We know that being a student at LSE can often mean that you don't have lots of spare time. We also know that many students are looking for flexible volunteering opportunities that can make a real difference. Let us introduce you to micro volunteering.
Micro volunteering is perfect for those that don't have much spare time and like to work whilst 'on the go'. Specialised skills are rarely needed and it can be done from anywhere in the world. It is a chance for you to make a difference even if time isn't on your side.
What is micro volunteering?
Micro volunteering is a chance for a volunteer to donate small chunks of time to a charitable project, often through a web-enabled device. As I-Volunteer explains, "A quick scout around the web reveals many definitions, but one that seems most apt would be 'small, quick, low commitment actions that benefit a worthy cause'." Sparked, a volunteer matching website has a tag line that reads, "It's online volunteering, for busy people (like you)."
This means it can be done on the bus, whilst on a lunch break or even in your pyjamas!
The pros of micro volunteering
- Micro volunteering can be done at anytime and anywhere. This makes it much more convenient and flexible than traditional volunteering.
- A chance to improve many skills and add to your CV.
- Many opportunities don't ask for a commitment from a volunteer. This means that you only have to volunteer when you have the time.
- The actions can be very quick. This makes it particularly useful if you are facing a busy time of exams or an essay writing period.
- In many cases you can see an instant return on your volunteering.
Check out our 'Why Volunteer?' article to see many other reasons to volunteer whilst you are studying at LSE.
What types of activity can a volunteer get involved in?
The list is almost endless. It may just be that the action of playing an online game results in money being donated to a certain charity or you could proof read a web page and help spot grammatical errors.
Some other examples include:
- Being a 'pen pal' with a hospitalised child,
- Sign an online petition for a cause you believe in,
- Knit an item of clothing for someone who is need of it,
- Helping a charity run their e-bay account,
- Offering translation services,
- Editing articles on Wikipedia.
How do you find a micro volunteering opportunity?
There are several websites that offer such opportunities. These include:
As we always recommend, do you research on the opportunity and organisation and make sure that it is suitable for you.