April 15th is International Microvolunteering Day. It seems the day is an International holiday and most people are celebrating it on the 15th, although today in the USA is the 14th.
If you’re eager to contribute to your community or make a difference but find it challenging to initiate, consider marking your calendar for International Microvolunteering Day!
History of International Microvolunteering Day:
Microvolunteering, a concept that gained prominence over the past 15 years, emerged around 2006 in the UK and later in Spain with the website “microvoluntarios”. By 2008, it caught attention globally when proposed as an app for a Google Android competition. Since then, it has evolved into a global movement, encouraging individuals to dedicate spare moments to meaningful causes.
Microvolunteering entails convenient, bite-sized actions in support of various causes, often performed from the comfort of one’s home. Despite wondering about options available from home, there are ample local, national, and international opportunities, from writing letters to elderly hospital patients to tagging internet photos for the visually impaired.
International Microvolunteering Day began in 2014, championed by the Help From Home organization to raise awareness and promote active citizenship. With the participation of numerous organizations and volunteers, the event has grown annually, emphasizing short, accessible acts of service.
How to Celebrate International Microvolunteering Day:
Use the day to enact the change you wish to see by finding a project aligned with your interests and skills, all from the comfort of your couch or home office. Here are some ideas to get started:
Find Microvolunteering Opportunities:
Conduct an online search for local or charitable organizations offering microvolunteering opportunities tailored to your skills and availability.
Recruit Microvolunteers:
Organizations can create microvolunteering opportunities by setting up a webpage listing tasks that can be completed in 30 minutes or less, utilizing volunteers’ existing skills.
Explore UN Volunteering Opportunities:
You can find your own ways to volunteer and help others or explore the Unified Volunteering Platform by the United Nations, connecting organizations with individuals globally to perform needed services on a voluntary basis, leveraging AI technology.
By participating in International Microvolunteering Day, you can contribute to positive change and make a meaningful impact, one small action at a time.
