Information for the new volunteer
Thank you for signing up as a Red Cross volunteer! On this page, you will find the most important things to help you get started: what happens next, what kind of support you will receive, and where to find more information about your task and volunteering.
How to get started:
- Create a profile in the OMA Red Cross system. Through Oma, you can become part of a global community of helpers.
- In Oma, you will see your local branch, which is automatically determined based on your postal code. You can also choose the branch you want to belong to as a helper. You can change your branch later if you wish.
- You can browse volunteering opportunities available in your residential area or online and sign up for events, training sessions, and tasks that interest you.
- In Oma, you can complete the Welcome to the Red Cross online course, which provides basic information on how the Finnish Red Cross operates. The course takes about 45 minutes to complete.
- You can subscribe to the Tässä ja Nyt (Here and Now) volunteer newsletter, which provides current information and tips related to volunteering.
- You can also easily contact your own branch and, if necessary, the staff in your district. Contact information for branches and districts can be found here.
- You can also become a member of the Red Cross. Membership fees are used to support local volunteering. Joining as a member is not mandatory, but it allows you to show your support for local activities and serve as an elected official.
- Take a look here at what a volunteer's path at the Red Cross looks like!
Those in need are at the heart of our work
In Red Cross activities, the starting point is that everyone is met with respect and equality. As a volunteer, you take into account people's different situations and potential vulnerabilities, and you ensure that the activity is safe for everyone.
Local branches know the needs of their area best. Volunteering is planned according to the type of help that is needed in the community.
Our volunteering is ethical, responsible, and equal
In all its activities, the Finnish Red Cross stands for humanity and those in the most vulnerable positions, which is also reflected in the principles and values that guide our work. It is important that all our volunteers know and share these principles.
By signing the Red Cross volunteer agreement, you commit to:
- Promoting the principles that guide our work. These are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, universality, and unity.
- Our ethical principles – our volunteering is ethical, responsible, and climate-friendly.
- Safer space principles, which aim to guarantee a good and safe environment for everyone participating in our activities. Please also remember that safer spaces are always created in interaction with others.
- Strengthening equality in Red Cross activities.
- Certain volunteer tasks also require confidentiality.
Please also note that at the Finnish Red Cross, we do not tolerate inappropriate behavior, discrimination, racism, bullying, sexual harassment, harassment, or abuse. Please intervene in discrimination and racism immediately if you notice it.
We take care of the safety of our activities
It is important to us that Red Cross volunteering is safe for all parties. Considering safety is also essential because our volunteers help people in situations that can be physically and mentally demanding for the volunteers themselves.
We support our volunteers in many different ways. We ensure that volunteers have sufficient knowledge and skills to help safely. More information on the safety of volunteering can be found in the volunteering policy and here.
All Red Cross volunteers are insured in volunteer tasks across all our forms of activity. More information on volunteer insurance can be found here.
Open listening and appreciative encounters are key in every situation, and principles of a safer space guide our activities.
The organization also has the right to select volunteers suitable for tasks according to the requirements. When working with children, we exercise special care: we conduct criminal background checks for tasks where it is necessary.
More information about the Red Cross
- More information about Red Cross volunteering can be found here.
- Wondering about something? Read the most frequently asked questions related to our volunteering here.
- You can also find more information about our organization on the Red Cross website and our social media channels.
Equal rights and obligations of volunteers
- To find joy and gain expertise through the activity.
- To participate in the organization's volunteer tasks for which you have the skills and interest.
- To receive induction, training, guidance, and support for your tasks. Support also includes peer support, joint events, work supervision, and mentoring.
- To participate in the planning and development of Red Cross activities.
- To be involved in the Red Cross's statutory decision-making if you are a member of the organization.
- To receive and give feedback and praise.
- To feel valued in your task.
- To develop as a volunteer and, if you wish, receive a certificate of your activity.
- To receive reasonable compensation for expenses incurred from volunteer activities. You can find instructions on which expenses are reimbursed in the volunteer expense reimbursement guidelines.
- To act in accordance with the values and principles of the Red Cross.
- To act in accordance with the rules and operational policy of the Red Cross.
- To act in a way that ensures activities are safe for everyone. The activities must be free from racism, discrimination, and harassment.
- To intervene in discrimination and racism immediately if you notice it.
- To commit to the activities you have volunteered for. Commitment is important so that the Red Cross can plan and implement its activities in the best possible way.
- To participate in the induction and training related to your task.
- To report any deficiencies or hazards you notice in the activities.
To commit to the instructions regarding confidentiality and data protection.