Whether you don’t have a car, don’t have time to travel, or there aren’t any volunteer opportunities in your area, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck! There are actually plenty of online volunteer opportunities available to high school and college students. Here are just a few to help you get started.
Have you ever given thought to just how much historical paperwork there is? And much of it still isn’t transcribed to the internet!
If you have an interest in history, a Smithsonian Digital Volunteer position could be just for you. Those who volunteer will be responsible for transcribing historical data, audio recordings, archeology field notes, and more. Projects range from NMNH – Department of Paleobiology to the Freedman’s Bureau.
Similar to this is the volunteer program from FamilySearch where you can transcribe census records, birth certificates, and other historical paperwork that makes a huge difference to genealogy study.
With both, you’re absolutely welcome to work at your own pace and pick up work only when you want to volunteer.
Catch a Fire
Do you have a specific skill that could benefit non-profits? Catch a Fire helps connect you with those non-profits, saving you from a lot of legwork. Projects can last anywhere from a 1-hour phone call to a several week or ongoing project, but it’s valuable experience and volunteer work if you have the time to spare.
Projects can range from assisting with marketing to finance to fundraising plans. You may have to have a little more experience under your belt, so there may not be a lot of available positions for high school students, but it’s still worth a look!
Cards for a Cause
Cards for a Cause is an amazing way to help out younger people who may need a bit of a boost! Since 2020, over 1,000 cards have been sent to sick or injured children. You can make a single card, or as many as you’d like!
There are however very strict guidelines to making the cards. You can only use some materials (they have to be safe for children), you can’t address it to any one person (the organization will distribute it for you!), and you have to be specific about your messaging.
Similar to Cards for a Cause, the Writing Wonders Organization works to deliver kindness through art and writing. Volunteers write letters or create artwork. Then the WWO will show you when and how to submit these letters or pieces of art to people who may be struggling or are in need of positivity.
You can choose who it goes to, too – to a certain extent. For example, you can choose to have it reach a healthcare worker, child, or senior citizen.
If none of these fit the build of what you’re looking for in volunteer work, there are several opportunities that are only a quick Google search away! Or considers some of these in person volunteer opportunities.
