Although we have to be more cautious, we can still give a helping hand to those who need
This quarantine has us wondering how we can still help each other without putting ourselves at risk. It can be frustrating, having the best intentions, but not knowing where we can allocate our efforts. We've compiled a list of places you can remotely volunteer your time and energy to, encompassing a broad range so that you can find your own passions and interests while simultaneously giving back to the community!
Most of the time, we don't realize the amount of power we hold with the technology surrounding us these days. There are many opportunities to help others without even leaving the shelter of your house. All you need is a device with internet connection, some time to spare, and you are all set! Perhaps one of these projects below will inspire you to create your own passion project and leave your own unique footprint. Remember that there are countless other resources that you can find, and that these are only a few of the amazing projects you can get involved in.
“It's my hope that by helping each other as an online community, Be My Eyes will make a big difference in the everyday lives of blind people all over the world.” -Hans Jørgen Wiberg, Founder of Be My Eyes
Be My Eyes
"The Be My Eyes story started in Denmark in 2012 with Hans Jørgen Wiberg, a Danish furniture craftsman, who is visually impaired himself. Through his work at ‘The Danish Association of the Blind’, he recognized that blind or low-vision people often needed a little assistance to solve everyday tasks. However, it wasn’t until a blind friend told him that he used video calls to connect with family and friends, who could help him with these tasks, that Hans Jørgen got the idea for Be My Eyes. He believed that the technology of video calls could be used to visually assist blind or low-vision individuals, without them having to rely on friends and family, but using a network of volunteers.
Be My Eyes is a free mobile app with one main goal: to make the world more accessible for blind and low-vision people. The app connects blind and low-vision individuals with sighted volunteers and companies from all over the world through a live video call."
Download the app today! Or, learn more about it at: https://www.bemyeyes.com/
Crisis Counselor (18+)
"Crisis Text Line is the free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis in the United States. The service is powered by volunteer Crisis Counselors who work remotely—anywhere with a computer and secure internet connection works.
Crisis Counselors answer texts from people in crisis, bringing them from a hot moment to a cool calm through active listening, collaborative problem solving, and safety planning.
You can train from anywhere—in your PJs, in a coffee shop, wherever—and our Crisis Counselors highlight this intervention training on their resumes when interviewing for jobs, applying to grad school, and building out their LinkedIn profile."
Become a volunteer today: https://www.crisistextline.org/become-a-volunteer/
Zooniverse
"The Zooniverse is the world’s largest and most popular platform for people-powered research. This research is made possible by volunteers — more than a million people around the world who come together to assist professional researchers. Our goal is to enable research that would not be possible, or practical, otherwise.
You don’t need any specialised background, training, or expertise to participate in any Zooniverse projects. We make it easy for anyone to contribute to real academic research, on their own computer, at their own convenience.
You’ll be able to study authentic objects of interest gathered by researchers, like images of faraway galaxies, historical records and diaries, or videos of animals in their natural habitats. By answering simple questions about them, you’ll help contribute to our understanding of our world, our history, our Universe, and more.
With our wide-ranging and ever-expanding suite of projects, covering many disciplines and topics across the sciences and humanities, there's a place for anyone and everyone to explore, learn and have fun in the Zooniverse. To volunteer with us, just go to the Projects page, choose one you like the look of, and get started."
Join/Create a project: https://www.zooniverse.org/
Amnesty
"Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.
Research: Human rights change starts with the facts. Our experts do accurate, cross-checked research into human rights violations by governments and others worldwide.
Advocacy and Lobbying: We use our analysis to influence and press governments, companies and decision-makers to do the right thing.
Campaigns and Action: Through petitions, letters and protests, campaigners worldwide press for action from the people and institutions who can make change happen.
"Only when the last prisoner of conscience has been freed, when the last torture chamber has been closed, when the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a reality for the world’s people, will our work be done." -Peter Benenson, Amnesty International founder
Sign a petition, volunteer for us, become a member… Whatever you want to do, take action today and be part of a global movement standing together for human rights across the world."
Volunteer Now: https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/
Dorot: Create a Card
"Research has proven that social isolation has devastating effects, but that the power of social connection can be transformative. DOROT serves more than 3,500 older adults each year who are homebound, homeless or need to be connected to their greater community. Our volunteer programs engage more than 6,000 individuals, family and groups to make meaningful connections with our clients.
Now that we are all keeping our distance from one another to protect against COVID-19, a Caring Card is a wonderful way to reach out to a DOROT older adult. Here are some guidelines with suggested messages and other tips to ensure that your card will bring smiles during this challenging time.
Send completed cards to the following address along with your Cardmaking Project Volunteer Information Form to: DOROT 171 West 85th Street New York, NY 10024 Attn: Cardmaking Program
Volunteers are at the heart of DOROT’s programs.
Connect with older adults to form friendships, create intergenerational bonds and provide assistance. DOROT volunteers bring vital services and immeasurable joy to our clients.
DOROT offers one-time and recurring opportunities for individuals, families, corporations and community groups throughout the year.
For general inquiries about volunteering with DOROT, please e-mail volunteers@dorotusa.org."
Learn More and Volunteer at: https://dorotusa.org/volunteer
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