Virtual Volunteering

Looking for volunteer opportunities while we are on remote instruction? 

Get started with this Virtual Volunteering Guidebook!

file-outline Virtual Volunteering Guidebook - virtual-volunteering-guide_1.pdf (185.38 KB)

Want to keep up to date with all of our volunteer opportunities?

Sign up for our list serve here! 

Here is a list of both local and online volunteer opportunities:

Online Volunteer Opportunities

Catchafire

WHAT: From animation and copywriting to fundraising and finance, catchafire is sure to have a project that gets you fired up.

WHO: Anyone with a spare hour to help out a nonprofit!
MORE INFO: 
https://www.catchafire.org/volunteer?name_filter=&type_filter=1&type_filter=2&page=1

The Trevor Project

WHAT: Monitor the TrevorSpace site to maintain a safe online space for young LGBTQ people. Training for online volunteers is provided quarterly.

WHO: Anyone passionate about LGBTQ+ advocacy.
MORE INFO: 
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-involved/volunteer/

LIBRIVOX

WHAT: Do you enjoy reading?
WHERE: Read and record chapters of books for LibriVox, HERE.
WHO: Anyone with a computer who is interested in reading books and recording in any language.
WHY: Here is your opportunity to have a free book recorded in your voice!

Family Reading Partnership (FRP)

WHAT: Would you like to assist the Family Reading Partnership with book processing, book making, or creating a story walk?

WHERE: Click the Family  Reading Partnership link to send an email if you are interested in labeling, cleaning, assembling handmade blank books for children in Tompkins County, or assisting with the creation of a new Story Walk in Newfield this fall. 

WHO: Anyone who has time to lend a hand and has the heart to provide friendly socially distant services! 

WHY: FRP is in need of volunteers to help them deliver programs and materials designed to empower families to playful engagement with their children as a pathway to literacy for all. 

K-12 TUTORING

WHAT: Interested in tutoring K-12 students online?

WHERE: Learn more about how you can help K-12 students right from home HERE!

WHO: Volunteers interested in helping parents and providing mentorship to students learning from home. 
WHY: Not only will you be helping students but also parents!

BE MY EYES

WHAT: Want to help bring sight to blind and low-vision people?
WHERE: Find out more information about volunteering with Be My Eyes HERE.

WHO: Sighted volunteers who want to help blind and low-vision people with visual assistance through live video calls.
WHY: Just by downloading the app, you can help!

TRANSCRIBE HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS

WHAT: Do you want to become a digital volunteer?
WHERE: Here is an opportunity to transcribe historical documents for Smithsonian.

WHO: Volunteers interested in transcribing and editing data.
WHY: This is your chance to contribute to historical data that will be used by Smithsonian!

Find out more information and get tips about transcribing HERE.

TEXT COUNSELING

WHAT: Interested in becoming a crisis text counselor?

WHERE: Learn more about how you can help the 24/7 Crisis Text Line HERE.

WHO: Volunteers willing to spare time at any hour of the day. 
WHY: Volunteer from home to help people through this time of social distancing!

BOOK ACCESSABILITY

WHAT: Help provide books to people with reading disabilities!
WHERE: Find out more information about helping Bookshare HERE.

WHO: Volunteers who can scan books to be added to the collection or edit scanned books. 
WHY: Provide books for people with reading disabilities to read during this time.

TEXT TRANSLATOR

WHAT: Want to help non-profits translate texts right from home?
WHERE: Learn more about volunteering with Translators Without Borders HERE.

WHO: Volunteers fluent in at least one language other than your native language.
WHY: Help organizations translate medical texts and crisis response.

CITYMEALS ON WHEELS

WHAT: Help deliver food to elderly in New York!

WHERE: Find more information on how to get involved with Citymeals on Wheels HERE.
WHO: Volunteers in New York interested in donating meals and helping at senior centers.
WHY: Give back to elderly who may be in need of a warm meal during this time of crisis.

LOCAL FOOD BANKS

WHAT: Help your local food bank!

WHERE: Find out more information at Feeding America HERE.
WHO: Students interested in donating food, helping with food distribution or just helping the organization!
WHY: Lend a hand to help provide food during this time of crisis.

HELP MAKE FACE MASKS

WHAT: Interested in learning how to make face masks?

WHERE: Here are directions on how to make face masks with filter pockets.
WHO: Students interested in making face masks to donate.
WHY: Gain an opportunity to provide needed materials to your nearest healthcare workers HERE.

Still in Ithaca? Check these out!

Click here for an updated list of local volunteer opportunities in the ithaca area from United way- Tompkins county: https://www.uwtc.org/current-volunteer-opportunities

ITHACA KITCHEN CUPBOARD

WHAT: Help a local Ithaca food pantry!

WHERE: 150 N. Albany Street, Ithaca, NY

WHO: Students in Ithaca interested in donating food or helping with food distribution.

WHY: Lend a hand to help provide food and get food.
Find out more information HERE or call at: (607) 273-2400.


Transcribe Local Documents With the Ithaca History Forge Project

WHAT: Collaborate with fellow Ithacans to transcribe and electronically preserve Tompkins County Census records.

WHERE: Via Zoom, with the Ithaca History Center & their volunteers.

WHO: Students interested in local history & archival work.

MORE INFO: https://www.thehistorycenter.net/event-3927128 or email historyforge@historycenter.net.

We update this list as much as possible!

Check out this more frequently updated list of opportunities here

Have a Virtual Volunteer Opportunity to Share?

Please use our form to let us know how students and members of the Ithaca College community can get involved.

Virtual Volunteer Opportunity Submission Form

Contact us!

Contact Information:
E-mail: volunteer@ithaca.edu
Phone: 607-274-3222
Fax: 607-274-3030

Staff Members:

Brittany Watros
OSE Administrative Assistant