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The United Nations has anchored a significant emphasis on the role that volunteers play in global development. Every year, December 5th is mandated by the General Assembly as International Volunteer Day. This event not only marks the celebration of the tireless efforts of volunteers who engage in peacebuilding and relief work for sustainable development, but it is also an occasion for all volunteering agencies to recognise and appreciate the contribution of these unsung heroes. Globally, volunteers contribute significantly to economic and social development, and the UN Volunteers estimates place the monetised value of volunteer work at USD1.348 trillion or 2.4% of the entire global economy.
Over the past decade, many international volunteering activities have taken place on the field, with volunteers travelling outside of their home country to donate as well as contribute their time and skills towards supporting global communities. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the closing of national borders, it was expected that volunteering programs would have been impacted significantly.
Virtual volunteering has emerged as an incredible way to mitigate this impact and to allow the continuation of the efforts of international volunteers from the comfort of their homes.
Social purpose organisations, civil societies, and local non-governmental institutions across the globe are committed to these efforts, actively working towards advancing progress on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals such as Gender Equality, Poverty Alleviation, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation etc.
The 17th Sustainable Development Goal emphasises the importance of collaboration and developing partnerships across sectors and countries. Virtually volunteering your skills to strengthen the internal capacities of local institutions can help them stabilize, scale and sustain the organisation, reduce their overhead expenses and advance their goals for good. Volunteers can provide support to local institutions in many ways – by mentoring student beneficiaries, providing technical support and business coaching to non-profits, or even supporting their social media and fundraising strategies.
Skilled volunteering support is essential for nonprofits to develop effective and well-managed functions in order to successfully implement their programs and positively impact the community. And virtual volunteering has proven to be a valuable opportunity for volunteers to build capacities of people and improve the processes of nonprofits across geographies.
~ Social Lens is a socially aligned consulting company. To know more about CSV programs at Social Lens and our virtual volunteering platform VolunteeRISE, write to us at contact@slens.co. ~
