Volunteering

The world of volunteering is vast and has many faces and forms, enabling millions to provide and receive help and support. There are many inspiring stories we could share with you, but this is not the reason you are visiting this website.

Due to recent pandemic, more than ever, organisations and charities around the world are engaging people who want to contribute their skills, also via the internet. This virtual volunteering may be done online, but the volunteers and the service users are very real. Since the beginning of the pandemic, online volunteering has become integrated into most organisations' workplans and their volunteer development strategies. That means that the basic principles of volunteer management should apply equally to volunteers working online or onsite.

In this digital age, where new technologies are changing many aspects of our everyday life, making it automated, volunteering has taken on a new significance. It has allowed people from all corners of the globe to come together, meet one another and make a positive impact on their communities and the world at large. Whether you're helping a nonprofit with admin tasks, providing online tutoring to students in need, or offering emotional support through counselling, your contributions are invaluable.

The beauty of volunteering lies in its accessibility. It's present everywhere, including right where you are. There are many good causes where you can help and gain new skills. It can be done online, making it possible for volunteers to connect with organisations they are passionate about, even if they are oceans apart. This has opened up a world of opportunities for both volunteers and organisations, fostering a sense of global unity. Even if technology is changing the landscape of volunteering in the digital era, it's important to remember that the essence of volunteering remains unchanged. The dedication, compassion, and commitment of volunteers, whether online or onsite, continues to be the driving force behind positive social change. So, as you embark on your virtual volunteering journey or seek volunteers for your organisation's online initiatives, remember that at its core, volunteering is about people coming together to make a difference, make friends and learn new skills regardless of the platform they use to connect.

The game "Volunteer Adventure: Balancing Risks and Rewards." It is a text-based interactive game that puts the player in the shoes of a volunteer, and their goal is to complete various volunteer opportunities while balancing the risks and rewards associated with each opportunity. 

Different types of Volunteering

Informal volunteering takes place when you help someone, but you are not registered, or supported by any organisation or structure. This is the most common form of volunteering in developing countries (not only), where there is no efficient, or widely available support system in place and people help each other with variety of things including childcare, shopping, travel, education, health and more. This form of volunteering is a crucial part of every active community, but can pose some risks to both volunteers and people who are receiving help. In this setting, hardly any volunteer is aware of their rights and responsibilities (especially when volunteering in Health and Social Care, e.g. by supporting a vulnerable person), or boundaries. Informal volunteering may bring many unregulated activities and undesired risks that may affect everyone involved, as most informal volunteers aren't Disclosure / PVG checked / Police checked. As more and more people and organisations are affected by inflation, the austerity agenda and cuts to public services, there is an increased risk that unprepared volunteers will often be involved in the process of protecting the more vulnerable members of society. Volunteers who are not registered with any umbrella body or organisation with a relevant training programme may not have the knowledge and understanding of the specialist skills required to support and protect both adults and children effectively. In this setting, there are no volunteer co-ordinators involved, who would support the volunteer and no supervision of the progress, or procedure to follow and protect all parties involved. Informal groups are also missing out on public dialogue and engagement with local community groups and statutory partners like community fora, community councils, or local governmental bodies (Council, Fire & Rescue, NHS, Police).

Unregistered groups will not have a say in local policy co-production and will not be allowed to enter a school building without a disclosure / PVG check / Police check. Informal groups may also struggle with gathering the intelligence for future projects and undertaking school or community-based consultation, as they have no authority, or formal recognition. They don't engage with the local authorities, or other external stakeholders and therefore can't get involved in any formal dialogue, or (in case of any complications) cope with increasingly complex challenges like limited capacity, project delivery, fit for purpose training scheme for volunteers, or legal HR issues if they should occur. It is worth mentioning that currently there are many funding streams available, but in order to apply, the group has to be constituted, and have a formal Board of Trustee's (Chair, Secretary and the Treasurer with a valid Bank Account). Informal volunteering that is not backed up by the project partners' expertise and funding (Council, NHS, or many other umbrella bodies supporting volunteering and volunteer development) can be inspiring, but will have a very limited reach and lifespan. Unregistered volunteers should focus on delivering help that they feel is required, but only when it is safe to do so. Volunteering is an amazing adventure, but it must be conducted in a safe manner. 

