From the book The Virgin Guide to Volunteering by Rebecca Hardy, available from Virgin Books priced £12.99

The most exciting thing to hit the voluntary sector in recent years is virtual or online volunteering. Perfect for those who like to laze in their PJs and save the world from the comfort of their own home, this style of volunteering has revolutionised how people give time

Popular in North America for some time, virtual volunteering is catching on with many UK organisations who recognise the benefits, such as drafting in a cross section of people who otherwise might not be interested in volunteering or don't have time. So if you're time stretched through work or family obligations, have a disability or are housebound, or would simply prefer to work at your own pace, virtual volunteering could be the perfect option.

What can you do?
There are literally hundreds of ways you can give your time online, the only limit is your imagination. Here are some common ways to help:

• Designing a charity's website
• Constructing a database
• Research and data analysis
• Monitoring an online discussion group
• Co-ordinating an online campaign
• Clicking to donate money
• Online mentoring
• Translations
• Writing case studies
• Writing and editing articles

Who can be an online volunteer?
Virtual volunteering is suitable for all people who have regular, reliable access to a computer and the Internet. However, there are particular skills that are of value to a voluntary organisation. These include proven writing ability, web design, programming knowledge, experience in project management, knowledge of another language and expertise in law or education.

If you don't have any experience in these fields, however, there are still opportunities available. So whatever your background, contact the organisation and tell them you're interested in offering online assistance.

Make sure you have regular and reliable access to a computer and the Internet, and think carefully about whether you have the necessary qualities needed for this style of working. Online volunteering is very different from volunteering in a group so ask yourself how comfortable you are working on your own. Are you self-motivated? Can you meet deadlines? A little self-reflection beforehand can avoid any unwelcome surprises later.

How to find work
If you are interested in volunteering online, the first thing to do is check out Net Aid. This New York-based organisation connects volunteers to poverty-fighting organisations around the world via the Internet. It provides hundreds of opportunities to do volunteer research, writing, programming, networking and other activities without leaving home. The website is packed full of great information about how you can help online, as well as case studies, news and links to online campaigns and other organisations.

You can also try Volunteers in Technical Assistance (VITA), which aims to empower those in developing countries through helping them with technological assistance.

The UK project IT4 recruits IT experts to volunteer their skills for charities and community groups.

YouthOrgUK is a virtual community for young people and professionals using the Internet for learning. The virtual community and website are managed, developed and published by volunteers.

Time Bank may also be able to find you online opportunities.

Global Ideas Bank provides many links for other online opportunities, including details of online campaigns and charities where you can just click on the website to make a donation

From the book The Virgin Guide to Volunteering by Rebecca Hardy, available from Virgin Books priced £12.99

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