How can volunteers leverage digital tools to innovate their impact?

1 Identify your goals and needs

Before you dive into the world of digital tools, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve as a volunteer, and what challenges or gaps you face in your current work. Do you want to reach more people, improve your communication, streamline your processes, collect data, or learn new skills? Do you need more training, support, feedback, or collaboration? By identifying your goals and needs, you can narrow down your search for the most suitable and effective digital tools for your situation.

2 Research and evaluate digital tools

There are countless digital tools available for volunteers, ranging from simple apps and websites to complex platforms and systems. Some are designed specifically for the nonprofit sector, while others are more general-purpose. Some are free or low-cost, while others require a subscription or investment. How do you find and choose the best digital tools for your work? You can start by researching online, asking other volunteers or organizations, or browsing directories and reviews of digital tools. Then, you need to evaluate the digital tools based on criteria such as functionality, usability, accessibility, security, compatibility, and cost. You can also test them out by using demos, trials, or tutorials.

3 Adapt and customize digital tools

Once you have selected the digital tools that suit your goals and needs, you need to adapt and customize them to fit your specific context and work. This may involve setting up your account, profile, or dashboard, configuring your settings and preferences, integrating your data and systems, or creating your own templates, workflows, or content. You may also need to learn how to use the features and functions of the digital tools, and troubleshoot any issues or problems that arise. You can use online guides, manuals, videos, or forums to help you with this process.

4 Collaborate and communicate with digital tools

One of the main benefits of digital tools is that they can help you collaborate and communicate with other volunteers, staff, beneficiaries, donors, or partners. You can use digital tools to share information, ideas, feedback, or resources, coordinate tasks, projects, or events, or engage in dialogue, discussion, or advocacy. You can also use digital tools to build relationships, trust, and community among your stakeholders. Some examples of digital tools for collaboration and communication are email, messaging, video conferencing, social media, blogs, podcasts, or online forums.

5 Measure and improve your impact with digital tools

Another benefit of digital tools is that they can help you measure and improve your impact as a volunteer. You can use digital tools to collect, analyze, visualize, or report data on your activities, outputs, outcomes, or impacts. You can also use digital tools to monitor, evaluate, or improve your performance, quality, or efficiency. You can also use digital tools to learn from your experiences, challenges, or successes, and identify opportunities for innovation, improvement, or scaling. Some examples of digital tools for measurement and improvement are surveys, forms, dashboards, charts, maps, or online courses.

6 Be ethical and responsible with digital tools

Finally, as a volunteer who uses digital tools, you need to be ethical and responsible with your actions and decisions. You need to respect the privacy, security, and consent of your stakeholders, and protect their data and information from unauthorized access, misuse, or loss. You need to follow the policies, guidelines, and standards of your organization, and comply with the laws and regulations of your country or region. You need to be transparent, accountable, and honest about your work and impact, and acknowledge your sources, partners, or supporters. You also need to be aware of the potential risks, harms, or biases that digital tools may pose or create, and address them accordingly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?