Frequently Asked Questions
I want to volunteer virtually – where do I begin?
First, you need to make sure you are ready to volunteer virtually. Our online self-assessment may help you determine this. The number one mistake people make when trying to volunteer online is committing to an assignment before they've evaluated their own resources, intent and availability. This leads to incomplete or never-started assignments, which in turn leads to frustration on the parts of both the volunteer and the agency.
It's so easy to say yes to volunteering via the Internet that many people sign up to do so before really considering their expectations and schedule for an assignment. There's nothing virtual about the commitment you are making. We are counting on you to finish completely any projects you volunteer for, and to meet all pre-agreed obligations as a volunteer.
Before you sign up to do virtual volunteering opportunities of any kind, take our self-evaluation to determine if you are ready.
How old do I have to be to volunteer virtually?
We do not have any age limits for online volunteers. We assume that if a volunteer can navigate our site, and find and complete our online application, they are old enough to volunteer with us.
However, if you are under 18, we strongly suggest that you let your parents know that you are looking for an online volunteering opportunity, and copy them on key e-mail exchanges with agencies you are assisting (for instance, when you turn in an assignment, e-mail or print out a copy for your parents). Also, there are guidelines for Safety in Online Volunteering Programs that you should adhere to.
For those of you under 13, please note that, as a result of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPA), passed by Congress in 1998, the Federal Trade Commission adopted new rules on how privacy policies should be posted and what companies need to do to comply with prohibition from collecting personal information from young people without a parent's permission. The rules took effect in April 2000, and require that all Web sites that gather information from children under 13 first gain "verifiable parental consent." Talk with your parents and the agency you want to assist if this applies to you.
For more information about the FTC's rules, visit the FTC website.
What qualities make for a good online volunteer?
In brief:
1. Excellent written communication skills
2. Excellent attention to detail, particularly when following written directions
3. Commitment to answer e-mails quickly
4. Commitment to stay with a project through to its completion, and to set a schedule for doing so
5. Enjoyment of working independently, with just occasional supervision
6. Self-motivation
7. Good at self-pacing; gives self plenty of time to work on an assignment
8. Clear definition of what he or she wants out of online volunteering
9. Establishing trust from the agency quickly, by finishing assignments on time and reporting in regularly
10. Desire to learn and willingness to be flexible about ideas and methods
11. Puts desired goals of the agency or volunteer manager at the forefront when undertaking and completing