Every doctor before they start their practice must take the Hippocratic Oath. One of the promises within that oath is “first, do no harm” (or “primum non nocere,” the Latin translation from the original Greek). The fact is that when difficult, real-time decisions must be made (often in isolation / alone), it’s hard to apply the “first, do no harm” dictum because estimates of risk and benefit are so uncertain and prone to error. The truth is that this rule perfectly applies to volunteering and it is a reminder that volunteers should neither overestimate their capacity to help, nor underestimate their capacity to cause harm. It is also a powerful reminder that we are living in very turbulent times and volunteers are often the "first response team", which was clearly visible during the Covid-19 pandemic. That amazing team desperately needs high-quality training to support themselves and others safely.

The ancient Greek medical works written during the same period as the Oath reveal that Greek physicians understood that they had a duty to avoid medical errors and learn from bad outcomes. In present times, most mistakes can be avoided and, just like in medicine, it is a moral duty for volunteers, volunteer co-ordinators, charity workers and charity managers to pursue every possible avenue to upskill and deliver error-free service.

Quality training helps volunteers understand the balance of risk and benefit for the volunteering as well as learn about solutions they can recommend during a variety of situations they are exposed to (FYI - sometimes good listening skills are simply the best option!). Those situations may occur while working with: Befriending Project, Addictions, Mental Health, Suicide, Youth Work, LGBTI, Immigration & Asylum, Older People, Children, Young People and Families and many more.

Non-Formal volunteering takes place when you help someone, but you are not registered, or supported by any formal umbrella organisation, or regional / national structure but attend a local group, church, or activities. This is a very common form of volunteering, especially where people don't want to go big with their volunteering, or are not interested in any form of support system except their local volunteer placement that, for example, a local group / church / organisation can offer. In this type of volunteering, people help each other through a local group, or on a 1-to-1 basis and may not even be fully supported but undertake various activities including childcare, shopping support, travel support, education, unpaid caring (carers) and more. This type of volunteering is a crucial part of every grassroots organisation in an active community. This type of volunteering is a step towards a more formal structure, but can still pose some risks to both volunteers and service users (people who are receiving help) for the very simple reason. Even if the cause is good, volunteer co-ordinators may not have basic community development and volunteer development knowledge, volunteers may not be asked to take part in Disclosure / PVG checks, and the service users may be exposed to unnecessary stress, or other unwanted situations that could easily be avoided. In a world in which social divisions are widening not lessening, it is essential for non-formal groups to engage with umbrella bodies and thrive to not only support volunteers better, but access additional funding and hire staff. Many organisations that took this route are now local leaders in practical community development, social justice and experts in sustainability, supporting their staff and the local community with success. It is then vital that volunteers will work together on setting up formal, constituted groups with a committee, chair and the treasurer. This fundamental move enables them to make people's dreams come true, allows their staff to start receiving financial compensation for their work and volunteers take training and move on when ready, either to paid positions, or other professional engagement, if this is what they would like to do. Not all volunteers are looking for employment as a result of their volunteering.

Formal volunteering is a form of engagement, where all project partners are registered, insured, supported and their travel expenses are paid (in some cases, where possible). Volunteers can rely on ongoing support, training and their volunteer co-ordinator. Volunteer managers are trained professionals that are prepared to guide volunteers and support them during the volunteering / project duration.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, more than ever, organisations and charities around the world are engaging with people who want to contribute their skills, also via the internet. This virtual volunteering may be done online, but the volunteers and the service users are very real. Since the beginning of the pandemic, online volunteering, remote working and e-learning have become integrated into most organisations' workplans, policies and their volunteer development strategies. That means the basic principles of volunteer management should apply equally to volunteers working online or onsite (in person). Many organisations and charities have their own sophisticated recruitment methods, motivating and rewarding strategies, followed by online marketing, for example, social media recruitment strategies. Since Covid-19 the world has changed and what before was an aspiration, now it is a necessity to ensure project delivery and sustainability. The Internet is a place where everyone can visit. Therefore, transparency, clarity and simplicity are vital for creating accessible, but at the same time, motivated and thriving online communities. 

