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Jerry Swon Mendham New Jersey Virtual Volunteering

How to Become a Virtual Volunteer

On May 19, 2021

The pandemic has forced many people to remain indoors and suspend their regular activities, including community engagement and volunteering. Depending on location and relative risk, it may not be possible for many people to go back out in public for some time. If you still want to volunteer, virtual volunteering may be a great option. It’s also an excellent opportunity for those who have limited time to spare but still want to engage with their community or help introduce children and teenagers to volunteering gradually.

What is it?

Virtual volunteering is precisely as it sounds; it allows people to volunteer in a non-traditional manner through online participation. This allows more flexibility in terms of time and capability while still offering an opportunity to help and interact with other community members. All you need is a computer, the internet, and the desire to help.

What kind of virtual volunteer opportunities are available?

Whatever your passion, you can probably find an organization that needs some assistance online. The United Nations Volunteer website can provide opportunities to use specialized skills like writing and artistic ability. Those fluent in multiple languages can donate their time at Translators Without Borders. Anyone interested in contributing to collective knowledge and scientific discovery should check out Zooniverse and the Smithsonian Digital Volunteers website. As with all volunteering, the most essential part is to choose a cause you’re passionate about.

The benefits of virtual volunteering

Virtual volunteering is an excellent option for those feeling lonely or isolated by the pandemic. It provides an opportunity to talk and work with other people constructively. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the positive mental health benefits of community engagement, so not only will you be helping others, but you’ll be practicing a form of self-care, as well. It can also be a great way to learn new skills and practice ones you already have; experience is one of the best teachers, and working on your abilities in a way that directly helps people can be highly motivating.

If you have some extra time and want to help, consider virtual volunteering as a quick and easy way to contribute your time and try out a variety of different opportunities.

How to Host Virtual Fundraising Events

By Jerry Swon

On April 1, 2021

In Blog, Community, Uncategorized, Volunteer

During the past year, many organizations have had to cancel and postpone their fundraising events due to the pandemic. Although some places are beginning to open up again, it’s still wise to be cautious of your surroundings. Many nonprofit organizations have found ways to fundraise virtually, but not all have been successful. Let’s take a look at ways you can host a successful fundraising event virtually, even after the pandemic is over in years to come.

Online Gala Dinner

If your organization normally hosts a gala dinner every year with the same crowd in attendance, consider inviting the guest list from the year before to a video call. Surprise everyone with an invitation alongside a party box filled with snacks and party favors. Since gala dinners normally involve a ton of food, you can even partner up with a local restaurant to donate food and have it delivered to your guest’s home. During the virtual dinner, you can have speakers and do small ticket prizes for anyone who attends.

Virtual Races

Whether it may be a walk-a-thon, marathon, or ride-a-thon, virtual races are perfect for those who want to get a workout in a while supporting a cause. Just like regular in-person races, people who participate in these fundraising events can join on their own. This is a great way to encourage people to social distance and raise awareness for your organization’s cause. You can ask participants to send in videos and pictures of them during the virtual race so you can post them on social media. Typically people can donate money before the race to determine how many hours or miles participants should walk, run or ride.

Webinar

Plenty of organizations have hosted webinars before the pandemic, but if yours hasn’t done so, then right now is the time. Webinars are the perfect way to keep your audience educated and up to date with your organization. Aside from the informative side, webinars are a great place to hold fundraisers with experts and community leaders. You can charge a small fee for the webinar and share how the funds will fulfill your organization’s mission. The most successful webinars offer donation tiers and not just a set amount. It’s important to note that some people have more to give than others, but any amount is highly appreciated.

Organizations Helping Military Veterans

By Jerry Swon

On February 8, 2021

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Choosing a charity can be challenging. There are numerous organizations and nonprofits, all with different causes. So how do you choose a charity to donate your time or money to? The first step is choosing what type of cause you’d like to become involved in. Many people would like to find ways to support the troops. Whether you’ve served yourself or have a veteran in your family, helping military veterans is a wonderful cause to align yourself with. If you’d like to make a difference in a service member’s or a veteran’s life then the next step is finding nonprofit.

