I have always enjoyed giving back to the community and if you are someone who feels the same way, you might think that volunteering during COVID-19 is not possible. Lucky for you, I have compiled a short list of some of the ways you could volunteer right from your house!
- Connect For (https://www.connectfor.org/virtualvolunteering/)
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This platform essentially connects you to various organizations. Some of the opportunities include teaching students who live in remote locations, translating books, research, maintaining websites, video editing, graphic design, content writing or even media marketing. Even if you like to cook or work out, there are volunteering opportunities for that too! The list is endless.
- UN Volunteers (https://www.onlinevolunteering.org/)
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The UNV also connects you with several organizations working for peace and development. They get around 12,000 online volunteers every year and they require individuals who are skilled in research, content writing, web development, translation, proof-reading and much more.
- Translators without borders (https://translatorswithoutborders.org/volunteer/)
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If you are fluent in more than 1 language, this platform is a great way for you to use those language skills. There are opportunities to translate for crisis response, medical texts and much more.
- Missing Maps (https://www.missingmaps.org/)
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This platform allows you to map the most vulnerable locations in this world. Several organizations use this data to respond to crises in the most affected areas. You do not need any prior experience because the platform teaches you how to map. In fact, all you really need is a stable internet connection and the willingness to learn.
- Crisis Text Line (https://www.crisistextline.org/become-a-volunteer/)
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This is a 24/7 text line platform for people in crisis in the United States. Your role as a crisis counselor would be to answer texts from people in crisis. They are looking for crisis counselors to commit between 10pm and 6am EST because that is when majority of the people in crisis use the service. Do not worry about having any prior experience because you will be trained before you get started.
There are tons of opportunities for you to take part in. Be aware of the time commitments for these activities. Do not sign up for an opportunity that you do not have time for. Just because this is an online activity, it does not mean you should take the opportunity lightly. I hope you do check out some of these links and help someone in need. You do not need an excuse because you can do it right from your bed!