In his first blog of 2025, NCVS Volunteering Development Officer Dave Thomas shares some thoughts about one area of volunteering that could help to engage new volunteers at a time when volunteers are becoming harder to engage.
Volunteering doesn’t always mean long-term commitments or dedicating entire weekends to a cause. Sometimes, making a difference can take just a few minutes of someone’s time. That’s where micro-volunteering comes in, offering an innovative way for leaders of volunteers to engage more people in their mission.
What is micro-volunteering?
Micro-volunteering is all about small, bite-sized tasks that contribute to a bigger cause. Unlike traditional volunteering, these opportunities require minimal commitment and can often be done remotely. Whether it’s signing a petition, transcribing historical documents, or writing a letter to someone in need, micro-volunteering allows people to help out in short bursts of time—no scheduling required.
Why create micro-volunteering opportunities?
Many people want to give back but struggle to find the time. By offering micro-volunteering options, organisations can tap into a wider pool of potential volunteers who may not be able to commit to long-term roles. It’s a flexible and inclusive way to involve students, busy professionals, parents, or anyone who wants to make a difference in small but meaningful ways. Additionally, micro-volunteering can serve as a gateway to deeper engagement with your cause.
Examples of effective micro-volunteering opportunities
If you're looking to implement micro-volunteering in your organisation, here are some excellent ideas:
- Be My Eyes – Partner with this app to enable your volunteers to assist visually impaired individuals with quick tasks like reading labels or describing surroundings.
- Zooniverse – Engage volunteers in scientific research by having them classify images, transcribe old documents, or identify wildlife in photos.
- Post Pals – Organise a campaign where volunteers write uplifting letters or emails to seriously ill children.
- Amnesty International's Urgent Action Network – Encourage volunteers to sign petitions or send emails to advocate for human rights worldwide.
- Foldit – Introduce volunteers to this puzzle game that helps researchers understand protein folding, contributing to medical research.
- Freerice – Motivate your community to answer trivia questions to donate rice to people in need through the World Food Programme.
How to get started
As a leader of volunteers, you can easily integrate micro-volunteering into your existing programmes. Consider offering digital platforms where volunteers can contribute on their own time, breaking down large projects into small, manageable tasks. Promote these opportunities widely to attract diverse participants and build engagement.
US volunteering guru Jayne Cravens has long been an enthusiastic supporter and advocate for micro-volunteering. I really like this blog from 2013: Micro-volunteering: beyond the hype.
Over to you
Micro-volunteering proves that small actions can add up to big impacts. By creating these opportunities, you empower more people to support your cause—no matter how busy their schedules are. Why not start designing your micro-volunteering initiatives today?
Don’t forget to add these opportunities to the NCVS website at Search for Opportunities.
Please share your own thoughts about micro-volunteering with me at davet@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.
