Q. Why should I volunteer?

Answer: The American Red Cross Greater Los Angeles Chapter is 95% volunteer led. Our volunteers do great things every day from helping our communities prepare for emergencies, providing training in lifesaving skills, assisting victims of disasters, connecting families, or simply lending a helping hand to members of the community.Our volunteers come from a variety of cultures and from all walks of life. Many want to help after a major disaster, such as the World Trade Center attacks of 2001 or Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Others lend their skills or professional expertise to benefit members of their communities.

In all that our volunteers do, they help us create stronger and well-prepared communities.

Q. What is the time commitment required to volunteer?

Answer: Time commitments vary according to the area in which you choose to volunteer. Many volunteers work regularly weekly or monthly shifts. Others choose to be reserve volunteers and respond only to major local disasters. Although our need for volunteers is greatest during weekdays, many evening and weekend opportunities are also available.

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

Answer: To become a volunteer, please start by completing the online application and then registering for a Volunteer Orientation. For more information, please read our step by step guide to becoming a volunteer. www.redcrossla.org/volunteer

Q. How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Answer: Our volunteers are as young as 14 years of age. Many in-office opportunities are available for our youth volunteers and the more active community instructor or disaster relief roles are reserved for our volunteers 18 years of age and older.

Q. What is the American Red Cross Code of Conduct?

Answer: The Code of Conduct outlines the standard policies and principles by which all American Red Cross volunteers and employees are required to abide. The code of conduct is used in an effort to maintain the high standard of conduct expected and deserved by the American public and enable the organization to continue to offer services required by those in need.

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

Answer: Background checks have been an area of focus at the American Red Cross and encouraged for many years. However, after the fraud and waste that occurred during our work aiding those affected by the hurricanes of 2005, it was decided that mandatory background checks on all employees and volunteers were necessary. Red Cross continues to reaffirm 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.