The Internet can also provide new ways to involve volunteers, and to involve volunteers who may not be able to participate in your traditional opportunities. However, online methods will not replace traditional volunteer recruitment methods, nor traditional ways of involving volunteers. Potential volunteers who are not reached by traditional offline means may be reached online . There are people who don't read the newspaper's weekly column on volunteer opportunities, or who don't read bulletins from the local volunteer center, but who would, indeed, love to volunteer, and are easily reached via the World Wide Web and Internet discussion groups . Potential volunteers who wouldn't call for information or sign on to volunteer via phone may do so online.
Some people prefer to communicate via online means.
And you have a written record of all interactions, which can be helpful in program reports, grant proposals, etc. Virtual Volunteering programs allow for the participation of people who might find onsite volunteering difficult or impossible because of a disability, home obligation or work schedule. This in turn allows agencies to benefit from the additional talent and resources of more volunteers. In addition to its virtual volunteering resources for volunteers and volunteer managers, the Virtual Volunteering Project is developing materials specifically on helping agencies involve people with disabilities in virtual volunteering programs. Involving offsite volunteers via the Internet extends the resources of your organization.