Forget volunteering in an op shop and meals on wheels. In today's busy world, you'll see volunteers in their pyjamas.
'Virtual Volunteering' is just starting to take off in Australia and involves volunteering your time online or on the phone.
With International Volunteer Day taking place this Friday, 5 December, the charity DoSomething are calling on busy Australians to think about becoming a virtual volunteer.
Their website is now listing virtual volunteering opportunities such as calling older Australians on the phone to check on their well being, transcribing specimen labels and field notes for the Australian museum and assisting the UN in work in developing countries using writing, editing and design skills. “Hundreds of thousands of Australians have checked out the normal volunteering opportunities at our DoSomethingNearYou website, but increasingly people are asking us for volunteering opportunities that they can do online or over the phone,” DoSomething Founder Jon Dee says.
“With virtual volunteering, you don’t have to be fit or outgoing, or be able to drive a car. People with disabilities or mobility restrictions can also get involved. All it takes is some spare time, whenever you happen to be available and that can be a little time or lots. Whatever you can give.”
International Volunteer Day takes place on Friday, 5 December.
