Over the course of your life—through work, education, hobbies, and experiences—you’ve learned a thing or two. And chances are that other people would like to learn what you know or otherwise benefit from your skills, too. Whether you’re a math whiz, a trained musician, or a small business owner, you can give back by simply sharing your knowledge and talents. Best of all, you can do this simply and safely from your home. All you need is an account on a video conference service like Zoom or Google, which have free options.
Help children do better in school by being a tutor. Organizations like Reading Rockets help foster inspiration at a young age. For volunteers age 50 and over, check out AARP Foundation Experience Corps to volunteer as a reading tutor. Or consider teaming up with ProLiteracy.org to help adults in your community learn how to read. And if one-on-one tutoring is more your style, consider sharing your skills with students as a member of the national tutor registry at Atutors.org or contact your local school system to offer your services as a remote tutor using videoconferencing.
Are you a musician, singer, magician, or stand-up comedian? If you have a talent that entertains others, share it for the greater good. Offer to do a remote or safe, physically distanced performance for a local nursing home or assisted living facility. If you’re a dancer or fitness expert, consider conducting safe sessions for those who need to get a little exercise. Or simply do an online performance to entertain isolated family members and friends.
If you have an area of expertise on which you can give a brief talk or seminar, reach out to local business and service groups like Kiwanis Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, or others in your community. Many of these groups are holding remote events to help keep their members connected and engaged. So, whether you can talk about tax-time tips, productivity secrets, office organization, community issues, or other relevant topics, offer your time. If you have specific areas of expertise, you may also contact your local library or community college to see if they have remote speaking programs.
By sharing your expertise one-on-one, you can help someone break down barriers. If you prefer mentoring young people, look into programs like iCoudBe and MENTOR’s virtual mentoring program has opportunities with young people ages 12 and under and 13+. CollegeBound’s virtual mentoring program helps high school students prepare for college. Or help a child through the difficult pandemic by being a mentor through writing.
If you’re a professional or business owner, consider volunteering with SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives or Small Business Development Center where you can help someone get their small business dreams started.
Look for informal methods of mentoring, too. If someone you know needs some guidance you can provide, offer to share it. Volunteer to have a phone call or video chat once or twice a month to help them set and reach their goals.
Need more opportunities to share your time and talent? Search for opportunities here.