Microvolunteering Day – the value of making a little time
April 15 marks Microvolunteering Day when volunteering is recast as an activity that needs not be constrained by
stereotypical views of volunteering being a time and commitment intensive activity.
“Microvolunteering is volunteering done in small increments of on-demand actions that benefit our communities” says
Scott Miller, Chief Executive of Volunteering New Zealand.
“The Serve For New Zealand initiative which encourages New Zealanders to spend at least one hour volunteering on Anzac
Day is an excellent example of how volunteering can be done in a micro-capacity” says Miller.
By 14 April more than 4,100 hours had been pledged via ServeFor NZ by more than 3,400 individuals of all ages. The
campaign initiated by the Student Volunteer Army, RSA and the University of Canterbury encourages New Zealanders young
and old in all areas of the country to volunteer.
“One advantage to microvolunteering with a local non-profit or community organisation is the opportunity to connect with
other members of your community, and knowing that you’re doing something to benefit your area” says Miller.
Additional opportunities for microvolunteering throughout the year are available in your community, for example, by
counting birds for Forest and Bird, using your lunchbreak to knit clothing for the Neonatal Trust, or “guerrilla
gardening” a neighbour’s street front.
“People may feel they are unable to get involved because they have limited time, but even a brief amount of time and
effort can make a difference to projects and purposes to our community”, says Miller.
Register your interest for the Anzac Day initiative at servefor.nz, or contact your regional volunteering centre to
discuss what kind of project might be right for you.
Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) is an association of New Zealand organisations that have a commitment to volunteering,
such as volunteer centres, national and other organisations. Their mission is to promote, support and advocate for
volunteering. www.volunteeringnz.org.nz
ENDS