The best charity organizations are those that focus on serving people in need. To do so, a nonprofit should be transparent with its finances and practices. If you’re looking for organizations to help military veterans there are a broad range of programs. Some groups focus on providing assistance such as utilities, rent, or medical expenses while others focus on boosting troops’ morale.

Here are a few highly-rated American organizations that are helping military veterans.

Freedom Service Dogs of America

This organization is special. The program adopts shelter dogs and then trains them to become service dogs. The majority of the dogs are then rehomed to military veterans and personnel who are injured or need assistance. The Freedom Service Dogs of America provides lifetime support to all of the veterans and their dogs and is 100 percent donor-funded. There is no charge for veteran clients.

The Gary Sinise Foundation

Actor, Gary Sinise has advocated for American military members for years. His foundation supports not only active duty service members and veterans but also first responders. The program’s mission to show gratitude towards those who serve this country through a number of programs. They host celebrations to boost morale, build homes for wounded veterans, and provide meals to families.

Operation Second Chance

This organization assists servicemen and women as they transition back into civilian life or back into active duty. Operation Second Chance has programs that pay and help to accommodate disabled veterans whether through remodeling housing or helping family members manage affairs. The charity does wonderful work in supporting soldiers in their rehabilitation and recovery.

There are many other ways to become involved with charities that don’t involve monetary donations. You can volunteer at a veterans hospital, provide calling cards, bake homemade treats, or write letters in support of our troops. Consider taking the time and finding a way to show appreciation for those who serve the country.

How a Philanthropy Program Can Help Business

By Jerry Swon

On November 20, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Philanthropy programs in business involve financial contributions to society, donations to a specific cause, or employees volunteering their time to help or drive a cause. Many companies have embraced corporate social responsibility and are continuously dialing up their procedures to prioritize the activities. This factor is businesses have seen corporate philanthropy’s benefits for them, their employees, and the community. Here is how philanthropy is beneficial to a business.

Promote Company Image

Most people tend to align positively with companies that give back to the community that gives them business. They, therefore, develop a good impression of the company and will trust its services. In most instances, the result is more business from the community they support as they have built a bond of trust.

Happy Employees

Companies that involve their employees in philanthropy enjoy the benefits of a team with high morale. Enthusiastic employees are more productive and willing to be team players. Besides, the importance of corporate philanthropy is that it brings meaning to their staff showing them the organization cares about their personal needs and the community.

Excellent Recruitment

People always want to work for companies with a good reputation, and corporate philanthropy is a perfect mirror of this attribute. Philanthropic companies have an excellent resource of well-abled applicants in the communities they give assist. Individuals with a knack for giving back to society will be attracted to such businesses, bringing with them diverse talents.

Increase sales

People tend to spend more on brands that give back to society and support good causes than brands that do not have any social responsibility. Therefore, with a philanthropy program, businesses enjoy benefits such as high sales and profit margins and are likely to get more customers who support the same cause.

Brand Marketing

Since Corporate Social Responsibility has become significant in businesses, philanthropy is an excellent way to promote their brands in wider regions. Getting down to the community level and reaching out to customers to find out what matters to them and what changes they would like can market a business brand cost-efficiently. Philanthropy programs are ways for a business to present a unique identity that resonates with their clients and potential customers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an excellent philanthropy program is beneficial to the business, employees, and the community. It is a win-win for everyone if the intent is good and the ultimate goals are transparent. For a business, this is an investment that pays off in the long run.

Guidelines for Halloween in New Jersey

By Jerry Swon

On October 19, 2020

In Blog, Community

This year has been anything but normal. As the pandemic continues to unfold well into autumn many families are wondering how Halloween will be celebrated. In New Jersey children who look forward to trick-or-treating can breathe a sigh of relief as the Governor, Phil Murphy, has officially stated that Halloween will not be canceled. Despite the concerns that the coronavirus has caused New Jersey residents will be able to hit the streets for candy.

