This article by Bonnie Riva Ras originally appeared on Goodnet.
Good Deeds Day, the global day of altruism and volunteering, is getting closer. Want to participate but going out to public events isn’t an option right now? Don’t worry, you can participate in GDD on April 3, 2022 right from your own living room couch.
Virtual volunteering is easier than ever. In fact, GDD, went virtual in 2020 when the early days of the pandemic coincided with the large public events that have been a big part of the day since it began in 2011. The organization quicky shifted gears and showed that you can still take care of your community without ever leaving home.
Virtual volunteer projects can be short-term for just one day or long-term tasks. The organization Points of Light – that matches volunteers with projects – said that all you need is a computer with internet access or a smartphone and there is a myriad of good that you can do.
Just check out these virtual volunteer ideas from Good Deeds Day and other organizations that are dedicated to doing good and pick out one that is right for you.
Open a Little Free Library
Do you love to read and have more books than room to store them? Open your own Little Free Library and share your treasures with your neighbors. Or start a free pantry instead and stock it with food staples, baby supplies, or paper goods. Advertise it on social media. This is an easy way to help your neighbors on Good Deeds Day, or any day.
Help Others Discover their Roots
If you have an interest in genealogy, Ancestry.Com’s World Archives program may be right for you if you are looking for a longer-term project. The organization will provide you with software that will allow you to access already scanned photographs to transcribe into a publicly-searchable database that can be used by people who are searching for their roots.
Start a Virtual Positivity Chain
Use social media or emails to do good by starting a positivity chain, suggests GDD. Send a positive note or e-card to friends and family on Good Deeds Day. Then ask them to send a note or card to their friends and family and pass it on.
Fundraise for a Cause Close to Your Heart
You can crowdfund for a worthy cause like a literacy program, homeless shelter, the Red Cross, tree-planting, or any other cause that you are passionate about. You can help your local community without leaving the comfort of your home.
Volunteer at the Crisis Text Line
You can become a mental health counselor for the Crisis Text Line, a free 24/7 text line for people in crisis. The volunteer counselors have 30 hours of training so that they can answer texts and calm down crisis situations. This is a longer-term project as counselors have to commit to volunteering four hours per week.
Buy Girl Scout Cookies
It’s cookie season! Order Girl Scout cookies online on Good Deeds Day and help support your local troop. Scouting helps to empower girls through STEM, teaches them leadership and civic duty, and helps build independent self-assured young women. One troop in New York City is made up of homeless girls and scouting gives them a safe and secure space to grow in.
Haven’t Found Your Project Yet?
If you are still undecided on what to do, Check out Catchafire, a network of volunteers, nonprofits, and funders that matches volunteers’ skills with causes. Nonprofits post short-term projects that the organizations that potential volunteers can view and then apply to volunteer. If both parties fit, a match is made. Or you can check out the myriad of volunteer ideas on the Good Deeds Day website.
- Goodnet
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