Seattle, WA. Local nonprofits are in need of volunteers and now you can volunteer without leaving your home. Check out some COVID-safe ways to help your local community. Volunteer Match is a great place to find opportunities that are curated by interest. The organization has thirty categories including the following: Advocacy and Human Rights, Seniors, Arts and Culture, Health and Medicine, Environment, LGBTQ+, Crisis Support, and Homeless/Housing.
Types of virtual volunteering include the following:
- Website design or support
- Data entry
- Email marketing or management
- Fundraising phone calls and outreach
- Social media promotion and management
- App development
- Volunteer tracking
- Copywriting, blogging, or editing
- Graphic design, photography
- Marketing or branding assistance
- Video creation
- Virtual assistance, staff support
Nonprofits are also in need of funding. One way to help is by organizing a grassroots fundraiser for your favorite nonprofit. Unique fundraising options include: virtually teaching an art class, giving a makeup tutorial, hosting a cooking class, or any other skills you may have and would like to share. You can publicly host them via video conference, inviting your friends, family, and whoever else wants to join. You would ask for donations in return for your skill sharing. This way you can enjoy doing what you love; all while supporting a great cause.
If you’re passionate about mental health, consider getting involved with a program called The Longest Day (TLD). It’s an organization working to create a world free from Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The Longest Day (originally named for the organization’s focus on fundraising on the summer solstice) has developed some out-of-the-box fundraising options that are available year-round.
Hosting a virtual wine-and-art night is a creative way to fundraise.
With The Longest Day, volunteers may participate in virtual activities like attending monthly committee meetings, making phone calls to participants, writing thank you cards, reaching out to connections, assisting with the marketing of events, participating on the TLD social media pages and more.
The Longest Day’s mission statement: “To eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.”
The Northwest Abortion Access Fund advocates for women’s right to safe abortion methods.
If Advocacy and Human Rights sparks your interest, the Northwest Abortion Access Fund (NWAAF) is seeking volunteers to serve on the Board of Directors to oversee the operations of the organization. Volunteers fight for the rights of Northwest women who want an abortion and cannot afford it. Board meetings occur once a month, and board members also engage in various NWAAF projects and attend a weekend-long undoing racism training.
Between January 1, 2011 and July 1, 2019, states enacted 483 new abortion restrictions, which account for nearly 40% of all abortion restrictions enacted since the Roe v. Wade court case. Access to abortions is becoming increasingly difficult, and volunteering with NWAAF is the best way to get involved and have your voice heard.
The Northwest Abortion Access Fund’s mission statement: “To fund abortion and break down barriers to abortion access for people in the Northwest. Vision We envision a world where people can easily access safe, legal abortion care with respect, dignity, and compassion. Values Trust & Respect, Autonomy, Internationality, Reproductive Justice, Racial Justice, Economic Justice, Culture Shift.”
Host a virtual cooking session as a way to stay connected as a community.
Another local organization you can get involved with is the Lambert House LGBTQ Youth Community Center. Volunteers age 23 and older serve as role models and informal mentors for LGBTQ+ youth in Seattle, who often do not have other LGBTQ+ or supportive ally role models in their lives. There are a number of roles available including group facilitation for those with previous experience and training, or Discord and Minecraft, which temporarily replace their in-person drop-in program. There are also some volunteer opportunities for LGBTQ+ and ally youth aged 22 and younger to serve on a committee planning a social event for the LGBTQ+ youth community. These events give the LGBTQ+ youth of Seattle the opportunity to connect with one another and build self-esteem in a hate-free environment. They typically occur 3-4 times a year, and take 2-3 months of weekly meetings to plan. The Lambert House LGBTQ Youth Community Center mission statement: “The Lambert House empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their allies through the development of leadership, social and life skills.”
These are just a few of the hundreds of virtual volunteer opportunities you can find on Volunteer Match. You are sure to find one that suits you. Happy hunting!
