For many people, working remotely has become a way of life. The pandemic changed how we work, with 57% of those currently working remotely stating that they had rarely or never worked from home prior to 2020. While the increase in working remotely originated from safety concerns during the pandemic, today’s workers cite a preference for remote work as their driving influence rather than health concerns.

In fact, according to Pew Research Center (2022), “76% of workers who indicate that their workplace is available to them say a major reason why they are currently teleworking all or most of the time is that they prefer working from home.” With more people recognizing the benefits of working remotely, is it really a surprise that virtual volunteering has increased in popularity as well?

Virtual volunteering means that many busy professionals are able to contribute their skill set where it is needed most, without geographical constraints. In fact, BORGEN Magazine (2022) states, "Remote volunteering may even be the future of volunteering." There are numerous ways to volunteer online, and VolunteerMatch makes it easy to find virtual volunteering opportunities that align with your interests and skills. Below are three options to get you started.

  1. Teach English with Intercambio’s Online Program, CC English Since 2001, Intercambio has connected more than 5,000 volunteer teachers with more than 10,000 adult English learners through one-on-one or group classes. During COVID19, Intercambio created CC English, the organization’s online English program, to expand their reach. Intercambio provides access to their easy-to-use curriculum, practical training, and all the support you need to make it fun and easy to teach English remotely.
  2. Become a Volunteer Crisis Counselor for Crisis Text Line Volunteer Crisis Counselors at Crisis Text Line work remotely on their computers, answering texts from people in crisis. Volunteers create a dialogue with texters who are looking for help, de-escalating the crisis at hand and providing compassionate, non-judgmental support using active listening, collaborative problem-solving, and safety planning. Through this vital support, volunteer Crisis Counselors make a positive impact on the mental health journeys of those in need.
  3. Write to Seniors Through CareGivers Caring Cards The main objective of the CareGivers Caring Cards for Seniors Project is to help ease social isolation among The CareGivers’ clients by sending cards. Most of their clients do not have much social support, so loneliness, anxiety, and depression can become a struggle. Volunteers offer a simple gesture: A card to a senior, to show them that someone is thinking of them.

Read the full article about virtual volunteering by Joanna Tanger at VolunteerMatch.