If you have access to a computer, there are many different volunteer projects and roles available to support organizations and causes in local communities or across the globe.
It’s what’s called virtual volunteering, which can be done from home, the library or pretty much anywhere with an Internet connection.
What is virtual volunteering?
It’s volunteering done online, via computers, tablets or smartphones, usually off-site from the non-profit organization being supported. More and more, organizations are engaging people who want to contribute their skills and time via the Internet.
What is the time commitment?
Virtual volunteers can complete one-time, short-term or ongoing tasks and projects. You may choose to volunteer once to write a blog, over a few months to design a website or on an ongoing basis as a tutor supporting a student for one hour per week over a school year.
What are the benefits of virtual volunteering?
Virtual volunteering is flexible, often allowing the volunteer to complete a task or project around their own schedule. It is also not limited by geography or physical ability. You can choose to volunteer for an organization in your local community, across the country or across the globe, all without needing to leave your home.
What skills do I want to share or learn in my volunteering?
Consider the types of skills and talents you would like to share or learn through your volunteering and match them to the needs of a non-profit organization. Some people want to share their professional skills, others would rather share talents not related to their profession. Some are seeking to learn a new skill or build work experience. Many opportunities are skills-based and can include pro bono projects.
What does a virtual volunteer opportunity look like?
Here are a few examples of the types of virtual volunteer opportunities available through volunteer centre platforms:
Telephone reassurance volunteer: Use your phone to connect with an isolated senior or adult with a disability and bring some light to their day.
Public relations specialist: Are you a communicator who is interested in volunteering for a young and energetic organization where you’ll enjoy flexibility in setting your own schedule and freedom to contribute your ideas? Your role will be to help support communications efforts and contribute to the development of a media relations, influencer engagement and social communications strategy.
Writer: Assist with writing marketing and communications documents such as newsletters, request letters, website content and more.
Social media specialist: Join an organization’s marketing team to produce and implement social media strategies. You could manage, maintain and grow an organization’s social media presence on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Book buddies: Schools often have volunteers read stories or listen to stories of students. Become an online Book Buddy. Set a specific time of day and time limit for the event. Help a child read a book via Skype, Zoom, FB video messenger or Facetime. Allow enough time for a short visit and repeat regularly.
