Micro-volunteerism: “Micro” Concepts Continue to Emerge as Catalyst for Social Change.

     Need a quick volunteer fix? Share your time and mind in just minutes over your iPhone. Organize photos, proof a pamphlet, or help build a map...all of these are tasks offered by The Extraordinaires who are in a testing phase of revolutionizing volunteerism by offering time-minimalized projects that collectively aim to boost social good.

     It was only a matter of time that an idea such a micro-volunteerism would sprout up.  The success of Kiva.org and other micro-finance entities in the growing world of social entrepreneurship has inspired others to create socially focused businesses built on the micro trend. The goal is to trump an individual’s capability, or their hesitancy, to get involved on a macro level, with their steadfast desire to be socially responsible. Let’s face it; be it time or money, many of us enjoy the smaller opportunities that still allow us to be a part of helping others. Every bit does count!

    While I do think every concept that is driven by a mission to benefit humanity is a good one, I do worry that micro-volunteering may face challenges in its effort to retain the volunteerism over time.  Will it be able to build a relationship between the volunteer and the cause that is often crucial to the reward of giving back and the person coming back?

    I believe wholeheartedly that we must as individuals find ways to build philanthropy into our lifestyles and am encouraged each day by the increasing number of people who are doing so; I just hope that the quick action of microvolunteerism doesn’t marginalize the experience. It’s not about just checking it off the to-do list; it’s about being in the moment, that moment being about something bigger than yourself, and that bigger thing delivering you happiness beyond the moment.

    Also, it will be interesting to see how non-profits engage themselves as partners. I see both the benefits and the challenges. I like the potential it has of being a great marketing tool for non-profits along with the direct motive of being a volunteer recruitment tool.  One problem for some organizations may be that it will demand more human capital; non-profits will have to allocate time to manage these activities as they will be happening fast and at the total convenience of the volunteer. Being a part of one, I can tell you so many non-profit staffs are already being stretched.

    All in all, even with some minor concerns, I’m keeping an open mind.  I do think its greatest potential can be realized within the younger population who carry so much of their identity on the internet already. This certainly can be a positive piece of the “profile” pie.

For more information on micro-volunteerism, visit www.theextraordinaries.org - Those who have iPhones can get started by downloading the beta app from the site. Let me know what you think.

Sources: www.npr.org & www.theextraordinaries.org

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