As life gets more complicated virtual community service becomes more important. We still need and want to help out but doing it safely can mean rethinking some of our plans.
Focus on Mental Health
Fear and anxiety about the future can cause depression especially for the most vulnerable in our community. This is true of animals and people of all ages. So we’ve put together 25 ideas to help with the wellbeing of your community members. And don’t forget, doing good will make you feel good also.
Don’t Limit Yourself to What You Can Do on the Computer
Most virtual community service ideas will at least start with the computer but it doesn’t have to end there. Think of ways for you and your group to get outside safely. This can be done by setting up time slots, scheduling appointments or by social distancing with small groups.
Learn a New Skill
Speaking of computers, almost anything can be learned online. You’ll find how-to videos for everything from calligraphy to auto repair. Expand your resume by trying out a few new tricks and applying them to your next community service project.
Here are 25 Virtual Community Service Ideas to Explore
We’ve also linked them to our patch programs to make it easier for your group to participate. Starting with our little Helpers, here are our ideas for at home and virtual community service:
Helping Hands Level
- Happiness Helper Patch Program®
Facetime with lonely senior citizens. - Flag Helper Patch Program®
Say thank you to a soldier with one of these fun ideas. - School Helper Patch Program®
Donate books you don’t read any more. - Person Helper Patch Program®
Offer to take a sick neighbor’s dog for a walk. - Exercise Helper Patch Program®
Make up a new exercise. Ask someone to video tape it so you can teach it to others.
Friend Level
- Good Citizen Patch Program®
Make Thank You cards for frontline workers. - Crafting for Service Patch Program®
Make placemats or tray favors for Meals on Wheels. - Dance Partner Patch Program®
Donate your old dance costumes to a preschool. - Healthy Food Drive Patch Program®
Do contactless pickup of food for your local food bank, - Shelter Drive Patch Program®
Make snuggle beds for an animal shelter.
Volunteer Level
- Education Volunteer Patch Program:
Offer to tutor kids who are falling behind at school. - Volunteer for Special Needs Patch Program®
Set up a schedule to chat regularly with a special needs classmate, - Fitness Volunteer Service Patch Program®
Cut together your favorite workout songs to motivate friends and family to get moving. - Companion Service Patch Program® from Youth Squad®
Do virtual interviews with seniors and ask them about their childhood. - Safety Volunteer Patch Program® from Youth Squad®
Be part of a neighborhood watch program.
Advocate Level
- Community Enrichment Advocate Patch Program®
Set up a YouTube Channel for your community. - Safety Advocate Patch Program®
Make fun face masks for children in the neighborhood. - Patriotism Advocate Patch Program®
Create a social media campaign to remind people about the rights they enjoy as Americans. - Community Enrichment Advocate Patch Program®
Create a Zoom Family Charades Competition. - Nutrition Advocate Patch Program®
Collect easy, healthy dinner recipes and post them on your community Facebook page.
Delegate Level
- Community Enrichment Delegate Program
Organize a virtual talent show for your school or community. - Wellness Delegate Program
Host a walkathon with social distancing. - Education Delegate Patch Program:
Organize an Book Swap online. - Wellbeing Delegate Program
Create a video about depression and where to get help. - Citizen Delegate Program
Organize a community-based voter turn out initiative.