Why become a volunteer?

* Help your community
* Feel pride in knowing that you can help people in need
* Meet other people who share your interests
* Learn new skills
* Use your personal talents
* Opportunities for credit
* Resume building
* Continuing education

Steps to becoming a volunteer

1. Fill out a Volunteer Interest Form
2. Attend a new volunteer orientation
3. Placement into service, pursue necessary training

As the largest humanitarian organization in the United States, the Red Cross depends on volunteers to accomplish the organization's mission: providing relief to victims of disasters and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

To prepare volunteers to participate in this vital mission, the Red Cross provides training for most volunteer positions; the level of training varies according to the requirements of the position. For example, Red Cross disaster volunteers work in a variety of positions, with specific training courses for each job. Training for health and safety instructors starts with a four- to six-hour course, with as many as 38 additional hours of training for special skills.

The American Red Cross requires a minimum background check for all volunteers and employees.  You can begin the process online by going to www.mybackgroundcheck.com.  Click on “Request a Background Check” then click “Arkansas ” on the map.  Next select “South Arkansas Chapter” and follow the instruction.  The check is free and confidential.