Am I obligated to volunteer for the American Red Cross after applying?

Question

I've only been with the American Red Cross for the past 3-4 months. I've not taken any classes beyond Sheltering, and I honestly don't think I'll be helping them out for a year or more, due to personal business and academic plans.

But I get weekly e-mails from them, where I am asked to say what the times I'd be available for volunteering. And there's always a box on the online form that asks if I've ever volunteered before. And I always have to say "No."

I don't want to leave the organization, but I can't really deal with doing volunteer work with my busy schedule. But I know I signed a contract. I just want to know if there'll be any problems if I end up ignoring the ARC altogether. Or if it's enough for them that I allowed myself to become a member, while I can continue doing other things for myself.

Answer 1

As a Disaster Relief Services volunteer with the American Red Cross since 2004, I can assure you that you are not obligated at all. Call your local chapter (only if you want to), and ask them to please put you on inactive status. If you know that you'll never volunteer later in life, just ask them to remove you completely. You can always come back and re-apply. You will be welcomed!

They may ask why you're leaving, but that is just to make sure that you are not unhappy because of some experience you had. Just tell them your schedule will not allow it at this time.

It is OK and you are definitely still a WINNER! You are concerned about your community or you never would have applied. Maybe later in life, you'll have a chance to do it. I can tell you that it is one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done. I'll been all over the country and my heart has been touched in so many ways. I hope and pray that I have touched others' hearts.

Remember that the average age of a Red Cross volunteer is 55. I had a gentleman on my crew last July who was 80 and we were doing mobile feeding which is VERY strenuous and he was GREAT! So you're never too old or too young.

Thanks for your question and best of luck!!

Answer 2

Write a letter, tell them your circumstances have changed, and you will not be able to volunteer with them. Apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Stop ignoring them -- you owe it to them to quit officially.