Want to volunteer and make a difference? You can volunteer from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you with ONLINE volunteering!
Volunteering is a great thing to do, for both your community AND yourself! However, you may have some barriers that mean your opportunities are limited. This is where online volunteering steps in – you can offer your time from the comfort of your own home, and work around your own schedule. Here are some ways you can volunteer online and make a difference in the world!
1. Become a Youth Ambassador
Aged 16-30 and care about your future? You can build your skills, confidence and CV online or at exciting local events near you as a volunteer Youth Ambassador. We’ll help you get involved in inspiring projects and events like going to Parliament, provide the mentoring and support you need, and help you be a champion for other young people in things that interest you.
You’ll also be part of a community of great young people who are all passionate about what they do! Check out some of the stories from our Youth Ambassadors to get inspired.
2. United Nations Volunteers
Volunteering with the United Nations is a great way to put your skills and hobbies to good use. Many organisations in the United Nations network are looking for volunteers to help with their work. This could include translation tasks, helping to create social media or blog posts, or developing business plans. By using the filter to find only online opportunities, you can search for ways you can help.
3. ZSL Instant Wild
You can support conservation work by identifying creatures in images and videos from amazing locations all around the world. Scientists have provided a list of the species in the study area for you to pick from, so don’t worry if you can’t recognise every animal as there are pictures to help you. Not only are you helping scientists with their research, you’ll also learn about creatures too while watching them in their natural habitat. Some of the projects include:
- Jaguars and their prey in Mexico
- Seals in the UK
- Wolves, bears and lynx in Croatia
- Great apes in rainforests
- Wild cats in Costa Rica
- Sharks, skates and rays on the coast of Wales
4. Translators Without Borders
Translators Without Borders is a non-profit that helps people get vital information and be heard, whatever language they speak. If you speak multiple languages, this is a chance to make meaningful change by helping give other people a voice. The language related projects can include translations, subtitling and voice over work. You’ll get access to tools, resources and peer support so you’ll never feel alone or overwhelmed.
5. Mind Youth Voice Network
Mind is a charity that campaigns to change the way we approach mental health. The Mind Youth Voice Network is for anyone aged 11 to 24 living in England and Wales. It gives you a chance to have a say in what they do and shape their work.
You can take part in any way you want to! Thousands of young volunteers have written blogs, joined workshops, provided quotes and tips, spoken at events and helped with campaigns. You can join in with whatever you feel comfortable doing.
6. Smithsonian Digital Volunteers
You may recognise the Smithsonian from their many facilities like research centres, zoos and museums. The Smithsonian Transcription Center is always on the lookout for people who can help transcribe historical documents. Your transcriptions will make historical materials more accessible, preserve them for the future, and help researchers.
7. DoSomething.org
DoSomething is a collective of people changing the world with youth activism. The great thing about volunteering online is that you are limited by your location! DoSomething is a nonprofit from the US, but young people from 131 more countries are taking action. You can participate in campaigns to impact your community with causes you care about. Projects have included racism, medical misinformation, gender-inclusivity, food banks, period poverty and promoting STEM careers.
8. Bookmark
With Bookmark, you can become a reading volunteer and help children to learn to read. You’ll spend one hour a week reading stories and playing games with a child aged between 5 and 9 years old on a secure online platform. It involves two 30 minute sessions a week with a child for six weeks. Volunteering can fit around your schedule!
9. Telephone Friendship Volunteer
Volunteering online is a great way to make a difference from home, but that doesn’t mean you can only do online volunteering from home. Age UK partners with The Silver Line to provide free telephone friendship services to the elderly to combat loneliness. You can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone and make a real difference to their life (and yours!). Whether you want to speak to someone every week, or just when you feel like it, Age UK can help you get connected.
