Why Micro-Volunteering Works with a Busy Life

One of the main barriers people have to volunteering is “I just don’t have the time to commit to it” and it’s a valid point because life is busy.

That’s why micro-volunteering – or just devoting short burst of time to put it in a less corporate fashion – is such a good idea. Charities and voluntary groups are waking up to the fact that it is better to have a number of people doing a few hours a month than trying to recruit one or two to do a lot.

The advantage for volunteers is flexibility – no rota to manage, no expectation of showing up weekly and no pressure to commit for months at a time, which could suit parents, carers, shift workers and those managing health conditions. This freedom can remove a major barrier and suddenly volunteering – with all its feelgood and social benefits – becomes possible.

Take a look at Wiltshire Together, Wessex Community Action’s free community portal, which advertises volunteering opportunities for free for groups who sign up. There are lots of opportunities for people to give just a short space of time whenever they are able.

For example The F3 Project in Salisbury, which runs two gardens supplying vegetables to the Salisbury Pantry and the Bemerton Community Cafe and Fridge, needs help with sowing, planting and weeding. Volunteers can commit as much time as they like.

NCT, which supports new parents, is looking for social media volunteer to drive online engagement and highlight the local branch’s work. The role comes with training and support and the commitment is as little as two hours a month. The beauty of this is the work can be done at any time.

Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley is looking for volunteers who enjoy trawling the internet for information and can identify clothes and related items of value to be sold on eBay.

But don’t wait for an opportunity to arise if you don’t see one in your area. Contact the groups you feel attracted to and ask them what they can offer. You’ll be surprised how flexible they can be to make the most of your skills and energy.

Micro-volunteering can serve as a gateway and a simple task undertaken today could spark interest in deeper involvement tomorrow. That small initial first step is one more people are willing to try because it feels low risk but a positive experience can change perceptions about volunteering altogether.

Wiltshire Together, is the ideal place to look for volunteering opportunities, both short and long term, for students. Once registered, you can set up a profile with your preferences and search organisations looking for help by area. Sign up and search local opportunities at wiltshiretogether.org.uk.

WCA works with charities and groups to help them support volunteer training and development, and helps them develop links with the community. To find out more, contact Volunteer and Community Development Advisor Stacey Sims at community@wessexcommunityaction.org.uk.

Press release issued by Meadow Communications on behalf of Wessex Community Action.

For further details contact Gary Lawrence of Meadow Communications on 07866 422308 or gary@meadowcomms.co.uk.