American Red Cross

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the American Red Cross. The Orange County chapter trains more than 35,000 people each year in disaster preparedness, and volunteers do everything from assisting the community in times of disaster to helping the headquarters run smoothly.

The chapter provides disaster response; health, safety and aquatics classes; HIV/STD education; the Lifeline program for independent seniors; youth service programs as well as educational and informational presentations to thousands of residents
and businesses each year. Click here to learn more about volunteering.

Volunteer Now!

For frequently asked questions about becoming a volunteer, click here.
To view volunteer opportunities, click here.
For more information, please contact us at volunteers@oc-redcross.org or (714) 481-5333.

Step 1: Attend a Volunteer Orientation class.

This 90-minute training highlights the history, mission and fundamental principles of the Red Cross and shares volunteer opportunities at the Orange County Chapter. You will learn about the various departments, the roles each plays in the community and the responsibilities of being a Red Cross volunteer. Register online for an upcoming class.

Day	Date	Time	Room

Wednesday	4/11/2012	6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.	208	sign-up
Thursday	5/3/2012	6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.	208	sign-up
Wednesday	5/23/2012	6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.	208	sign-up

Step 2: Complete the chapter volunteer application.

You may download the volunteer application and disaster services application or receive these applications when you attend the orientation class. There will be time at the end of the class to complete the applications. You will be asked to list departments with which you are interested in working.

Step 3: Complete the online background check.

At the orientation class, you will receive a step-by-step instruction sheet for completing your online background check. All volunteers are screened in three areas: DMV driving record, social security verification and federal/national criminal history. For more information, click here. It will take approximately 15 to 20 days to review your application and background check. If an offer of volunteer engagement cannot be extended to you, the chapter will send you a letter. If you’d like to review the chapter’s volunteer handbook, click here.

Step 4: Speak with department contacts.

An individual from each department where you have expressed an interest will contact you and provide you with the follow-up steps for getting started, such as training classes or meetings.