There is no denying that we have become an increasingly digital culture, and, in many ways, that is not a negative thing. While there are countless benefits to volunteering, for both the individual and the causes they support, virtual volunteering has opened a whole new realm of possibilities.
The internet has allowed us to do so much more in less time and our skills are no longer limited to our geographical location. More skill sets have stemmed from society’s use of technology and because of that, volunteering is no longer limited to just physical labor or attendance.
Moreover, while physical volunteers will always be in demand, the shift towards the internet has made volunteer positions plentiful. In fact, in times of great disruption such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, working and volunteering remotely became essential to keeping our Institutions and our Jamat connected.
Many people find that it is much more convenient to become virtual volunteers, also called “cyber-volunteers”, “digital volunteers”, or even “e-volunteers”. The service takes many forms, including:
• TKN – Volunteers working remotely all over the world to fulfill their Time & Knowledge Nazrana pledges;
• ECD – Early Childhood Development, ongoing virtual sessions with parents and toddlers;
• Webinars for the Mind, Body & Soul presenting topics on mental health & wellbeing, arts & culture, physical exercise, culinary arts and info sessions on keeping the spirit of faith alive;
• Volunteers – supporting all Institutional Projects, e-events, coordinating and ensuring safe care for the elderly and the Jamat
These are some of the possible virtual volunteering tasks a person could provide, each has a different approach and unique ways for volunteers to offer their services.
When you truly allow yourself to be of service, you achieve the highest form of joy and meaning. Not being able to physically assist, does not mean that we can no longer be of service. In fact, there is a greater need for your service than ever before. So, how can you be of service? What are the unique gifts that you can share with the world?
Volunteering is and age-old tradition and it is a part of nearly every area of our lives. However, today volunteering includes donating your virtual time and skills working over the internet via computer, tablet or phone to support our Institutions and our community.
“Traditional” volunteering will always be around, but virtual volunteering has changed the way many of us give back and for many it makes it easier to do the work all over the world. Instead of being present to volunteer in the “real world”, many people have found their place in the world of virtual volunteering.
