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Virtual Volunteering and Nonprofit Organizations

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Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance
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Synonyms

Cyber service; Digital volunteering; E-volunteering; Online volunteering

Definition

Virtual volunteering, also known as online volunteering, involves completion of long- or short-term volunteer assignments off-site through the use of an Internet-connected device.

Introduction

Virtual volunteering is a means of providing volunteer service activities online. Under this scenario, public agencies utilize the Internet to recruit, distribute information, communicate, and engage with volunteers in an online setting. Volunteers are also able to complete assignments, in part or in full, through the Internet. Volunteering without physical presence has been used for many years; however with the advent of new technology, including increased use of mobile technology, additional opportunities are presented to diminish barriers present with traditional volunteering (Murray 2002). Like traditional in-person volunteering, there are a variety of benefits that can be linked to service for the...

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Correspondence to Pamela Medina .

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Medina, P. (2016). Virtual Volunteering and Nonprofit Organizations. In: Farazmand, A. (eds) Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31816-5_2589-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31816-5_2589-1

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-31816-5

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