Youth Virtual Volunteer
Engagement Playbook

NOW AVAILABLE AS OF NOVEMBER 2020

Non-profit groups looking to create, improve, and enhance their youth (under 18)
virtual volunteering programming are invited to access a new playbook.

The playbook and resources on this webpage were informed by more than 30 youth and 20 non-profit leaders, created in a partnership between Pledges for Change and Volunteer Toronto.

Reimagining your youth volunteer program strategy

Identifying and Reducing Barriers

Adapting the Volunteer Management Cycle

As non-profit leaders think about how to design virtual volunteering programs for youth during and beyond COVID-19, they must consider the impact of their programming, the barriers to volunteering that youth face, and the new ways to recruit youth, among others. We unpack this in our one-page resource.

There are five steps across the volunteer management lifecycle that non-profit groups will need to adapt when offering virtual volunteering opportunities: planning roles; position descriptions; promoting and recruiting; orientation, training, and supervision; closing and getting feedback.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed numerous challenges for non-profit groups, particularly in terms of financial health, delivery of in-person services, and safety for staff and volunteers. However, youth are looking to give back through volunteering now more than ever, which carries a mutual benefit for youth and non-profits. Young volunteers are excited about volunteering remotely, but are struggling to find accessible virtual opportunities that align with their interests.

Infographic

One-Pager

Tools for Youth Virtual Volunteering Programs

FEATURES

Prioritize which volunteer opportunities to transition or create online for youth and evaluate them against two axes

Write a draft description of your virtual volunteering opportunity and test your description against key considerations

Leverage different marketing approaches to recruit youth virtual volunteers for your program

Prioritization Matrix

Pressure Test

Marketing Toolkit

Use this tool to map regular check-ins and social events with your volunteers, including what you should cover

Access simple survey tips to evaluate the two-way relationship between your organization and youth volunteers

Read our one-page resource to ensure your youth virtual roles consider the safety and privacy of all participants

Check-In Template

Feedback Survey

Safety One-Pager

Case Studies from Active Programs

Drama School

To support their Summer and Fall Drama School program , Young People's Theatre recruited high school-aged volunteers, some were past students who have built strong relationships with YPT. Each drama class had one volunteer that was responsible for supporting the teacher in leading activities and working with a small group of students in breakout sessions over Zoom.

"It’s not always going to be easy and some programs may need a lot of modification to make them work, and some will be more straightforward."

Case Study

Digital Receptionists

Two high school students in grades 11 and 12 were recruited in 2019 for a new role: Digital Receptionist. The youth volunteers alternate weeks to check Volunteer Toronto's Instagram and Facebook direct messages at least once a day. They can spend a minimum of 5-15 minutes/day responding to messages, but can earn more hours by posting stories. Volunteers are managed through a group chat and attend a monthly check-in with their Volunteer Manager.

“Don’t be afraid of new technologies to enable [virtual volunteering] or setting boundaries around new technology”

Case Study