You don't need to leave home to help others. If you're always running around and can't make time to volunteer, you can find ways to help others by logging on. When looking for ways to help people online, go beyond the obvious. Instead of focusing only on charities, search through educational sites as well. Answer questions on forums you belong to or go into chats to offer support to those in need.
Step 1
Register at the United Nations' online volunteering service. You can search online volunteer opportunities in three ways: by task, development topic and region. If you have a specific talent, such as a background in design, writing, translation or IT development, you can click on tasks and see how you can put your knowledge to work. The other options allow you to search based on your interests and passions, whether they are Sub-Saharan Africa issues or food and agriculture.
Step 2
Use click-to-give sites. Websites like The Hunger Site allow you to click on a box to donate food or money. You're allowed one click a day and every time you click, sponsorship companies donate a certain amount to a charity. The key to making this work is to select a few sites and then make sure you visit the sites every day.
Step 3
Join an online support group. Support groups exist for almost any issue, from financial hardship to parenting to mental health. If you're a survivor of abuse, suffer from a medical condition or have a degree in therapy or education, you can share your background and experience with others. You can help by posting your experiences, sharing tips or offering emotional support when somebody's feeling down.
Step 4
Create a website for a cause you care about. Use a free blog to set up information about the cause, what you intend to do and how others can help. Give people a way to donate or help directly by providing links to the organization or a way to contact the charity or person you're trying to help. Add photos, videos and interviews to make the site and your cause more compelling. You can set up a fundraising effort by asking for donations. Make sure the money is sent directly to the beneficiaries, or make sure you can account for how you use the money if you're taking it in yourself.
