Spring is here and with spring comes new beginnings as the weather starts to warm up and plants start to grow. Which means it’s a perfect time to try something new and get involved!

The 15th of April has been Microvolunteering Day since 2014. The term microvolunteering was popularised back in 2008 by Skills for Change and refers to volunteering through small, bite-sized tasks, like signing a petition or taking two minutes to pick up trash. 

Microvolunteering is all about flexibility. These are tasks you can do at any time and from anywhere. The best part? microvolunteering has no ongoing commitment and there is no training or application process, which makes it great for those with busy schedules.

There is more than one way to get involved, here are some resources and tips to get you started!

 

1. Look into volunteer organisations 

A great way to start looking for microvolunteering opportunities is to start with volunteer organisations you already know of. Take a look at this list of organisations that we love and see if any of them stand out to you. There’s something for everyone, from mental health organisations like Mind to social connection groups like Community Action Norfolk.

 

 

2. Check social media

Some organisations have social media challenges that you can get involved with. 2 Minute Foundation encourages people to take two minutes to pick up as much litter from the coast as they can and then post the results on social media. Search social media for similar challenges to take part in or for other organisations to volunteer with. You can also join our Sunflower Challenge and grow your own sunflowers!

3. Volunteer virtually 

Volunteering doesn't mean having to leave the house. If you have a few spare minutes at home, take a look into some virtually volunteering opportunities. These can be as simple as signing a petition or volunteering with a service virtually, like Be My Eyes, a service that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers to provide visual assistance.

4. Give back to the community 

Use Microvolunteering Day to get out and give back to your community! Look for community events or organisations in need of volunteers. You could do something as simple as weeding a community garden or taking some time to visit a neighbour who may need some companionship and connecting with others in your area.

 

 

5. Spread the word!

Once you’ve found a microvolunteering opportunity, spread the word and let others know! This can be a great way to get others involved and connect with others who are microvolunteering. Share your experience in our Facebook Group and learn about other opportunities while sharing one of your own.

 

Microvolunteering is supposed to be simple, flexible and fit into your schedule. Every little bit helps, so while it may not seem like a lot, you can still help to make a difference.