Virtual VOLUNTEER W
NOW IS THE TIME TO LEND A HELPING HAND
hether it’s the warmth you get from giving a hug, or the joy cooking for someone brings, we know doing good feels good.
It’s for this reason that many people opt to become volunteers, with CEO of Communiteer Victor Lee saying it inspires a more positive outlook on life.
“We know that people achieve personal satisfaction and engagement through volunteering and having a greater purpose outside of themselves,” says Victor.
Despite this, recent numbers from the Australian Bureau of Statistics note two-thirds of volunteers have ceased lending a hand, as getting out and giving back can be tricky in these strange, pandemic times.
Enter our digital alternative: virtual volunteering.
WHAT IS VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING?
In short, it’s volunteering but from the comfort of your computer or device.
As many not-for-profits (NFPS) have pivoted to remote models, Victor says they still need skill-based volunteers to carry out business operations.
“Skill-based volunteering, which means leveraging the specialised skills and talent of individuals to strengthen the NFP infrastructure, helps NFPS sustain their capacity to successfully achieve their missions.”
Though virtual volunteering lacks soup kitchens or libraries, it offers digital opportunities in web design, grant writing and online research.
All that’s required is a computer, a secure internet connection and the ability to handle video conferences.
WHAT SKILLS ARE IN DEMAND?
Charities need people with a variety of skills
– from phone operators and researchers to tutors, translators and craftspeople.
However, Victor says the constant pressure for NFPS to compete for relevance in the digital space is a driver for the volunteers they need.
“They need to build operational capacity and apply strategic thinking, so as a result they are seeking technologically skilled volunteers,” says Victor. “NFPS’ most desired skills centre around IT, marketing, people and culture, and content creation.”
READY TO GET STARTED?
Organisations that match individuals with different skills for virtual volunteering are the best way to kick off your stint as a virtual volunteer, especially if you are looking for something specific.
If you know where you want to volunteer, organisations also offer opportunities through the more traditional job channels, such as Linkedin, Seek and Indeed.