Microvolunteering Action Definition
We use the following factors in no particular order to define a microvolunteering action. If it does not fit within the parameters below of this non-exhaustive list, it is not included:
- it must instill in people a sense of helping others, rather than themselves
- it must create impact or make a difference
- with three exceptions Help From Home does not knowingly exclude volunteer opportunities by reason or race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability. The three exceptions being where an opportunity promotes or proselytizes religion, military or a political party’s involvement for its own personal gain.
- it must be easy(ish), so that Mr + Mrs Average can participate in them
- it must have no or very low commitment
- it must be free to participate in or maybe involve a modicum of material costs
- it must involve no or perhaps a modicum of specialist training or knowledge required, apart from the very simple instructions on the actual website to complete an action
- it should be able to be completed in under 30 minutes or multiple sessions thereof
- it must have a webpage that can be referred to
- it must be either home or garden based or, in the context of the various projects Help From Home runs, be able to be completed within the environment of that project, eg. an office in the Help From Work project or a classroom in the Help From School project
- it preferably should be non-location based, so that anybody anywhere in the world can participate in it
- it should have flexible participation, ie. it can be done anytime
- it should appear to have longevity, ie anything that appears to be available for a year or less will not be considered
- it should benefit a worthy cause