James g.

Volunteers complain that the paid employees treat them like slaves. In my personal experience, I feel that the paid employees do not respect the employees time or other commitments. The Red Cross demands volunteers put the Red Cross absolutely first, and above all else. They claim that's the mission and not the position is most important.p. However, the paid employees certainly hold their position over the employees heads when it suits them. Again in my personal experience the person in charge of volunteers put her own personal feelings ahead of what's best for the Red Cross. She is vindictive and uses her position to intimidate and exclude perspective volunteers.

Many people with a red Cross are eligible for certain positions, but certainly not qualified to hold them. Management is sorely lacking, as is common sense and logic. Decisions are made by the employees which are not always in the best interest of the Red Cross. Consequently many positions are unfilled and volunteers do not last very long. When I started with the Red Cross, they were seven volunteers in my area. Then there was one, me. Now there are none. The person in charge of volunteers uses her position to screen out volunteers whom she dislikes personally.

If you're thinking of volunteering for the Red Cross, I advise you to think twice before you put yourself into a position of disrespect and servility.

The Red Cross does do a lot of good in this country, but I cannot recommend any position with them for volunteers. As I said before, many positions go unfilled due to the whims and personality of the person in charge of volunteers.