skills of local volunteers based on the needs of the community. Your involvement can help build the local community, particularly following major disasters. For information on courses and training in Emergency Services, click here.

Q. I’m under 18.  How do I volunteer with the American Red Cross?

A. Our volunteers are as young as 14 years of age. Please review the Youth Services tab of this site for more information on our youth programs.  For more info, email us at YouthServices@arcla.org to get involved.

Q.  Does the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region accept  “court-ordered community service”?

A.  For court-ordered community service hours, please contact the Blood Services Division at 1.800.498-9910 or 1.800.448.3543.

Q.  I’m interested in phlebotomy.  Can I volunteer as a phlebotomist?

A.  Phlebotomy is performed by paid staff but volunteers are welcome as Blood Services Assistants.  For more info, call the Blood Services Division at 1.800.498.9910.  For Blood Services employment opportunities, click here.

Q. I have a job, what is the time commitment to volunteer?

A. Time commitments vary depending on the area in which you choose to volunteer. Many volunteers work regular schedules. As a volunteer, you can choose to volunteer as much or as little as you like. Or you can simply choose to be available only for major disasters. Please visit the Opportunities page for detail on volunteer jobs.

Q. I am a medical student/nurse, do you have any volunteer opportunities for me?

A. We encourage volunteers to get involved in a variety of areas. However, as a medical student or nurse, your skills would be beneficial in our Health and Safety team. For information on Health and Safety volunteer opportunities, please visit the Opportunities page.

Q. Can I volunteer from home?

A. Our volunteer job opportunities vary which enables some volunteers to work from home or in the field. See our Opportunities page and look for an opportunity that’s right for you.

Q. I’m an American Red Cross volunteer at another Chapter. How can I transfer to the Los Angeles Region?

A. To transfer to the Los Angeles Region, you will need your current Chapter to send your volunteer application and background check certificate to volunteer@arcla.org with the words “Volunteer Transfer” in the subject line. In addition, you will need to complete the Los Angeles Region online application here.

Q. I’m a youth volunteer. Do I need a background check?

A. All American Red Cross volunteers aged 18 and over are required to clear a background check. Please request a background check here.

For further information about volunteer policies and protocol, please refer to our Volunteer Handbook. For questions regarding volunteer service, email us at volunteer@arcla.org or call 1.866.548.8226.