Virtual Volunteering: Three Tips for Success
Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash.
Virtual volunteering is pretty much all we can do right now. There are a lot of good things about virtual volunteering, but one thing that we don’t like about it is that it is usually a solo experience. You get to help an organization with a real problem, but it’s you and your computer. In its highest form, you have the opportunity to engage directly with someone who needs your help on the other side of the line. But, in the end, it’s just you doing the work.
We spend a lot of our time creating group mobilizations where you get good work done, and you get to do it with your colleagues and friends. In the virtual space, we created ways to keep doing that.
In the 10 months of global lockdowns, we’ve provided volunteer experiences for more than 5,000 volunteers in Europe, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States in group, online settings. The events have supported various causes, including healthcare workers and first responders, who have been working tirelessly since the pandemic began; seniors, who have been isolated from their family members; and children who are attending classes remotely. We have also created experiences that focus on animal welfare, the environment, homelessness, and racial and social justice.
And while the virtual volunteering experience is different, it still involves volunteers and community organizations. As a result, much of the foundations of a good experience remain. We have put together a few of our tried-and-true volunteer event tips that translate to anyone who is coordinating a virtual volunteer event!
1) Choose a tech platform that meets your needs.
Each tech platform has its own benefits and limitations. You’ll need to choose one that meets your needs. Consider how many attendees you’ll have at your event, the amount of time you’ll need to complete the activity, and if you’ll need breakout rooms. Starting in a large group allows everyone to learn about the nonprofit you’re supporting and the activity. Breaking into small groups gives individuals a chance to engage more.
2) Ensure people understand why they’re volunteering.
Many companies choose several causes to support based on their corporate mission, location, or other factors. It’s also important for individuals to understand why they’re supporting a particular nonprofit and how that nonprofit is tied to the company’s larger mission.
3) Provide clear expectations about the event.
Although volunteer events are fun, it’s important to communicate appropriate event information to all attendees. Use your calendar app to ensure that everyone has the correct date, time, and link to join the event. Be sure to send the information early so that they can hold the time as needed.
Additionally, make sure volunteers know if they need to purchase or collect supplies ahead of time and if they will need to schedule time to drop off donations at the nonprofit once the event is over. Although it may not be possible for all volunteer program organizers to do so, Give To Get mails all needed supplies to volunteers’ homes in advance of our At-Home Volunteer Experiences. We also provide pre-paid shipping labels so that volunteers can send donations safely to the nonprofit partner via the United States Postal Service.
If you’d like more information on Give To Get’s virtual volunteer events for groups of 25 or more, please contact us! We can create events that support your existing nonprofit partners or use our database to find a local nonprofit that aligns with your company’s social impact goals