Portland, OR. April is National Volunteer Month and it’s an ideal time to renew and refresh a commitment to volunteering, especially virtual volunteering. Organizations like Hands-on Greater Portland of the United Way of the Willamette Valley have virtual opportunities. Experts say giving of your time has mental and physical health benefits. Volunteering is found to reduce stress, improve bonding with others, and even extend lifetimes, according to the Longitudinal Study of Aging.
One corporation known for its volunteer program is Umpqua Bank. “Spring is a time of renewal that can spark both self-care and community care,” said Caitlin Back, VP, Corporate Responsibility director. “For us at Umpqua Bank, it’s an important time to come together in support of our communities, continuing to foster a culture of volunteerism.”
Umpqua Bank is in its 18th year of its Connect Volunteer Program through which associates receive 40 hours of paid volunteer time annually. The Bank’s internal Community Action Hub serves as a resource to find virtual volunteer opportunities available across the Bank’s five-state footprint. The Bank gathered up the latest, turn-key virtual volunteering opportunities, available on its blog.
Umpqua Bank volunteers spend time cleaning up Vose Elementary School during the MLK2019 Weekend of Service.
Umpqua Bank employees cleaning books at The Children’s Book Bank.
Any size business can rally employees to contribute to the greater good while attracting and retaining talent. First, gauge employee interest in volunteering, then, structure volunteer opportunities that can be flexible and done remotely and as a team.
While much volunteering is still in-person, virtual volunteering options have expanded significantly. Now, thanks to virtual volunteering, potential volunteers with geographic or time constraints have new opportunities to help make a positive impact in their communities.
The following organizations are just a few of those that provide virtual volunteer opportunities:
FROM ANYWHERE – Catch a Fire, WeHero, Project Helping’s Kynd Kits, Operation Gratitude, MicroMentor by Mercy Corps, VolunteerMatch and others.
OREGON – Children’s Book Bank, Portland Rescue Mission, and Hands-on Greater Portland of the United Way of the Willamette Valley, and more.
WASHINGTON – United Way of King County, Serve Washington’s Get Connected statewide platform connecting volunteers and organizations, and more.
Spring into Action this April during National Volunteer Month and Week (April 18-24, 2021). Connect on social media #VirtualVolunteer #SpringIntoAction to celebrate your efforts!
