• How to Volunteer
  • Volunteer Sign Up
• Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a Red Cross volunteer is as easy as 1-2-3:

STEP 1

NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION: Attend a two-hour group orientation and speak with a volunteer liaison who can help you determine the most fulfilling opportunities for you at the Red Cross.

STEP 2

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION: Complete a Volunteer Application online by clicking here.   You may also choose to download the application and mail it in by clicking here.

STEP 3

VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT AND BACKGROUND CHECK: Review the list of volunteer job opportunities and indicate your areas of interest on your volunteer application. This information will be used to find a suitable volunteer assignment for you.  As part of the process, you will also need to complete a basic background check at mybackgroundcheck.com. Only complete a background check AFTER you have attended a volunteer orientation.

Once your background check is complete, the Office of Volunteer Programs will contact you and refer you to the department of interest to you. The department will provide you with additional information, training, and schedule your volunteer hours.

Additional Steps for Disaster Services Volunteers Only

STEP 4

DSHR APPLICATION: Interested Disaster Volunteers must also complete a Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) application. You can download a DSHR Application to complete and submit it at a Fulfilling Our Mission class OR mail it to our DSHR Coordinator at the following address:

American Red Cross, Lincoln Way Chapter
426 5th Street
Ames, IA 50010

STEP 5

ATTEND FULFILLING OUR MISSION CLASS: This course will introduce potential disaster volunteers to the role of the Red Cross in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. You can view upcoming classes and register for them by accessing the following link:  Disaster Services Training Schedule

Once all the above steps are completed, you will be contact by our DSHR Coordinator to set up a meeting to take your photo for your ID and discuss your goals with volunteering in Disaster Services.

For further information about volunteer policies and protocol, please refer to our Volunteer Handbook. For any inquiries, please contact the Office of Volunteer Programs at (515) 232-5104.