ORONO — Virtual volunteering performed entirely online is on the rise, according to a new report co-authored by University of Maine researchers, creating new opportunities for service by removing geographical barriers and offering increased flexibility.
The Civic Engagement and Volunteering supplement to the Current Population Study, the nation’s most comprehensive report on civic engagement, also revealed that hybrid volunteering — combining online and in-person activities — is also on the rise. Together, these models have enabled over 13.4 million Americans to engage in online or partially online volunteer work in 2023, representing 18% of formal volunteers.
Virtual and hybrid volunteers not only increased in number, but also contributed over 1.2 billion service hours in 2023, equivalent to an estimated $41.5 billion in economic value, according to data from Independent Sector. These volunteers logged an average of 95 service hours per year, significantly more than the 64 hours reported by in-person volunteers.
Virtual and hybrid volunteerism was included for the first time ever in the CEV, conducted by AmeriCorps and the U.S. Census every other year to track how Americans make a difference in their communities and promote the common good, thanks in part to Rachel Coleman and Jennifer Crittenden from UMaine’s Center on Aging. Coleman, a project manager for the center, and Crittenden, its associate director and a UMaine assistant professor of social work, authored a brief about virtual volunteerism that was included in the CEV.
Coleman and Crittenden also helped AmeriCorps develop the first measure of virtual and hybrid volunteering ever included in the CEV survey, underscoring its growing relevance in a digitally connected world. The project was part of a $1.7 million grant from AmeriCorps led by Crittenden to examine virtual volunteerism practices and workforce development models that include volunteer work and training for older adults navigating career transitions.
“The AmeriCorps Office of Research and Evaluation is proud to support the University of Maine’s cutting-edge research about virtual volunteering through our research grants program,” said Laura Hanson Schlachter, survey statistician at AmeriCorps. “We’re grateful to Dr. Crittenden and Dr. Coleman who lent their expertise to help develop a new measure of virtual volunteering that will allow us to track national trends over time. This is a great example of the research-to-practice-to-research cycle in action.”
Virtual volunteering: A growing avenue for civic engagement
The report also highlights how virtual and hybrid volunteering opportunities improve access for those who may not be able to volunteer otherwise. Older adults, individuals with disabilities and those with higher levels of education had higher rates of virtual and hybrid volunteerism. This suggests that online platforms may create inclusive pathways for those who may face barriers to traditional in-person service opportunities.
Virtual and hybrid volunteering also complements other forms of civic engagement. The report finds that these volunteers are more likely to informally help neighbors, belong to organizations and donate to charity compared to in-person volunteers. For instance, 74 percent of virtual and hybrid volunteers were 11 percent more likely to donate to charity and 19 percent more likely to be members of an organization than in-person volunteers.
Implications for the future of volunteering
The findings underscore the potential of virtual and hybrid volunteering to foster civic engagement and strengthen communities. As online platforms continue to evolve, these models may further expand access to service opportunities, particularly for mid-life and older adults and individuals with disabilities.
“By offering virtual and hybrid options, organizations can engage a wider pool of volunteers, enhance flexibility, and create more inclusive opportunities for civic participation,” Crittenden said.
As Maine’s only public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, the University of Maine advances learning and discovery through excellence and innovation. Founded in 1865 in Orono, UMaine is the state’s land, sea and space grant university with a regional campus at the University of Maine at Machias. Our students come from all over the world and work with faculty conducting fieldwork around the globe — from the North Atlantic to the Antarctic. Located on Marsh Island in the homeland of the Penobscot Nation with UMaine Machias located in the homeland of the Passamaquoddy Nation, UMaine’s statewide mission is to foster an environment that creates tomorrow’s leaders. As the state’s flagship institution, UMaine offers nearly 200 degree programs through which students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, professional master’s and doctoral degrees as well as graduate certificates. For more information about UMaine and UMaine Machias, visit umaine.edu/about/quick-facts/ and machias.edu/about-umm/umm-facts/.
