Guide to Virtual Volunteerism, Simple Unique Way to Give Back

There are numerous ways to give back to your own community or to any person, group, or organization. One unique way to give back is to participate in virtual volunteerism. Virtual volunteerism is any type of volunteer work that can be done via the web - virtually. Whether your interest in virtual volunteerism is due to the inability to participate in other ways or you are just interested in a simple and unique way to give back, there's something for you. Read on to find out about some of the types of virtual volunteer work available, benefits of virtual volunteerism, as well as how to find opportunities and get started. The following contains information from research, personal experience as a volunteer AC Community Guide, and interviews with AC Community Manager Brenna Boyce and volunteer AC Community Guide R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen.

What Types of Virtual Volunteerism Positions are Available?
The type of volunteer work needed at any given time can vary. Just like any other volunteer position, it depends on the needs of the individual company or organization. Some virtual volunteerism opportunities I've come across during research include marketing, web design, community liaison, fundraising coordinator, web content writer, editor, grant writer, mentor, online researcher, client support technician, prayer volunteer, technical support agent, social media intern, project manager, and more.

An interesting volunteer position that I participate in at the time of this writeup allows me to assist fellow writers and other content creators (called Contributors) at AssociatedContent.com. The program I participate in is called the Community Guide (CG) program. What myself and fellow CG's do is assist new Contributors, as well as any others that may need guidance. We answer questions about the site, point people to resources, give writing advice, and more. Basically, we are here to help guide others in and around the AC community.

Why Volunteer Online and Not in Person?
People choose online volunteer work for varied reasons. Persons with disabilities may be better able to assist in certain ways via the internet. Some people may just like the idea of volunteering online. For some, it may be a matter of time or convenience. Personally, I chose to volunteer my time online as a way to give back to a community (the AC community) that so graciously gives to myself and others constantly. I greatly enjoy helping fellow writers succeed. From my experiences, I believe online volunteer work is just as well needed and received as that done in person. Before the position I hold existed, countless other writers helped me and I helped others as well, without any of us holding that title. Because of this and more, I know firsthand the difference a volunteer of this nature can make.

I asked fellow AC Community Guide R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen what prompted her to apply and become a volunteer for the CG program. Here is what she had to say: "I had been an active participant in the AC community for about a year and a half when the Community Guides opportunity came up. I felt that becoming a Community Guide would allow me to help even more Contributors. I believed that being a Community Guide would make Contributors more comfortable in contacting me for help. I was right. I get an average of 5-8 PM's every single day from new Contributors, and some old Contributors, asking for help and advice. I love being able to help them and actually look forward to checking my PM's every day. I feel that being a Community Guide allows me to give back to the AC community because it gives so much to me."

Is Online Volunteerism as Rewarding as In-Person Volunteer Work?
As mentioned above, virtual volunteer work can really make a difference in someone's life. Sometimes, such as with the AC Community Guide program, the difference is more direct. Other times, such as when writing up web content, you never know who your efforts might help. The volunteer Community Guides program at AC has allowed me to help both new and seasoned writers in need of guidance, assistance, and encouragement. Interacting with people in an online community, such as Associated Content, can be just as direct as if they were standing face to face with you.

I asked AC Community Guide R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen to share with me the most import thing that she has passed on to a fellow Contributor. She said: "Perseverance. I've always had strong perseverance and when a Contributor wants to give up because they feel they are not good enough I encourage them to persevere. There are several Contributors that I have helped, but there is one in particular that really became successful. When she first began writing for AC she was incredibly discouraged after her first month. I offered her every ounce of help I could muster and now she is a full-time freelancer who writes for multiple sites and some private clients. I am really proud of her and we have become great friends. She even teaches me some new things every now and then. :)"

Why Companies and Non-Profits Should Have Online Volunteer Positions
When people ask me why companies and non-profit organizations should have online volunteer positions, I ask "Why not?" As evidenced above, there are ways to help people online that may not be possible otherwise. Not all people are willing to be helped in person. Also, there is a much wider range of people who can be helped online - people that may otherwise go unnoticed. As a Community Guide, one of my favorite things to do is find fellow Contributors who are excellent writers, yet are seemingly unnoticed in the community. I like to put these people 'in the spotlight,' so to speak, by showing them how to network, by promoting them, sharing their work with others - whatever is necessary in their unique situation.

I asked Associated Content's Community Manager, Brenna Boyce why the volunteer CG program was started at AC. This is her response: "The Community Guides program was created as a way for experienced AC Contributors to give back. Many of those who participate in the program were answering questions for newbies and jumping into the Forum to clear up misconceptions on their own, but this program took all of these helpful individuals and gave them some extra authority and tools to take it to the next level. The program has been very successful at engaging Contributors who are just getting going, by giving them a peer mentor. It also allows those who have learned tricks of the trade over time to share their advice."

R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen shared with me how vital she considered the role of a Community Guide at AC: "Being a new writer is like being the new kid in school. They are just starting to get used to things and they don't know anybody. Community Guides are able to help introduce them to AC and how AC operates. Being a Community Guide allows me to be their 'first friend at a new school.' I am able to help them get to know other Contributors, learn the ropes, increase their writing skills and learn and implement strong SEO skills. I think the guide of a Community Guide is very important and can make the difference between a new writer staying with AC or leaving."

Benefits of Virtual Volunteer Positions
Virtual volunteer positions have many benefits. Benefits to a company or organization may include satisfaction of clients or needy people that they aid, personal satisfaction in knowing you've helped someone, experience that can be used in life and other careers, and so much more.

My personal benefits have included things like just knowing that someone may succeed because of something that I've done (that means so much to me) and learning more when I need to research to find an answer for someone. Benefits to Contributors that myself and other CG's have assisted through the volunteer program include more exposure as a writer, better knowledge of how to use and navigate the AC community, more insight on writing for AC and the web, knowledge on how and where to promote, and so much more. Assistance can be as simple as answering one easy question or may include mentoring someone for a greater length of time.

When AC Community Guide R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen was asked the most important lesson she's learned as a Community Guide, she told me this: "I've learned that we never stop learning. I get so many questions every day and have learned so much more about AC, web-writing and writing in general while hunting down the answers for those who ask them. I have learned about new social networking sites, new SEO tips, new writing tips and new things about myself and my writing."

How to Find Virtual Volunteer Work
Finding online volunteer work is not as difficult as it may seem. There actually are various ways one can find online volunteer positions.

-- Search Volunteer Matching Websites, like VolunteerMatch.org.

-- Find an online community you enjoy, take part, and when the time is right, ask if there is anything you could do to help.

-- Check with charities and companies you are interested in to see if they have anything you can do online.

-- Search the internet for online volunteer positions.

More information about online volunteer work can be found at VolunteerMatch.org and ServiceLeader.org.

Sources:

http://www.serviceleader.org/new/virtual/index.php

http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/index.jsp?v=true

Email Interview with AC Community Manager Brenna Boyce

Email interview with fellow Associated Content Community Guide R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen