Virtual Community Engagement
Community Collaboration in a Virtual World
[I]n order to create a world that works for more people, for more life, we have to collaborate on the process of dreaming and visioning and implementing that world.
adrienne maree brown, Emergent Strategy
At Break Away, we believe there’s no limit to the change you can make in your community. While we are in the midst of a global pandemic, service for the greater good is still very possible — but we must be creative, innovative, and imaginative in how we go about it.
Many schools, community organizations, and volunteers are having to reimagine community engagement experiences. This is not necessarily a bad thing. For years, there have been critiques about toxic charity and “voluntourism” that harms already vulnerable communities rather than serving them well.
COVID-19 has exposed and exacerbated previously existing inequities. There is no better time to encourage people to care for their neighbors and communities. Our hope is that you all will take this time to start thinking proactively about how virtual and hyper-local service are of great benefit.
The Shift Towards Virtual + Hyper-Local Service
While some community engagement programs use destination-based trips as a part of their recruitment strategy, it is possible that traveling for service trips will not resume in the coming academic year. The pandemic presents an opportunity for programs to pursue more intentionally local, place-based service.
Whether due to lack of transportation, being immunocompromised, having a disability, or other reasons, some people prefer to volunteer via phone or computer. This means that many folks who once found it difficult to get involved are seeing service opportunities increase in their favor. Phone banking, fundraising campaigns, transcription/writing, and graphic design can all be done remotely. In today’s digital age, many organizations might also need help with email and website updates.
Engagement Doesn't Have to Drop
Students place importance on community building (even while practicing social distancing). They wish to be a part of safe spaces to share dialogue around issues they are engaging in. They are looking for ways to still be engaged and further educate themselves. Service opportunities that honor this interest in community engagement and have true communal impact will be a “win” for all involved.
Now is also a great time to engage in advocacy as service. Particularly in an election year, students could spend time educating themselves on an issue like voter suppression and championing voter access.
For those planning experiences and leading teams, we suggest doing research to find out what local community organizations are around you. What they are doing and what they need? Ask them. Sometimes, what is best for vulnerable communities is you not being present but financially supporting or raising awareness via your networks. It is important to listen and honor these wishes.
Current Virtual Service Opportunities
It is no surprise that the future of volunteering and service work is rapidly changing. All of the changes that are happening will not be short-lived and we have the unique advantage of reimagining how we do this work.
At Break Away, we are looking for opportunities to continue community collaboration and informed participation — even and especially in the middle of a pandemic. Now is the time to do what is right and pursue a just and equitable society. We are truly better together.
The world we wish to see will happen through collective work and hyper-local engagement. Here we have started a list that will be added to as community organizations make their virtual opportunities known to us.
Have a service project to suggest?
Email us at hello@break-away.org
*Updated June 2022
Accessibility
Bookshare — Help people with disabilities access the written world by scanning books or cleaning up the files used to create accessible books.
The Human Voicebank — All you have to do is read a few sentences to contribute your voice to be used in assistive technology for people who are unable to vocalize.
Community Building
StoryCorps — remind the nation that every story matters and every voice counts. Add to the conversation.
COVID-19
Education
Provide high schoolers tutoring in math or science, SAT prep, or college counseling with UPchieve.
Environmental
Identify New York Wildlife, map our galaxy, or assist researchers in many other ways with Zooniverse.
Housing
Shelter the World — You can further the cause of global housing by signing up as a virtual volunteer, which means helping out through social media and online awareness.
LGBTQ Advocacy
Answer texts and chats from LGBTQ folks in crisis using active listening and collaborative problem solving with The Trevor Project.
Mental Health
Answer texts from people in crisis using active listening and collaborative problem solving with Crisis Text Line.
Volunteer Databases
