The Red Cross Orders Volunteer Screening

Months ago the National Red Cross ordered all volunteers and staff to submit an online background check. In Rhode Island alone, 750 of the 1,254 Red Cross volunteers have either ignored or refused the order. Volunteers in other states have also been stalling on the issue, regarding it as an invasion of privacy.

It would be nice to live in a world where background screening would not be necessary and where everyone could be trusted, at least those who volunteer for non-profit organizations. However, as the Red Cross discovered, many organizations can not afford to be that frivolous. During Hurricane Katrina money and relief supplies disappeared and against Red Cross policy, convicted felons were used as volunteers in the disaster area. Thereafter, the national push for a criminal background policy for Red Cross volunteers arose.

The minimum background check looks for conviction records, parole or probation for violent crimes, sex offenses, drugs and financial crimes going back 7 years. Through the Red Cross website, volunteers are asked for their Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers as well as other personal information to verify their identities. In addition, the Red Cross requires the volunteers to give consent to an investigative consumer report; a more in depth background check, which includes a credit check. This check is only completed on volunteers who handle money.

Disaster services manager, Nick Logothets worries that they will lose volunteers because of these new requirements. Meanwhile, the national Red Cross is currently talking with state chapters about the requirements and feels that over time the controversy will subside.