Although virtual volunteering may seem like it will save you time, it still requires volunteers to make a regular commitment. You may not be traveling to your volunteer placement but you will be needed to be at your computer station on a regular basis. The following checklist was developed by The Virtual Volunteering Project, part of the RGK Centre for Philanthropy and Community Service at the University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs.
Before you volunteer to help an organization as a virtual volunteer you may want to answer the following questions to see if you are right for the virtual assignment:
Do you have regular, ongoing access to the Internet?
If you only have access at college, and the semester is about to end; or, if you are about to switch Internet providers or computers, now is probably not a good time to volunteer to complete a project virtually. Online volunteering assignments usually last around three months; make sure you will have ongoing access to the Internet during that time.
Do you know how to communicate well via the written word?
Most, if not all, of your communication during a virtual assignment will be via e-mail. Good writing skills and excellent attention to detail are important in any virtual volunteering project. Even if you want to provide a highly technical service, such as creating a database, you have to be able to clearly communicate what you are doing to your contact at the organization.
Do you stick to deadlines? Do you see a project through to its finish?
Organizations are counting on you to complete the assignment you've volunteered for; there's nothing virtual about your commitment.
Are you comfortable working on your own, without direct supervision?
That doesn't mean you shouldn't ask for guidance when you need it. However, virtual assignments are best for those people who enjoy working on their own, with just occasional supervision.
Page 1 of 3 -- Are you a multitasker? Learn about how time management can affect your virtual volunteering efforts on page 2
