This time, I think I practically found the post I wish I would have written. So, I'm going to give you some information and then direct you over to Britt Bravo's Have Fun*Do Good blog where she has already created a great list of resources for those who want to implement a virtual volunteer program for their own organization.

When we think of volunteers, we're generally talking about a couple of different things:

1. A volunteer who comes right into our organization in order to do office work without compensation.

2. Someone who works in the background to make sure that there is enough manpower to ensure that a service or event can happen.

In most cases, the volunteer will either come directly into the organization or will work in the community (soliciting donations or circulating fliers, for example) to get a job done. There has been a new movement, however, in which volunteers can actually support their favorite nonprofit organization by working from home. Like so many of the other great advancements that have taken business to new heights, this is possible because of the Internet.

Need some data entry done? Need your database maintained? Need phone calls made? These are all things that a trusted volunteer can do from home. Supplies can be ordered, thank you notes can be written, and a whole host of other tasks can be done without someone ever needing to set foot in the building. With a phone line and an internet connection, you could even have a volunteer write your newsletter or set up an online donation campaign.

There are numerous untapped opportunities for the nonprofit organization that has the foresight to utilize virtual volunteers.

As promised, you can get more information by checking out Britt Bravo's Resources to Launch a Virtual Volunteer Program for Your Nonprofit.