Thanksgiving is coming—the time to be grateful and to give back to others. If you want to volunteer, but don’t want the hassle of leaving home, or are worried about being exposed to Covid or other winter viruses, the perfect way to get involved is digital volunteering. Digital volunteering became popular during the pandemic and since then opportunities have expanded.
Virtual volunteering means you can work for multiple causes or organizations anywhere in the world, not just your own neighborhood, which opens up a wealth of opportunities. It can also benefit you personally. Instead of volunteering at the local soup kitchen you can find opportunities that match your unique skills and passions. You might even fulfill education goals or find a way to advance your career.
Here are some online sites for the eager digital volunteer.
Volunteer Match
This huge site matches volunteers to organizations that need them, both locally and in the digital space. Opportunities are listed in thirty different areas including Advocacy and Human Rights, Animals, Arts and Culture, Community, Children and Youth, Employment, Environment and many more.
Just put in your zip code and it will find virtual opportunities in your area. In New York City there are requests for Social Media Producer to help the Macedonian Arts Council maximize their presence on the web, an Events Intern at Rescuing Leftover Cuisine where you help redistribute food to the food insecure, and member of the non-profit Board of Directors for National Queer Theater, Inc.
Points of Light
This site is easy to navigate and has interesting categories, like Archives and Geneaology. There you can volunteer for Ancestry.com’s World Archives Program, which uses volunteers to index historical records so they can be searched or Entrepreneurs around the World which offers opportunities like Bpeace. This U.S. nonprofit recruits business professionals to help entrepreneurs in countries emerging from war to create and expand businesses and employment. There are hundreds of offbeat and unexpected ways to volunteer on this site.
Smithsonian Digital Volunteers.
The Smithsonian has all kinds of fascinating opportunities including Smithsonian Transcription Center which make their collections more accessible. You get to transcribe historic documents including diaries and working papers of prominent Americans, Do you love gardens and the thrill of the hunt? The Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens has images of numerous gardens across the United States that need a bit of sleuthing to be positively identified. Some images belonged to slide lectures that were dismantled over time or simply never were labelled. Regardless of how it happened, they are a mystery!
Links with more great opportunities:
- Do Something.org features sites that make a difference
- Make Use Of has the ten best sites to find volunteer opportunities
- AARP has opportunities ranging from digital fraud fighter, to reading tutor to tax counselor
If you us are interested in volunteering in-person at one of our Centers, you can apply here!
If you are interested in virtual volunteer opportunities, you can become a Senior Planet Supporter by making a donation of any amount. Once you are a Supporter, you will be sent virtual volunteer opportunities throughout the year (minimum once per quarter). Click here to donate and dive deeper into the Senior Planet experience!
In case you’re still on the fence here is an article about the pros and cons of digital volunteering. Why not give it a try and see if it works for you?
Erica Manfred’s articles and humorous essays have appeared in print and online publications including the Washington Post, Atlantic, Salon, Village Voice, and the New York Times. A self proclaimed Geezer Geek, now in her seventies, she specializes in writing about aging. She’s the author of four books, including her memoir, I’m Old So Why Aren’t I Wise; Snarky Senior in the Sunshine State. You can subscribe to her newsletter at SnarkySenior.com or visit her website at EricaManfred.com
COMMENTS
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Galway, Ireland!
Songwriting Night
Songwriting Night
Join Senior Planet and singer/songwriter Maggie Rothwell to discuss the art of songwriting.
0 events,
5
0 events,
6
0 events,
7
0 events,
8
12 events,
9
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
10
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
#AgeFriendly
#AgeFriendly
In this lecture, you’ll learn about the World Health Organization's eight elements of an age-friendly city and what makes a business age friendly.
11 events,
11
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Social Media
Introduction to Social Media
Learn about some of the more popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
防毒和惡意軟體移除程式概覽
防毒和惡意軟體移除程式概覽
擔心病毒和惡意軟體嗎?參加這門講座,了解如何保護您的裝置安全!
15 events,
12
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Understanding Bluetooth
Understanding Bluetooth
We’ll explain Bluetooth technology, how it works, and the way it impacts everyday life.
7 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to TikTok
Introduction to TikTok
This presentation will introduce you to TikTok, its rise to global popularity, and most common features, including privacy settings.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
14
0 events,
15
12 events,
16
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Learn about tools to help you be a part of the movement and support racial justice!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
17
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Sleep Technologies
Introduction to Sleep Technologies
Learn about devices and apps that can help you get more Zzz's
12 events,
18
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
物聯網:智慧城市
物聯網:智慧城市
快來了解物聯網 (IoT) 技術如何被整合到全球城市的最基本功能中。
14 events,
19
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Don't worry about formatting your resume. Let the templates do the work for you!
9 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Travel Sites
Online Travel Sites
Learn the basics of using online travel sites to find the best fares and rates for just about any destination.
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
*REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
0 events,
21
0 events,
22
13 events,
23
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
24
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online.
12 events,
25
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Startup!
Startup!
This lecture gives an overview of some important digital tools to help you get your online business up and running.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
26
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Nextdoor
Introduction to Nextdoor
This presentation will introduce you to the most common uses for the Nextdoor app and its main features, along with some best practices for using it safely.
8 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
0 events,
28
0 events,
29
13 events,
30
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
13 events,
31
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
In this lecture you’ll learn about popular smartphones on the market and some of their pros and cons.
11 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
語音助理
語音助理
快來了解 Alexa、Siri 和其他語音助理可以為您做什麼!
15 events,
2
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mindfulness Apps
Mindfulness Apps
This lecture introduces mindfulness and its physical and mental benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving memory, and lowering blood pressure.
7 events,
3
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Learn how online tools can help you stay informed and get your voice heard.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
0 events,
4
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Songwriting Night
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Songwriting Night
Morning Stretch
Affordable Home Internet
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
#AgeFriendly
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Social Media
防毒和惡意軟體移除程式概覽
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Understanding Bluetooth
Morning Stretch
Introduction to TikTok
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Sleep Technologies
Morning Stretch
Money Matters
物聯網:智慧城市
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Morning Stretch
Online Travel Sites
Mobile Health Apps
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Morning Stretch
Startup!
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Nextdoor
Morning Stretch
eBay & PayPal
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Morning Stretch
Fit Fusion Workout
語音助理
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Mindfulness Apps
Morning Stretch
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Tai Chi
Recent Articles
Recent Comments