Virtually perfect volunteer opportunities 

Volunteers are the backbone of many essential organizations. While there's a great need for volunteers all year long, some people cut back on their volunteering during warmer months.

Fortunately, there’s an innovative way to make it even easier to help others. You can do virtual volunteering from the comfort of your home. Most people can serve as a virtual volunteer, as it doesn’t have to take much time and doesn’t require transportation. All you need is a computer, internet connection and/or a phone. Here’s how you can beat the heat and spread smiles at the same time.

Nearly half (48%) of respondents in one survey said COVID-19 has influenced their volunteering efforts, including an increase in virtual volunteering.1

Don't know how to get started?

To find out about virtual volunteering opportunities, you can simply contact an organization you like and see if there are any opportunities for you to help.


Or get in touch with one of these organizations that 
can match you with a need:

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    VolunteerMatch

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    United Nations online volunteering database

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    Catch a Fire

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    Create the Good

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    Points of Light

How can you use your skills?

Are you trying to figure out what type of virtual volunteering to do? The good news is there are plenty of opportunities available to:

Use your knowledge of history.

Assist the Smithsonian as a digital volunteer by transcribing materials to make historical data more accessible to everyone.

Share your career skills.

Help students get a head start by giving them practical, real-world career advice or assist current workers with navigating job challenges.

Act as a role model for kids.

Send handmade cards to sick or injured children, volunteer to tutor under-served youth or mentor high school students.

Display your talents.

Spread positivity and kindness through writing, art and music.

Support people in crisis.

After training, assist those who are feeling overwhelmed, survivors of traumatic experiences, people who are experiencing complicated or chronic health conditions, or people living with mental illness.

Engage with the elderly.

Brighten a senior’s day with ideas for activities or strike up a friendship through regular phone calls.

Help heroes.

Start a veteran or military spouse on a successful career by conducting mock interviews, offering career counseling and more.

Keep smiles healthy.

Volunteer behind the scenes at a nonprofit dental care organization, and assist the experts as they increase access to oral health care and educate the community about healthy smiles.

Remember, you can always be helpful by donating to those in need.

Homeless shelters need oral hygiene products to help prevent disease and tooth loss. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash (especially in travel sizes) are all in high demand.

How can you benefit from volunteering?

In addition to helping those in need, volunteering is good for the volunteer. Studies have shown that volunteering increases self-confidence and self-esteem. Volunteering is good for your mind and body, as it improves your mood and reduces stress, alleviating your risk for stress-related illnesses. That includes oral health issues like gum disease, teeth clenching and grinding, and mouth sores.

Studies show that the more people volunteer, the more happiness they enjoy.

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