I have heard questions from a lot of people!

Michel What do we need to volunteer online?

I believe if this question is left unanswered it will deter a lot of potential volunteers. So, it is important that I address it today.

Volunteering digitally offers an incredible opportunity to contribute to meaningful causes, and it is easy to get started. Whether you are passionate about education, mental health, sustainability, or human rights, here is what you need to volunteer effectively in the digital world:

1. Internet Access

A stable internet connection is essential for engaging with digital platforms, communicating with organizations, and participating in online meetings or tasks. It allows you to stay connected to your projects and teams.

2. A Device (Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone)

A device that allows you to work efficiently is crucial. While a computer or laptop is often the best for digital volunteering (especially for tasks like writing, designing, or managing databases), tablets or smartphones can also be used for more flexible tasks like communicating with teams, sharing content on social media, or attending virtual meetings.

3. Specific Skills or Expertise

Digital volunteering often leverages your existing skills, such as:

• Writing and Editing (for content creation, blogs, newsletters)
• Graphic Design (creating visuals for campaigns or websites)
• Social Media Management (promoting awareness for causes or events)
• Web Development (building websites, managing databases)
• Tutoring or Mentoring (helping students remotely)
• Project Management (organizing and coordinating virtual efforts)

You can contribute regardless of your expertise—many platforms offer opportunities for individuals with zero skills through training.

4. Time and Commitment

While digital volunteering is flexible, you still need to allocate some time to the cause you are supporting. It could range from just an hour a week to several hours a month, depending on the project. Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to avoid burnout.

5. Communication Tools

Effective communication is key in digital volunteering. Ensure you are familiar with tools like:

• Email (for communication with teams and organizations)
• Video Conferencing Tools (e.g., Zoom, Skype, Google Meet for meetings)
• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Slack, Trello, Asana for project management)

These tools help you stay connected with your team, receive assignments, and update the progress of your tasks.

6. Motivation and Passion

Digital volunteering is about more than just completing tasks—it’s about making a real difference in the world. Having passion for the cause you are supporting will keep you motivated and engaged, especially when working remotely.

7. A Volunteering Platform or Organization

Find a platform or organization that suits your interests and expertise. There are many digital volunteering hubs where you can browse projects that need your skills. Some popular platforms include:

• UN Volunteers
• Catchafire
• Idealist
• VolunteerMatch
• Do-it.org

8. An Open Mind and Adaptability

Digital volunteering often involves working with diverse teams and using different platforms. Being open-minded, adaptable, and willing to learn new skills is essential to succeeding in this type of volunteer work.

Ready to Start?

Digital volunteering allows you to make a difference no matter where you are. All you need is the right tools, skills, and a passion for helping others. Start exploring opportunities today and join a growing community of people who are changing the world from their laptops and smartphones!

What You Need to Volunteer Digitally / Digital Volunteering Hub by is licensed under a