How to Volunteer at the Red Crescent

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) coordinates efforts of these humanitarian societies to protect human life in over 185 countries. Although these societies and their work are the same, use of the Red Crescent as a symbol was formally recognized for countries with large Muslim populations with the amendment of the Geneva conventions in 1929. Donations and volunteer efforts are also undifferentiated.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Learn About the IFRC

1. Check out the IFRC website to learn about the organization's history, mission, and needs (see Resources below).

2. Find the National Society where you wish to work as a volunteer in the Directory of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and click on that nation to get contact information and navigate to the National Society (see Resources below). For instance, clicking on "Kuwait" will take you to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, whereas clicking on the United States will take you to the American Red Cross.

3. Find a local facility where you can volunteer your efforts, in the United States, by using Volunteer Match (see Resources below). Compare the volunteer needs in your area with your personal skills and experience, and pursue the best match.

4. Contact your local center to offer your volunteer services. This may involve preparing a short pitch or a resume, or even some training, depending on the position or the volunteer service.

Become a Volunteer

5. Contact the local center where you wish to volunteer and offer your services. Take this process as seriously as you would a job interview, dressing the part and coming prepared.

6. Always be on time for your volunteer duties, and be respectful in your treatment of clients, staff, other volunteers and the general public.

7. Check the "Give Blood" webpage for another important way to help (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Check the Directory of National Societies to find your country (see Resources below). IFRC Societies recruit volunteers to meet local, national or international needs. Whether you work directly with a Red Crescent or Red Cross Society will depend on the nation in which you volunteer.
• Never be surprised to be screened for any form of volunteer activity, from giving blood to providing disaster relief. The Red Crescent has to protect the people it serves, and this requires ensuring that every volunteer is a good fit.

Resources

• Website of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
• Directory of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
• Volunteer Match