Fast Answers
Why Microvolunteer?
It’s a convenient and easy way to get involved as it can be done anytime, anywhere. You can even opt for actions, like petition signing, that take as little as a minute.
The idea is that many people doing small actions can make a big impact.
Who’s it good for?
If you’re pushed for time this could be perfect. Or if you have mobility challenges, are disabled or housebound you might find it suits, as you can do it somewhere that works for you.
Where you can you do it?
From the comfort of your own home, in the office, on holiday… generally anywhere you have an internet connection. And some micro-actions, like wildlife surveys and litter collection, you can do when you are in the garden or simply out and about.
What does it involve?
There are a huge range of micro-actions including citizen science, letter writing, proof reading, photo-tagging, surveys, mini-beach cleans…
Who does it help?
The causes you can support are wide ranging – the environment, health, communities, science, fighting poverty…
Commitment Level?
Many of the actions are one off – so you only have to do it when you have the time.
Getting Started
Help from Home is a portal to a huge range of microvolunteering opportunities, most of which don’t require any prior skills.
Skills for Change is a way of putting your professional skills to good use for community projects and grassroots non-profits worldwide.
The UN also runs a portal for on-line volunteering, supporting a wide range of causes. Some of their projects do require a little more time and commitment.
If you want to do something great when you go the beach check out the #2minutebeachclean campaign – you can even take just 2 minutes to pick up litter on your street, in your park… wherever you are and do a #2minutelitterpick.
And to explore citizen science microvolunteering opportunities further check out our specific guide to citizen science volunteering.
Be Inspired
Microvolunteering is perfectly suited for my hectic lifestyle. I can volunteer whenever and wherever it suits me. I’ve volunteered on every mode of transport imaginable – from trains to planes! I am passionate about volunteering and I love giving back to the community, but because of other demands such as university or work, sometimes it can be difficult to fully commit to a long term volunteering project. The flexibility of microvolunteering is therefore perfect for someone with a busy schedule, and despite the lack of commitment, I keep coming back for more! Angie Fuller
To learn more, please visit: The BBC
