|
|
|||||
|
|||||
| Path: Main Street : NewsWeek : Archive : Cover Stories : Article |
This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek.
To find a word on the page, use your browser's "find" feature (CTRL-F or CMD-F).
Please note: While we ensure that all links and e-mail addresses are accurate at their publishing date, the quick-changing nature of the web means that some links to other web sites and e-mail addresses may no longer be accurate.
To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
Why should Canadian nonprofits embrace virtual volunteerism?
March 5, 2001
By Randy Tyler, B.A, B.R.S.Never before have non-profit organizations had the capability to access such a large pool of untapped, highly-skilled cyber-based resources that wait wanting; and never before have volunteers been afforded the convenience, flexibility, choice and opportunities to help such organizations. From the convenience of home, work or vacation setting, one can now volunteer when they want, doing what they want, from anywhere in the world, for the charity/non-profit of their choosing.
Virtual volunteerism eliminates geographic borders
The Internet is an efficient and effective medium to attract and engage volunteers from throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia. With geographic borders eliminated, Virtual Volunteerism allows access to an unparalled, largely untapped, huge resource pool.
Virtual volunteers are committed
Virtual volunteers are committed to an organization that may be thousands of kilometers away and one they will probably never see (or even know where it is). They can stay engaged for many months and contribute hundreds of hours.
Virtual volunteers are highly skilled
Cyber-Samaritans are highly-skilled and motivated to perform challenging roles such as: desktop publisher, researcher, computer programmer, database developer, presentation designer, creative writer, Website creator and online tutor.
Virtual volunteerism eliminates barriers
Virtual Volunteerism eliminates scheduling, time, disability, transportation and distance barriers. Thus, while opportunities are being provided for those who otherwise could not become involved, the non-profit organization's volunteer resource pool becomes expanded, diversified and enriched.Nonprofits can reap benefits with small cost
Non-profit organizations, with little outlay can easily take advantage of this new way of cyber-based helping, which is being embraced increasingly by many Canadians as a way of communicating, giving and living. But most non-profits are slow to fully embrace this cutting-edge concept and thus reap the benefits. However, with information and education, real or perceived obstacles, whether they be financial, technical or knowledge-based, can be overcome.Randy Tyler, Webmaster and Coordinator of Macdonald Youth Services' Volunteer Program, is a Gold Medallist graduate of both the University of Winnipeg and University of Manitoba and is presently pursing a Social Work Degree at the University of Manitoba. He is a recognized leader in Virtual Volunteer Program development in Canada. He may be contacted at (204) 477-7051 or e-mail randytyler@mys.mb.ca
|
|||