Because the subject is so vast, it is always good practice to reach directly to the source and get up-to-date information with the latest theory and research on volunteering, civic participation, co-production and a variety of community actions that are incredibly successful around the world. Don't forget to do your research and check your local non-profit associations. If you are looking for a comprehensive and coherent overview of the multiple dimensions of volunteering, please explore this page further. We work hard to bring you the new trends in volunteering and help with in-depth understanding of the current perspectives,  challenges, and future of this undoubtedly important activity, which is volunteering.

If you’re pushed for time, this type of volunteering could be perfect. If you have mobility challenges, are disabled or housebound, you might find this will suit, as you can do it anytime and anywhere. If you are underage, attend a school, or university, or if you are just interested in making a difference but don't have the time for full commitment, or don't have the capacity to do something big - this option is definitely for you! Many amazing projects had their beginnings in the community, or school where a group of friends or fellow students decide to spend one hour of their spare time on volunteering. This type of volunteering can not only inspire you, your friends, or co-workers to better themselves in the most beautiful way, but also improve your mental and physical health.

Examples of Micro Volunteering:

• Dog-walking healthy, sick, or elderly's pets or help at a local animal shelter

• Helping with repurposing, or repairing things for local charity

• Poverty environment animal welfare

• Global awareness days

• Skills exchange (smartphone, tablets, laptops)

• Fundraising online

• Marketing

• Campaigning

• Digital Fundraising

• Video creator (YouTube)

• Video chat (MS Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, GoToMeeting, Skype, Google Hangouts)

• Social media volunteer

• Visiting Care Homes / Residential Care Homes

• Gardening

• Create a 'Language Club' where volunteers could be paired with other students or adults in your area who are non-native English speakers and may be struggling with the language (Disclosure, or PVG may be required)

• Games or sports / outdoor activities 

• Telephone Befriending

• Health and Social Care Befriending project

• Befriending online "Support a Senior" programme where volunteers get the name of a particular senior at a home to write letters & send cards to, especially a birthday card! Nothing makes them feel better than someone remembering them when everyone else has forgotten (Disclosure, or PVG may be required).

• Secret Santa Club, where people pick a random micro volunteering action they initially agree

• Promote volunteering by becoming a "Micro volunteer Ambassador"

• Designing a logo/flyer for your group

• Lead Social media site for a charity

• Create, or critique a nonprofit webpage for a local charity

• Tweet updates for a good cause

• Easy and more Advanced Origami workshop

• Online games

• Online Communication Co-ordinator

• "Email a Friend in Need"

• Writing a blog, or a website

• Helping with ePortfolio

Where can you volunteer?

From the comfort of your own home, in the office, on holiday, or anywhere you have an internet connection.

What does it involve?

There are a huge range of micro-actions including the environment, active citizenship, letter writing, proof reading, surveys and more. 

Getting Started

• Think about what's possible to achieve in a short-term project, whether it is in line with your current hobby, or just a gaming-type online project

• Encourage your friends and family to support you

• Use social media to promote your ideas 

• Be specific, advertise big (your community, be that local, national or international) but focus on details

• Set the time-frame (one-off, at regular frequencies, one hour, fortnightly, monthly, seasonal e.g. Secret Santa for local disadvantaged children)

• Project partners, e.g. school, local church, council, other local charities, or groups (the bigger you will get the better success you may achieve)

• Give your project a name, don't keep it a low profile, make it fun e.g. Primary School Volunteers Show, Our Street Has Got Talent!

What if people are not supporting me?

You can rely on support from your organisation, or volunteer placement, but we need to warn you, however, not to let people put you off. Be brave, as at this stage in rare occasions some of your friends or family may not understand why you would like to do something for free? Tell them, that most things that were discovered or developed in the world started small, but they were unique and innovative and this is exactly what you are planning to do!

If that won't help invite them in, or inspire them. It's okay if they're sceptical about volunteering, but trying something new can be a good thing as well. Many successful inventions and innovations endured plenty of public ridicule before becoming widely popular. And today we can't live without them. Among many others are soap, light bulbs, coffee, an umbrella and an airplane! On the other hand, volunteering is not that new. According to vcla.net, the origin of volunteering can be traced back to 12th century Britain, where there were more than 500 hospitals operated by volunteers.