Note: This VolunteerMatch Young Ambassador Series post is written by Abelard Lormond. The Ambassador series blogs offer practical insights into causes and volunteer opportunities championed by VolunteerMatch or members of our partner network, to provide personal insight and shine a light on the unique work of our nonprofit partners.

In January, we celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on the third Monday of the month, as we do every year to show our love, respect, and honor for Dr. King and his legacy. One effective way that some decide to go about displaying their appreciation is through the works of different volunteer organizations that follow the teachings of MLK himself. 

Note: This VolunteerMatch Young Ambassador Series post is written by Abelard Lormond. The Ambassador series blogs offer practical insights into causes and volunteer opportunities championed by VolunteerMatch or members of our partner network, to provide personal insight and shine a light on the unique work of our nonprofit partners.

As we ease into 2021, we still struggle with an ongoing pandemic, and COVID limits many activities that involve physically being with one another. The virus has also shut down many places such as schools and people’s workplaces. Fortunately, through several forms of volunteer work, many people who are struggling have the chance to keep on going or bounce back from the negative effects that the pandemic has brought about to their everyday lives as well as their communities. Here are 3 ways to help:

Thousands of volunteer opportunities available in support of healthier communities during American Heart Month

OAKLAND, Calif., February 11, 2021 – VolunteerMatch, the largest nonprofit network on the web connecting volunteers with opportunities to give back, today announced the release of 9 additional community-based Guides in Apple Maps. Residents and visitors in Austin, Denver, Minneapolis, Portland, and Nashville can now use the Maps app to identify meaningful places to volunteer in-person and virtually.

OAKLAND, Calif., January 15, 2021 – VolunteerMatch, the largest nonprofit network with the most volunteer opportunities, today announced the launch of new community-based Guides in Apple Maps to easily find great places to volunteer. Available in 11 major metropolitan areas, VolunteerMatch Guides feature local in-person and virtual service opportunities in San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, DC, and other major cities.

With all the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, it can be easy to let our good intentions to volunteer fall by the wayside. Volunteering doesn’t have to feel like an extra task on your never-ending to-do list. From small tasks to larger projects, finding ways to get involved is easier than you might think. #GiveTime this #GivingTuesday to help share joy in communities across the country.

Oakland, CA – October 13, 2020 – COVID-19’s impact on volunteering challenges nonprofits, individuals, and companies to find ways to continue to serve communities in need. VolunteerMatch has spent the last seven months researching across sectors what these challenges are, creating ways to overcome them, and designing a webinar premiering on October 29, 2020 to help us all pivot so that service continues as seamlessly as possible.

With the November 3 election about a month away, you may be looking for ways to get involved in the process. Here are 7 things you can do now to support everyone's voice and shape the future of your communities.

OAKLAND, Calif., September 23, 2020 — VolunteerMatch, the world’s largest volunteer engagement network, has launched a new website designed to make election-related volunteering more accessible. Nonprofits including Turnout Nation, Open Progress, and Civic Works are featured, each of which offer volunteer actions that can be performed virtually via computer, phone, and mail.

COVID-19 has changed the way we live, from many schools and colleges going fully or partially virtual to many jobs shifting to remote and a job market that’s in flux. Additionally, people who are retired are seeking ways to do something fulfilling and continue to grow personally, while staying safe. Whether you're looking for your first job, recently retired, or somewhere in between, volunteering can help you feel fulfilled wherever you are now.

COVID-19 has dramatically changed our lives, and many of us are feeling less connected to others. But, even as we learn to navigate these changes, it’s also empowering to see so many public illustrations of how we are connected — and that, when we each take actions towards helping our communities, and work together, we can make huge strides in combating these larger societal challenges.