Virtual Volunteering Resources

Virtual volunteering means volunteer tasks completed, in whole or in part, via the Internet and a home or work computer. It's also known as online volunteering, cyber service, online mentoring, teletutoring and various other names. Virtual volunteering allows agencies to expand the benefits of their volunteer programs, by allowing for more volunteers to participate, and by utilizing volunteers in new areas.

Many people actively search for volunteer opportunities they can complete via home or work computers, because of time constraints, personal preference, a disability or a home-based obligation that prevents them from volunteering on-site. Virtual volunteering allows anyone to contribute time and expertise to not-for-profit organizations, schools, government offices and other agencies that utilize volunteer services, from his or her home or office.

The information in this section of ServiceLeader.org will benefit volunteers as well as volunteer managers and service leaders who are interested in utilizing technology to benefit their organizations.

Developing and Implementing a Virtual Volunteering Program
  • Establishing a Virtual Volunteering Program
  • Examples of Virtual Volunteering
  • Making E-Mail Communications More Effective
  • Safety in Online Volunteering Programs
  • The Virtual Volunteering Guidebook


    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • General Questions and Answers
  • Questions from Agencies
  • Questions from Volunteers


    • General Information about Virtual Volunteering
  • The Virtual Volunteering Guidebook
  • What is Virtual Volunteering?
  • Past Online Volunteers


    • Online Volunteer Resources
  • Are You Ready to Volunteer Virtually?
  • Building Contacts
  • Databases
  • Document Translation Guidelines
  • Finding Virtual Volunteering Opportunities
  • Finding Volunteer Opportunities Online
  • Grant Research
  • Guidelines for Technical Assistance Volunteers
  • Online Handbooks for Volunteers
  • Online Mentoring Resources
  • Preventing and Dealing With Computer Viruses
  • Sample Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct
  • Tips for Volunteering Virtually
  • Websites Promoting Volunteerism and/or Community Service
  • Working with Adobe® Portable Document Format (PDF)
  • The Virtual Volunteering Guidebook


    • Sample Online Assignments
  • Identifying and Creating Assignments for Online Volunteers
  • Introduction to Sample Online Assignments
  • Sample Assignment #1: Gathering Contact Information
  • Sample Assignment #2: Graphic Design
  • Sample Assignment #3: Online Research
  • Sample Assignment #4: Working within America Online
  • Sample Assignment #5: Gathering Media Information
  • Sample Assignment #6: Creating an Online Form
  • Sample Assignment #7: Database Help
  • Sample Assignment #8: Translation
  • Sample Assignment #9: Client Support
  • Sample Assignment #10: Web Development
  • Sample Assignment #11: Content Management
  • Sample Assignment #12: Research Elected Officials
  • Sample Assignment #13: Proofreading
  • Sample Assignment #14: News Watcher
  • Sample Assignment #15: Publishing Mentor
  • Sample Assignment #16: Newsletter Editing
  • Sample Assignment #17: Graphic Design


    • Volunteer Manager Resources
  • Online Volunteering and Email
  • Advocacy and Activism by Online Volunteers
  • Is Your Organization Ready for Virtual Volunteering?
  • Managing Offsite Volunteers via the Internet
  • Marketing Volunteer Opportunities Online
  • Online Discussion Groups for Volunteer Managers and Service Leaders
  • Online Resources for Volunteer Managers and Service Leaders
  • Orienting and Evaluating Volunteers for Virtual Assignments
  • Using the Internet to Support Volunteers
  • Volunteer Evaluation of Virtual Volunteering Experiences
  • Websites for Volunteer Managers
  • Working with Technical Assistance Volunteers
  • The Virtual Volunteering Guidebook


    • Volunteers with Disabilities
  • Accommodations for Online Volunteers who have Learning Disabilities or Emotional and Anxiety Disorders
  • Benefits of Virtual Volunteering for People with Disabilities
  • Disability-Related Online Resources
  • Making Your Agency Virtually Accessible to People with Disabilities
  • Working with Online Volunteers who have Disabilities