3 minute read
IGNITE December 2021
A huge demand for virtual volunteering
Eleven things you can do from home to support your favorite cause
Blame the COVID-19 pandemic or just the hustle and bustle of modern life, but it might feel increasingly difficult to squeeze in volunteering at the end of your already packed daily task list.
While volunteering in person is still possible and needed by area charities, there is a huge demand for virtual volunteering, and you can make an impact from the comfort of your own home.
Post on social media for a worthy cause. Volunteers can promote charities, campaigns and resources for organizations from their own accounts. The ultra tech-savvy can even volunteer to run the official social media accounts of nonprofits. Why not turn our Instagram accounts into something more than just cute pictures of our pets?
Clean out your closet. Donate your clothes to an organization like the Rockford Rescue Mission, Goodwill or Salvation Army. “Marie Kondo” your gently used professional attire and give joy to programs like Dress for Success and Attire to Hire. Individuals who cannot afford it will get a chance to make a sharp first impression while looking for employment.
Become a mentor. Share your knowledge and experience with a new generation. Youth out there have similar interests and career ambitions as you. They could use you right now. Being a mentor and encouraging someone is a gratifying opportunity. Whether you want to help at-risk students graduate, or aspiring entrepreneurs break through, your mentorship is possible from home.
Bust out the arts and crafts. Everyone loves receiving gifts. Children in need, active soldiers, seniors, shelter pets and the terminally ill are no exception. Blanket-making talents will never go out of style. Letter writing is a timeless and beautiful way to bring joy to people who need it very dearly. Find projects that match your creative juices. Whatever you are good at or love, there is a volunteer opportunity for you.
Fall back on your professional skills. Nonprofits need a range of talents to complete their mission. Marketing, data entry, legal advice, bookkeeping, emailing and translating are common skills needed and actionable from home. Contact local nonprofits to see if any of your proficiencies match their needs. You would be surprised how many would love your virtual support.
Consider joining a local nonprofit board. This one may also require in-person volunteering occasionally, but like businesses found out during the pandemic, charities can hear you just as clearly in a meeting via Zoom. Nonprofits are always in need of new board members. Your point of view and energy can bring fresh ideas and life to an organization. If you give to or volunteer for a specific charity, they could be a perfect board match for you.
Pick up the phone. Now more than ever, people need extra love and support. Crisis phone and text lines rely on generous volunteers to listen and problem solve. You may need to go through training but aiding in a crisis is its own reward.
Go shopping. If you buy from Amazon, add your favorite charity to Amazon Smile, and Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases at no cost to you. Keep a lookout for local drives and donate school supplies, canned goods, toiletries or toys all over the Rockford community.
Plant a Row for the Hungry. This nationwide program is to encourage those with a green thumb to donate extra produce to the disadvantaged. In Winnebago County, the Master Gardener volunteers run the University of Illinois extension project. Reserve a portion of your garden for those in need this year.
Check out sites like VolunteerMatch.
Join IGNITE! We’re always looking for more young professionals to get involved in the community. We live stream monthly Meet a Nonprofit Events on our Facebook page and would be happy to connect you to nonprofits in the community that require your specific set of skills.
Shane Sullivan is a tax accountant at Holmertz-Parsons, CPAs, and an INVOLVE Co-Chair for IGNITE.
The views expressed are those of Sullivan’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
