The Future of Volunteerism: Trends and Predictions

The Future of Volunteerism: Trends and Predictions

By Alex Kani

As we look forward to the future, it's clear that volunteering, as we know it, has started to change, from new technologies to shifting societal norms to global crises. For nonprofits, volunteers are almost essential. According to Philanthropy Round Table, one-third of the nonprofit workforce comprises volunteers. Around 63 million Americans volunteer every year. However, it is important to note that because most volunteer work is unpaid, it can also be undocumented, meaning that calculations will often be off. 

Volunteering for nonprofits is essential because funding can often be limited. It makes a big difference when people offer their services for free, just out of the kindness in their hearts. 

The Rise of Virtual Volunteering

Due to COVID-19, the world was catapulted into a more digital era. During this time of social distancing, volunteering adapted to nonprofits' needs and became virtual. Online platforms have become more accessible and more often used. 

Platforms like Catchafire connect professionals who want to donate their skills to nonprofit organizations in need. For example, a social media marketing guru in the United States can help a nonprofit in India develop its social media strategy and train its staff remotely. This trend provides organizations with valuable resources while offering volunteers opportunities to build resumes and make meaningful contributions.

Tarjimly is another platform, but in this case, it is an app that connects people to other individuals, including refugees, asylees, and immigrants, with multilingual volunteer translators. As a remote volunteer, you would be notified when someone with your skills might need a translator. Translations are needed for texts, documents, voice calls, and live calls. 

Another example is the Trevor Project, which supports LGBTQ+ youth via a chat platform. Volunteer mentors and crisis counselors give their time to help adolescents and teens who are struggling with things like figuring out how to come out, LGBTQ identity, depression, and suicide. 

The introduction of virtual volunteering has had an effect on today, opening doors and helping more people than before. Furthermore, this trend opens up possibilities for individuals who may not be able to commit to in-person volunteering due to location, health, or time constraints and is expected to grow in the coming years.

Younger and Younger Volunteering

Today, volunteers are younger than ever before. Genz, or as some people call them, I-Gen, have proven to be a socially conscious generation with high ambitions. Genz is a generation that grew up striving for change. A generation that is passionate about fighting for rights of climate change, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. In terms of ambitions, Genz is faced with a harder time getting jobs, a harder time getting into college, and a harder time making money. Because of this, kids are pushed to start building up their resumes younger and younger. Start volunteering early. Start working early. 

Corporate Volunteering

Corporate workers are now more often getting paid days off specifically for volunteering. At Salesforce, employees have seven days of paid time off. Another company, Wells Fargo, sets aside group bonding days where entire offices go to food banks together. In this case, volunteering served as an opportunity for team building and a way to give back ot the community. As companies increasingly recognize the advantages, corporate volunteering will likely grow in popularity. 

Micro- Volunteering 

Microvolunteering is also on the rise. Microvolunteering refers to volunteering whenever you have a moment here and there. It can be from a minute to an hour of work/ contributions. Unlike more traditional volunteering, it does not typically require an application process. Examples include small task completion, such as jobs that involve data entry, research, and graphic design. 

Concluding Thoughts 

As the volunteer landscape continues to evolve, nonprofits face a unique opportunity to maximize their supporter base, and organizations can have consistent outreach to local companies to build relationships and schedule regular volunteer sessions with the employees. Companies recognize volunteer programs' dual benefits: enhancing corporate social responsibility while fostering employee connections. Meanwhile, technological innovations are making it easier than ever for individuals to find and participate in volunteer activities that align with their passions and skills.

Incorporating these trends into your organization’s volunteer strategy can lead to more robust and effective programs. By staying ahead of these developments, businesses and nonprofits can maximize their impact, build stronger communities, and create a more engaged and fulfilled workforce.

The future of volunteerism is dynamic, interconnected, and full of potential. As we move forward, embracing these trends will be crucial in ensuring that volunteering remains a powerful force for good in the world.