Volunteer freelancing
I think there is a volunteering niche that would be very useful to exploit and encourage. For want of a better term I'm currently calling it "volunteer freelancing". It entails working on specific administrative/research/similar tasks that small charities need to get done but don't necessarily have either the resources for, or the potential workload to take on a dedicated volunteer.
For a couple of examples I have sketched out, please see this link: http://veelancing.wordpress.com/
A few months ago I spent some time searching around for this kind of thing online, but I couldn't find anything. I thought that "microvolunteeering" might be what I was looking for, but that has a different emphasis.
I'd like to know what your thoughts are on whether or not there is a niche for a directory of "volunteer freelancing" opportunities, as per my example blog link above. Is there a site that already does this that I have missed?
If there is such an opportunity, then it is probably still true that a blog is not the optimal solution. However, in light of the current funding climate it does have the advantage of being free and very easy. A zero-overhead operation would be ideal, which is why I am considering the "quick and dirty" option of a freely hosted blog.
I'd welcome input on any of the points I have raised here.
Thanks,
Pete
@JamieT - thanks for the tip, I've signed up with Reach Skills so hopefully will soon get an idea of how it works and what it is pitched at. From a very quick search of Do-It it seems you're right, they don't allow you to search for the kind of assignments I have in mind. I'll also definitely consider the i-vol route.
@samanthasparrow - How is it working out at Catch22? I'd be interested in what kind of response you've had.
My main problem is that I don't really know much about the "volunteering infrastructure", so to speak; I just know that I've tried to search for something that lists the opportunities I'm talking about and haven't been able to find anything. I'd welcome any suggestions on contacts or leads!
I am testing out this sort of approach at Catch22 in the Volunteer Unit - for example finding volunteers for specific time limited projects and research which is going to be vital to our work but which we cannot complete due to capacity issues. In this instance I have recruited student volunteers but am sure it could be opened wider.
I'm hoping this is going to be a really good approach for us, so that I can start to set up these sorts of opportunities across Catch22 as a whole.
Seems like a good idea Pete. I think Reach Skills might do something like this on a more professional basis - ie they recruit volunteers to work on time limited assignments. Brightone Comms do a similar thing, for PR and communications only. But they are the only one's I can think of and of course they are not virtual; I think do-it has a virtual section but not sure if they have opportunities as such... the blog thing is definitely an option as it's free! You could also consider posting them on i-volunteer - be very easy to add a new category and create a new profile that you could steer people directly too them. We're releasing a new opportunities contact form that means you won't have to be a member of i-v to apply so it'll be easier to engage. Let us know if this would be of interest.
Good luck with it!