Volunteer Opportunities From Home
September 25, 2020
In my last article, I mentioned that students can volunteer from home. Here is an updated, more extensive list of ways you can help the community and the world from the comfort of your home. Despite difficult circumstances, let’s make the world a better place!
Join an Ernest Righetti High School Club!
Visit: http://www.righetti.us/?PageName=%27Organizations%27
Many clubs are meeting through Zoom and provide volunteer opportunities!
More opportunities:
Do you love helping the environment? Want to play a game that makes a difference?
NASA NeMO Net is an app you can download on your phone and help NASA identify coral reefs in our oceans. According to the Nasa website, “Data from the NeMO-Net game is fed to NASA NeMO-Net, the first neural multi-modal observation and training network for global coral reef assessment. NeMO-Net is an opensource deep convolutional neural network (CNN) that leverages NASA’s Supercomputer, Pleiades, to use game data to classify and assess the health of coral reefs around the world.” (https://www.nasa.gov/solve/Nemo-Net/). Basically, this app allows you to help out NASA classify coral reefs in our oceans and help marine life thrive. It’s a fun way to make a difference!
Download the app here: http://nemonet.info/.
Have a passion for helping people with reading disabilities?
Bookshare is a platform that provides books for people with reading disabilities. If you are 15 years or older, you can scan books that you have and allow them to be accessible for those who may have difficulty reading them otherwise. You can also proofread, describe images, and provide support for teachers and families. Supported by the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Special Education Programs, Bookshare is an excellent volunteer opportunity.
Visit: https://www.bookshare.org/cms/get-involved/volunteer for more information on how you can get involved!
Enjoy connecting with and helping the blind and visually impaired?
Unfortunately, you must be 17 or older to volunteer for this program. However, I thought I would include it for those of you who can be a part of it. This is an amazing program that allows you to help blind and visually impaired people read small print, match clothing, set up simple technology, or any other task that can be done over video. If you can, this is an excellent volunteer opportunity.
Download the app here:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/be-my-eyes/id905177575
Want to help first responders respond to disasters in isolated locations?
When disaster strikes, it is urgent that first responders arrive quickly and be able to make accurate decisions about relief efforts. This program allows you to fill in the “missing” map for these places using a program called OpenStreetMap. You don’t need to have any experience with mapmaking or extensive technical skills. There are videos and explanations on the site! As a remote volunteer, you would trace satellite imagery into OpenStreetMap, while community volunteers fill in detailed information. Be sure to check it out!
Love TED Talks? Know another language? This is an opportunity for you!
You can translate TED Talk subtitles into other languages for their videos! This is a great way to not be directly involved but still make a difference. If you apply, make sure to review their policy and rules because they give you a quick pop quiz. Take advantage of your language skills and make a difference during this difficult time!
To find out more about TED Talk Translate click here: https://www.ted.com/participate/translate.
Passionate about making a difference involving human rights?
With parent’s permission (according to Amnesty Decoders Terms of Use), you can be a part of Amnesty Decoders, a program that exposes violations of human rights. You can sift through documents, photos and information to help researchers. If you are interested in volunteering, please research the program and see if it is right for you.
For more information visit: https://decoders.amnesty.org/
Recent research: Indian Troll Patrol
If you can, take advantage of the time you have to make a difference involving something you are passionate about! Make the best of your situation and stay positive!
