En mann som er frivillig i Røde Kors holder armen sin rundt en annen mann som han er flyktningguide for. Vis bildetekst
Øyvind is a volunteer in Drammen Red Cross and a refugee guide for Daniel. Photo: Katrine Lunke, Apeland.

Become a volunteer

The Norwegian Red Cross has a wide spectrum of humanitarian activities. Join our friendly team of volunteers and do something positive for your community.

A wide range of activities

Before you decide to become a volunteer, you might want to learn about the different activities your local Red Cross branch has to offer. This will vary from branch to branch, depending on size and location. 

You are always welcome to contact us if you have questions or need help!

Are you ready to become a volunteer?

Register and join here!

To volunteers in the Red Cross search and rescue branch.
When a crisis strike, the Norwegian Red Cross can mobilize a large network of volunteers in a short time. Photo: Kathrine Lunke, Apeland.

Part of a large global movement

The Red Cross is a humanitarian organisation whose work is driven by a desire to help others. It is committed to, and bound by, the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and acts as the guardian of the Geneva Conventions.

The Red Cross reunites people. Red Cross lorry drivers and ambulance personnel get food and help through to those struck by famine. Red Cross water engineers cross battle lines to repair bombed water supply systems to ensure that people have access to clean water. This is possible because you and others like you care, and because the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems protect these volunteers.

Given the frequency with which wars break out and the ever-recurring famines, the need may seem overwhelming. Therefore, it is important to know that a lot of people are also working to make things better.

Frequently asked questions (Q&A)

I do not speak Norwegian, can I still volunteer?

Activities offered by Red Cross in Norway, are usually initiated and run by local branches in our municipalities (kommuner), and the language used is normally Norwegian. Therefore, the need for volunteers who do not speak Norwegian, will vary from branch to branch, depending on their need of volunteers at the time. 

I would like to learn Norwegian and volunteer as Norwegian speaking at a later time

The Norwegian Red Cross offers Norwegian Practice (norsktrening) for people who would like to learn Norwegian. Read more on this page. 

I would like to check volunteering opportunities with the Red Cross branches in my area:

The Red Cross registration forms for volunteers are in Norwegian, and all activities are usually described in Norwegian as well. Contact your local chapter directly if you have questions.

Can I become a volunteer in an activity that my local chapter doesn´t offer?

Your chapter of choice does not have to be in the same municipality as the one in which you live. You can choose any chapter you see fit that offers the specific activity you want to work with.

Can I volunteer if I live in another country?

Volunteering with the Red Cross requires physical presence, and there’s currently no volunteer activity in Norway that can be carried out from another country. Volunteering with the Norwegian Red Cross is unpaid, and the Norwegian Red Cross can’t be listed as a place of work when applying for a visa.

For questions regarding visas: Please contact UDI – the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration.

Can I support the Red Cross without becoming a volunteer?

For some people, volunteering is something that does not always fit into daily life for varying reasons. Nevertheless, you can support our humanitarian work in many other ways. Read more on this page.

Take me to the top of the page.