Become A Volunteer

Red Cross relies on volunteers to help with our mission of providing care and comfort to those in need. There are four easy steps to begin the volunteer enrollment process. Please contact the Volunteer Services Director or during business hours, Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, call (360) 693-5821 x107 or Toll Free (888) 434-1966 with any questions about the process. Thank you for your interest in Southwest Washington Red Cross. 

• Step 1: Attend a New Volunteer Orientation
  Volunteer Opportunities abound at your local Red Cross.  Attend a two-hour group orientation and talk with a volunteer liaison to help you determine the most fulfilling opportunities at Red Cross. No paperwork is required at this time; just attend a New Volunteer Orientation.  Locations, Time, and  Directions to the Orientation. 

• Step 2: Complete the Red Cross Volunteer Application(s)
  During the New Volunteer Orientation; an application will be made available to you or can be downloaded at anytime  Volunteer Application. You can turn it in the day of the orientation or send it in the mail or fax it to the Red Cross Volunteer Office. If you wish to volunteer in Disaster Services, you are required to complete a second application in its entirety – there are three parts.  Visit Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) for further information. 

• Step 3: Complete the Online Background Check
  Next, please complete an on-line (internet) background check. Refer to instructions How to Complete an Online Background Check.  After reviewing the instuctions, Complete Your Background Check.  All Red Cross staff and volunteers are screened via a Social Security trace which verifies a match between the individual and the social security number provided.  In addition, there is a Federal/National Criminal History check. The Federal/National criminal file includes sex offender registries, prison parole and release, state criminal records and fugitive files for the past seven years. After completing Steps 1-3, it will take approximately four work days to review all submissions to determine if an offer of volunteer engagement will be extended to you. We will send you a letter only in the event that an offer of volunteer engagement cannot be extended to you. 

• Step 4: Red Cross Departments and Volunteers
  Your application and volunteer areas of interest will be shared with the associated department or departments. Someone from that department will contact you to discuss your talents, skills, interests, and availability. You will be guided through the next steps which include but are not limited to department orientation and training classes.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at your local Red Cross.  Frequently asked for links, already provided above:  Volunteer Application,  Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR), Volunteer Opportunities, Volunteer Handbook,  Volunteer Services Director