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11 Online Volunteer Opportunities So You Can Make a Difference This Summer

Photo credit: FatCamera - Getty Images
Photo credit: FatCamera - Getty Images

From Seventeen

Most likely, your summer plans have been put on hold because of the continuing spread of the coronavirus. But, just because you'll be social distancing this summer, doesn't mean you're completely helpless. In fact, there are multiple ways for you to get involved and volunteer from the comfort of your home. Here are 11 online volunteer opportunities for you to take advantage of right now.

United Nations

If you're interested in international policy and development, the United Nations has a volunteer program that will be right up your alley. The UN connects online volunteers with organizations around the world in need of help on various tasks. Whether your strength is research, writing, or even design, you will be placed where you're most needed.

Smithsonian

Gain experience and help out at the world's largest museum, education, and research center through their volunteer program. According to their website, volunteers, "can now take on important assignments to expand access to the Smithsonian's massive collections, and can participate in a variety of research programs."

Amnesty International

Amnesty International fights against human rights violations worldwide and they're looking for online volunteers to help reach their goals. The Amnesty Decoders program consists of a global network of volunteers who help conduct research on important projects.

Translators Without Borders

If you're fluent in multiple languages, definitely consider lending your skills to translators without borders. Take part in humanitarian aid by translating for crisis response or documents like medical texts. And, if you're not multilingual, the organization is also looking for volunteers to fill roles such as project managers and graphic designers.

Crisis Text Line

Become a crisis counselor and make yourself available to those in need. This option is especially good if you are awake at odd times as the most texts come in between 10PM and 6AM ET. If you're available to volunteer four hours a week, the Crisis Text Line will train you for free, and then you can start helping people in their times of crisis.

UPchieve

Become an Academic Coach for UPchieve and tutor low-income high school students in the US. The program allows for flexible schedule as well as provides review materials so you will feel prepared before you work with your student.

Zooniverse

Zooniverse provides research opportunities in a variety of topics including the sciences, humanities, and more in an attempt to "unlock and contribute to new discoveries" according to the site. So, whatever your passion, there's probably something here for you.

Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg's goal is to become the largest digital library. So far, they have over 59,000 ebooks available and you can help add to that number by donating materials, transcribing books, and proofreading.

Bookshare

Help people with print disabilities read by scanning books, proofreading, describing images, and more.

TedTalks

Want to be involved in TedTalks but not quite ready to do one of your own? Then help bring ideas to others by translating subtitles for their videos.

Catchafire

Don't see anything on this list that truly speaks to you? Then check out Catchafire, which matches volunteers with organizations that need help.

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