Virtual Volunteering. Volunteer from the comfort of your couch!

We're having quite a bit of fun with this campaign. Virtual Volunteering isn't a new thing - but there hasn't been much take up in South Africa as yet. This is a sexy space - the intersection of technology and community involvement / civil society work. 

Here's the lowdown. Some really easy ways to make a difference a become more of a "social citizen". 

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Virtual Volunteering with forgood


Work, food, friends, family, exercise, sleep - finding the time to volunteer is not always easy. Enter virtual volunteering – share your skills, knowledge or time from the comfort of your couch. By connecting to causes online you can get involved with social change in a real and impactful way – and all without having to rework your busy schedule.

Forgood, an online platform that connects individuals and groups with over 500 reputable causes across the country, has made being socially active and engaged easier than ever before. The platform allows you to browse causes’ real-time needs and requirements, or you could put up an offer of your own and see if anyone bites. It is all about convenience, the right match and ensuring that the best person gets the job done, for good.

Why virtual volunteering is taking off:

It is inclusive: Anybody with access to a computer can participate, including those with restricted mobility or other special needs. Parents with young children and family obligations can get involved. It really is about making a difference from your own desk, home or holiday spot.

It offers variety: Virtual volunteering traditionally has suited tasks like graphic design, social media management, editing and research work. Increasingly so it is branching out to include things like mentorship, proposal writing, fundraising, translation and counseling. The possibilities are endless - give a thought to what you personally can offer and then give it a try. 

It’s a win-win set-up: Instead of trying to fit in to a traditional volunteer programme (that often has set times and longer term commitments), you can offer of the kind of work you want to do and are good at. Rather than needing to find premises and funding for skilled professionals, organisations can put out requests for specific, real-time work that they require done.

How to become a virtual volunteer:

1. Visit the Virtual Volunteering section on forgood: https://www.forgood.co.za/Campaign/Index/Virtual-Volunteering 

2. Respond to an existing need or put up an offer (https://www.forgood.co.za/Offer/). 

3. Taking your interests and skills in to account, forgood will connect you to a worthy cause or distribute your offer to those causes that can make use of your virtual contribution.

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