Becoming a Virtual Volunteer: How to Get Involved Online is helpful guide for those seeking to continue service work thru online platforms. These six steps are easy to follow and Student Training & Education in Public Service provides additional resources for those looking to serve in virtual ways.
United Nations Volunteering
is offering numerous skill-based opportunities for individuals to assist with various non-profits and governments around the globe. Some options include translation, art and design, technology development, and writing and editing.
Omprakash has numerous opportunities to virtually volunteer globally. In the search function, indicate skills, regions, and/or themes to see the vetted options they have available. They also offer a free online learning network, Facing Pandemic: Solidarity & Storytelling across Differences, to connect, share, and create with others.
Operation Gratitude Volunteers work from home to provide support to military members and first responders by making handmade items for care packages or paracord "survival" bracelets or writing personal letters of appreciation. Volunteers participate in virtual workshops for instructions.
BookShare supports individuals with disabilities by providing access to text. Volunteers select books from a request list to scan, proofread, and/or describe images. Self-paced virtual training is provided. Service activity is tracked.
The Human Voicebank collects voices from volunteers for adaptive technologies for those without vocal speech. While it only takes a few moments, volunteers interested in a more in-depth project can also organize a virtual voice drive, collecting voices from others.
Operation Photo Rescue utilizes volunteers to restore photos damaged, usually by water, in natural disasters. Volunteers must have access to and be proficient with Photoshop.
Shelter the World aims to increase housing accessibility throughout the world. Volunteer activities include social media awareness, web site development, and creative endeavors such as photography.
Mapping Prejudice is a project started by the University of Minnesota focused on creating maps of historical and current racial restrictions in housing. Volunteers read deeds and enter the information into a database by completing a form. Activity is tracked through a volunteer's account.
United Nations sponsors a wide-ranging virtual volunteer program providing opportunity for service worldwide through a network of organizations worldwide. Volunteers have opportunities to help in many disciplines, including education, technology, translation, healthcare, and more. Requirements, commitment level and experiences differ broadly among the possible projects.
Red Cross asks volunteers to monitor social media and report the needs of individuals who have been affected by disaster (including COVID-19). Volunteers must have access to social media platforms, be willing to share important disaster updates and resources and to respond compassionately. On-line training is required.
Smithsonian Institute has an extensive community of virtual volunteers who transcribe historical documents. Volunteers communicate regularly through social media to share tips and reflection.
If you are considering serving in any of these capacities, we suggest reviewing the article, 5 Tips for Being a Useful Volunteer: Humanizing Digital Work during COVID-19, from Omprakash.