Posted by 
Estimated reading time is 2 minutes, 39 seconds
As touched upon in my previous piece, digital transformation of non-profit organisations is a hot topic with big promises. The application of digital technologies inevitably affects staff roles, routines and work processes. This not only has implications for permanent staff members but also for those looking to volunteer. In this post, I look at the potential of virtual volunteering.
From proposal writing, to translating documents and creating newsletter templates, virtual volunteering allows for an array of activities to be carried out online. All you need to help make a difference is a digital-skill set and an internet connection. Virtual volunteering opens up a world of opportunities, for both organisations and individuals.
Opportunities for Organisations
Particularly smaller nonprofit organisations typically face resource constraints and can only afford to maintain a small paid staff. As with traditional volunteering, virtual volunteering offers nonprofits access to human capital at virtually no cost. Furthermore, virtual volunteering removes logistical barriers, as volunteers can offer their services from the comfort of their own homes. This relieves organisations from planning, organising and assuming responsibility for volunteers when they travel abroad.
Virtual volunteering furthermore allows organisations to be more specific when defining the tasks they require assistance with. Think for instance of a Technical Project Manager; an expert to help you acquire and deploy ICT infrastructure, oversee migration processes, develop ICT policies as well as provide trainings. This is an opportunity to attract the kind of expertise that can assist organisations on their journey of digital transformation. A quick diagnosis of the organisation’s processes will help highlight the tasks that can be delegated to volunteers. Does your website need an upgrade or would you like to level up your social media presence? Often one gets bogged down with daily operations of maintaining online platforms. This leaves little time to get creative and work on big picture improvements. These are areas that can be delegated to digital natives on a project basis. What is more, it’s probably even better to have a fresh pair of eyes take a look at your online presence.
Possibilities for Volunteers
Virtual volunteering is more easily accessible, particularly for those with limited mobility. The fairly low-cost setup offers opportunities to those who may not have been otherwise able to afford the costs associated with volunteering abroad. Furthermore, virtual volunteering offers more flexibility and can be worked into weekly routines and schedules. This opens up the opportunity for those who find themselves too busy to volunteer. Rather than carving out an entire day for a specific activity, one may instead be able to spend an hour or two proof-reading a proposal or translating a piece of content. Virtual volunteering thus also enables micro-volunteering, for smaller ad-hoc tasks that don’t require high levels of commitment. This is particularly appealing for employees and entrepreneurs.
As the economic effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic take their toll on the global workforce, many find themselves retrenched and in between jobs. Volunteering online is a way to bridge the employment gap and maintain one’s skillset.
Are you looking to volunteer online? Here are a few resources to get you started. Feel free to share your recommendations and thoughts in the comments below.
This post is written by Marianne Liyayi. Find out more about the authors of this blog.
References
Fritz, J. (2020, April 9). How Virtual Volunteering Works for Individuals and Nonprofits. Retrieved from https://www.thebalancesmb.com/becoming-a-virtual-volunteer-4138357
Menjivar, J. (n/a). 9 PLACES TO VOLUNTEER ONLINE (AND MAKE A REAL IMPACT). Retrieved from https://www.dosomething.org/us/articles/9-places-to-volunteer-online-and-make-a-real-impact
Virtual volunteering provides many benefits for organizations and helps for volunteers to contribute online. Yet, the contribution can be minimum because virtual volunteers may not have enough ways or capabilities to contribute. Still, I believe that volunteering takes initiative and commitment. For this reason, we shouldn’t question if it is minimum or maximum level of volunteering. This is a good post Marianne! Thank you for providing some sources to volunteer online.
Hi Alpi, indeed there are some drawbacks/concerns when it comes to virtual volunteering. The degree of involvement and the quality of the contribution for example. How well can a virtual volunteer help with reporting for instance, if they haven’t been “in the field”?
Many thanks for your comment
Virtual volunteering might be much more better way to volunteer especially in these times. As COVID-19 is spreading, it might be better to get behind the computer/phones, and volunteer for those in need. The scope of volunteering can change in a digital context. However, I think it can allow more flexibility as people can use their laptop or mobile phones late in the evening or even in the middle of the night. Therefore, it removes problems with timing and it also removes logistical barriers as you have clearly stated Marianne. Although it might not be as useful as being there in person, I believe that volunteering online or ‘digital volunteering’ is as important as being there in person. It is the thought that it counts. Despite the fact that people may not be there, does not mean that they can’t contribute.
Dear Elif, many thanks for your contribution, Indeed this year – more than ever probably – has shown the importance of being able to move one’s work online. I expect a substantial increase, with virtual volunteering playing a significant role in the gig economy
Hi Marianne,
Thank you for your informative entry, it is great to see outlined the potentials and benefits of virtual volunteering, especially in the current settings. The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on medical volunteers. Healthcare clearly depends on volunteers, however, for the same reason, it would be important for organizations and individuals working in the health sector to comprehend and put emphasis on the possible drawbacks of the virtual volunteering. The lack of digital literacy could present an obstacle. As mentioned in previous comments, there are also logistical barriers which question the equal opportunities to access. Similarly, often that part of a community does not have access to online health services who would need the most. For sure, breaking the barriers of the digital divide is a complex question.
Hi Rebeka, thank you for your thoughts. Surely certain tasks can only be carried out in person, and virtual volunteering is more task-specific.
You’re right about potential drawbacks, particularly in regards to the quality of work carried out by virtual volunteers who may not have extensive experience with certain contexts
Pingback: All you need to change the world is internet access - Decoding Data for Development