I chair a small organisation that has had the kind assistance of someone doing its bookkeeping and the preparation of its year-end accounts from her home, for over a decade. This practise now has a name and, as it implies, micro volunteering encompasses short, flexible, and often virtual tasks that require minimal commitment from the volunteer. Unlike traditional volunteering, which might demand regular hours and physical presence, micro volunteering allows individuals to contribute to causes they care about in small, manageable increments of time, often from home. People of all ages are embracing this trend, and, in many cases, employers allow and encourage brief volunteer tasks to take place during working hours.
The help that our lovely volunteer gives us takes her no more than about 30 hours a year but saves the organisation money and gives us the peace of mind that comes from having someone competent involved and available to assist with financial, governance and other compliance matters.
Micro volunteering provides benefits to non-profits and volunteers alike. For NPOs, it opens a pool of potential volunteers who might not have the time or ability to commit to longer-term engagements. This can be advantageous for small or remote organisations with limited resources, as they can harness the skills and enthusiasm of volunteers from around the globe without the logistical complexities of traditional volunteering.
Small chunks of people’s time can help non-profits to quickly address specific needs. An NPO might require a document translated, a lawyer’s opinion or some copy proofread. This flexibility also allows non-profits to engage volunteers with niche skills.
For those giving their services, micro volunteering offers an accessible and low-commitment way to assist. This can be particularly appealing to busy professionals, students, or those with caregiving responsibilities, who may struggle to find the time for traditional volunteering roles. The convenience of being able to help from anywhere, at any time, makes it easier for people to integrate volunteering into their daily lives.
The concept also provides opportunities for individuals to use their unique skills and expertise in meaningful ways. For example, a graphic designer might create a logo for a fundraising event, or a social media enthusiast might help an organisation develop a digital marketing strategy. These tasks not only contribute to an NPO’s needs and save the costs of professional services but also allow volunteers to hone their skills, gain experience, and build their portfolios.
Micro volunteering fosters a sense of global connectedness. Volunteers from around the world can support organisations in South Africa, broadening their understanding of the country and region, while growing NPOs’ friend networks. Give it a try – have micro volunteering opportunities on the website and in social media posts – assistance, expertise and new friends are out there waiting to connect.
