The coronavirus pandemic has changed overnight how we interact, launching us from the real world into the virtual world. It has also changed the way we are volunteering: we have now entered the era of virtual volunteering. The world of virtual volunteering actually offers an easy way to make a difference from the safety and comfort of your home.
In addition to traditional online volunteering, where you can offer your time and skills to purse a task from remote, there are other things you can do as individual to help from a distance.
Here are three suggestions:
1. Advocate for the organisation that need your help
Your voice is powerful and you can use it to raise awareness of the work of the charity to your network of friends, stakeholders and potential donors. You can advocate on line: share and repost stories on your social media accounts, share newsletters with your contacts, or write a blog post. You can also present your non-profit at networking events, fundraising events, conferences, or university events. You can talk about your non-profit with friends, families or whomever you engage with. Speaking up for the needs that exist and sharing how you are helping can inspire people to act as well.
Never underestimate the sparkle you can ignite in others!
2. Use your creativity to raise funds for the organisation
Covid-19 is creating new needs while putting enormous financial pressure on all non-profits. The economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic has caused many donors to dial back. Many non-profits are also having to cancel many of their usual programs and fundraising events out of concern for public safety. Some have limited financial reserves to carry them through lean times ahead, and some of them even face an uncertain future.
If you are in a financial position to do so, you should consider making a donation.
You can also find creative ways to raise funds online, from crowd funding, peer-to-peer fundraising, social media challenges, to online raffles. You could use a combination of these ideas to reach your fundraising goals and further your cause.
Donors are the lifeblood of any non-profit, particularly in these critical times.
3. Make the most of your experience and serve non-profit boards as a board advisor
All non-profits have a board of directors, a governing body advising on finances, human resources policies, the hiring and evaluation of the executive director, as well as overseeing fundraising and strategic planning. Given the wide range of responsibilities a board of directors has, they need people from many different backgrounds. Often board members are geographically spread out, and the periodic meetings take place online.
By serving on a board and bringing your knowledge, energy, and expertise to the table, you can meaningfully contribute to support an organisation and its mission.
Advocate, donor or board member… whatever role you choose on your non-profit service path, you will bring invaluable support to the non-profit you choose to assist!
If this article has inspired you help the community in Cambodia by volunteering from home, contact us. We can help you match your skills and expectations with the right online opportunity in your field of interest and a cause you are passionate about… here in Cambodia.
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