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Volunteer - OverviewBECOME A VOLUNTEER
The American Red Cross relies on volunteers to help us with our mission of providing care and comfort to those in need. We thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with us. Our volunteer process is divided into two categories: one for adult volunteers and one for youth volunteers. If you are a Youth (18 years old or still in middle or high school), please click here for more information on Youth Volunteering.
There are four easy steps to begin the volunteer enrollment process. The Office of Volunteers is available to help guide you through the application process.
Following orientation the next step will involve completing your on-line (internet) background check. Included in your volunteer orientation folder is a step by step instruction sheet for completing your on-line background check.
All individuals (Orange County Red Cross employees and volunteers) are screened in three areas; DMV (driving record), Social Security trace (verify an individual and the social security number they state matches with the social security number they have been given), and Federal/National Criminal History. The Federal/National criminal file includes sex offender registries, prison parole and release, state criminal records and fugitive files for the past seven years. Once you have submitted your background check on-line and your volunteer application to the Office of Volunteers, it will take approximately 7-10 days for us to review both items and determine if an offer of volunteer engagement may be extended to you. Only in the event that an offer of volunteer engagement cannot be extended to you, we will send you a letter.
Please contact us at volunteers@oc-redcross.org or (714) 481-5385 if you have any questions about the process. Thank you for your participation and support.
Step 1: Complete the Chapter volunteer applications.
Click here to download the Volunteer Application and DSHR Application forms. You will need to print them, fill them in and bring them with you to Volunteer Orientation.
Step 2: Sign Up for and Attend a New Volunteer Orientation class.
This two-hour training highlights the history, mission and fundamental principles of the Red Cross and shares volunteer opportunities available at your Orange County Chapter. At the New Volunteer Orientation, you will be introduced to the various departments of the Red Cross, as well as the roles each plays in the community. It is our goal to provide you with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of being a Red Cross volunteer, so you may select the role(s) that compliment your interest and time.
Click here to register for an upcoming class.
Step 3: Speak with department contacts.
After this point, all accepted volunteers will have their general information shared with the department(s) they have indicated an interest in exploring and getting involved with. Within each department, there will be an individual who will contact the new volunteer and welcome them to the department, as well as provide them with the follow-up steps for involvement with the department (such as training classes, meetings, etc.).
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORMS
- The Volunteer Application packet contains the Application, Code of Conduct Certification, Confidentiality Agreement and Volunteer Rights & Responsibilities. All portions of the Application packet must be completed and submitted.
- The Disaster Services (DSHR) Application packet contains the Application and the Personal Statement of Understanding. Being part of DSHR will allow you to deploy to national level disasters but does not obligate you to do so -- the Chapter controls that availability -- and it allows us to accurately track your training and disaster service. All portions of the DSHR Application packet must be completed and submitted.
This handbook is your guide to understanding the role of a volunteer at the Red Cross. We encourage you to read and understand this document as part of the application and orientation process. Questions can be directed to the Office of Volunteers at volunteer@oc-redcross.org.
To view the Volunteer Handbook, please click here.
CURRENT VOLUNTEERS
Are you a current volunteer for the chapter? Do you have a suggestion to make your volunteer experience better? If so, click on Volunteer Suggestion Box to the left.
To view our current list of volunteer opportunities, please click here.
601 N. Golden Circle Drive, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
Phone: (714) 481-5300 Website: www.oc-redcross.org
