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Can a convicted felon, once clear of probation and parole, volunteer for the American Red Cross?

I serve as something of a mentor for a guy who's been out of prison a few years, and has completed his probation requirements. He's become a productive member of society and wants to become a volunteer for the Red Cross. Will his felony keep him from doing so?

Public Comments

1. It will not effect his volunteering. I have never run into that issue before. However, if it does become an issue, he will just need to have people like you that will vouch for him. Letters of support and of character

As you know part of rehabilitation is giving back, not just for offenders but for you and me. It is essential to continue work for the greater good.

Anyway, great work you are doing and I wish your friend well!

2. It really depends on two things. The type of felony can matter, but it can also be up to the Executive Director of the chapter you want to volunteer for. If you want to go out on "National" calls, ie. federally declared disasters then you may run into problems. After 9/11 everything has changed for felons making it way harder to be given a second chance. However, depending on the type of felony you have you may be able to still volunteer at the chapter level. I too am a felon and my chapter knows it. I hold a few supervisory roles at my chapter and work closely with the local government (police, fire) on a monthly basis. Again, unless your conviction was pretty bad it really rests on the Executive Director of the chapter. If you want to volunteer in Disaster Services, the Emergency Services Manager would also be the one to win over as they will be your direct supervisor.