Virtual Volunteer Opportunities

Heidi
Heidi Johnson
Director, Civic Engagement
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This resource offers options for staying engaged and volunteering while away from Wellesley, or virtually while on campus. We'll cover how to determine the right site for you, how to reach out to organizations about volunteering, and organizations to partner with (listed by industry or topic).

 

How do I determine if a site is right for me?

First and foremost, when determining what organization to engage with, you should decide if you want to do virtual or in-person volunteer work. Due to Covid-19, you should consider a number of factors, such as your own personal health, if you live or interact with high-risk individuals, the state of the community you would be engaging with, and any local government recommendations and restrictions. For many students, virtual options may be the safest option.

Community learning and engagement is a time commitment, and is most impactful when consistent, so consider your class schedule and the time the organization requires of you when signing up to volunteer.

 

How can I ask a site I really want to volunteer for but doesn’t have options posted for an opportunity?

Many organizations may not have volunteers opportunities posted, but would be happy to have volunteers. If there is an organization or community site you are passionate about, find their general contact information on their website and send an email expressing your interest in their work, and your desire to be helpful and volunteer. Be patient and understand that while the projects they offer may not be what you had in mind or had pictured, they are still helping the mission of the organization and those who run it!

 

Organizations

Policy/Advocacy/broader social justice

2020 Elections/ Voter Rights

Education

Environmental

Health

COVID-19

Immigration/carceral state

Economic Insecurity

Search for virtual and in person opportunities for yourself

*Mutual Aid Networks
*If you like a certain organization that doesn’t have opportunities, try looking it up on LinkedIn and seeing the similar organizations to it
*Many national organizations have state affiliates

 

Places to reach out to in your community

  • Local public schools — ex. afterschool program, virtual opportunities, meal distributions
  • Public libraries
  • Local food bank — Feeding America has food bank locator or foodpantries.org
  • Museums
  • Animal shelters
  • Homeless shelters
  • Local government campaigns/Presidential campaigns
  • Parks and recreation departments
  • National parks
  • Local nonprofits
  • State chapters of national nonprofits
  • Religious organizations
  • State Service Commissions

 

#civicengagement
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