e-Volunteering
What is Virtual Volunteering?
Virtual Volunteering is an exciting new approach to involving people in volunteer activity. It seeks to utilise the recent developments in information communications technology (in particular, the widespread use of the Internet and e-mail) to develop new volunteer relationships.
Virtual Volunteering differs from traditional volunteering in two important respects:
- The volunteer tasks are undertaken, by and large, using the Internet and computers
- The volunteers undertaking the tasks, for the most part, work 'off-site'
Any time, any place, anyone…
Virtual volunteering enables the participation of people who, due to mobility issues, home responsibilities or work commitments, are often excluded from volunteering because they are unable to work on-site during office hours.
One of the advantages of virtual volunteering is that volunteers are able to arrange to complete the tasks at a time and place that suits them best.
What types of things can Virtual Volunteers do?
Virtual volunteering can be a great way of gaining and developing skills and gives you the chance to get experience of tackling real life problems, communicating with other people, problem-solving and team building.
Virtual volunteering can cover a wide range of tasks and activities. Thus far we have attracted a variety of voluntary organisations offering a range of different tasks, including:
Website Design, Databases, Newsletters, Fundraising, Research and Mentoring.
One of the leading organisations for Virtual Volunteering is
Horsesmouth – Online Coaching and Mentoring Network