With that being said, Governor Murphy and the state Department of Health have provided guidelines for the revled holiday. For the families who are choosing to venture out on Halloween weekend the state has asked that masks which cover both the nose and the mouth are worn. Costume masks are not to be considered a replacement for the regular disposable or cloth face masks that are worn in schools and businesses.

Furthermore, officials at the Department of Health have asked that any and all Halloween parties are held either outside while practicing social distancing guidelines or online, on platforms such as Zoom.

For homeowners who wish to pass out treats on Halloween it is suggested that candy is arranged in a way that limits the number of times each treat is touched by children. One idea is to put the treats in their own individual baggies so that the number of little fingers rifling through the same candy dishes is limited. Families who are walking from house to house on Halloween are asked to limit the groups that they travel in to only the members of their own household. People who still want to be able to greet their neighborhood trick or treaters in person should wear masks, stay distanced and wash their hands often.

Of course, besides trick or treating, Halloween is usually the time of year for hayrides and haunted houses. This year, state officials are asking New Jersey residents to avoid attending indoor events such as the typical haunted house and anyone still choosing to host an event is encouraged to stagger the number of visitors by selling tickets early or staggering the allotted number of guests. Hayrides should also limit the number of people per ride.

While the restrictions may make Halloween in New Jersey appear a bit different this year, there are many people who are still looking forward to celebrating this spooky season. Check out what your local area is doing to keep everyone safe and make sure to follow all of the recommended guidelines.

The Future of Philanthropy

By Jerry Swon

On September 10, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

To say that COVID-19 has had an affect on everyone would be an understatement. There isn’t a single industry that hasn’t been impacted by the virus. While there has been a significant rise in philanthropy over the past several decades the pandemic has created a major need for more giving.

As the nation experienced major shutdowns millions of American people were left out of work and without pay. Although so many were left struggling there was an immense number of those willing to offer a helping hand. People donated what they could to food banks and handed out meals, masks, and hand sanitizers. Furthermore, corporations stepped up and gave large amounts of money to foundations and nonprofits.

Thus, COVID relief donations had reached $7.8 billion dollars by the middle of April. 60% of those donated dollars were reported to be from corporations, businesses, and religious organizations in the United States. Now, well into October the unemployment rate is continuing to jump, however, thankfully, so has the number of people who are donating their time and money to help others.

It is clear that the pandemic has caused a shift in philanthropy. Many of the country’s wealthiest people have altered their priorities and found ways to give back in the present, instead of donating money towards things that may not come to fruition for years to come.

There is a link to global health and economic prosperity which has only been highlighted during the global pandemic. Many leaders in philanthropy have moved to more transparent positions, inspiring others to do the same. Philanthropists such as MacKenzie Scott and Jack Dorsey made major contributions and commitments, publicly, setting a new standard among their wealthy peers.

Even Forbes has changed and redefined the way that it measures philanthropy. Whereas the amount of money a foundation had used to be used to measure the organization’s charitable acts, now Forbes is focused on judging the actual amount of giving that takes place. Other companies will surely follow suit, helping to make philanthropic acts happen faster and have a further impact.

People around the world have realized that everyone can make a difference and come to fully understand the importance of giving. There are a plethora of ways to contribute to one’s community and even people who are struggling themselves have stepped up to participate in philanthropy. Although the pandemic is still creating new challenges every day, it has altered the future of philanthropy in beautiful and important ways.

The Benefits of Community Gardening

By Jerry Swon

On July 9, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

Have you ever heard of a community garden? Urban agriculture, sometimes in the form of community gardening is a fantastic way to improve the health of community members, as well as benefit the environment. If you’re someone who is often involved with civic engagement then consider bringing the idea of a community garden to your next virtual neighborhood meeting.

While the year 2020 has posed a number of challenges to support the ability of a community to garden, there are still many ways to see that it’s made possible. Interested parties can discuss things online and set up times for everyone to go in person and get a bit of hands-on experience while remaining seperate and socially distanced. Community members should take their own tools, such as shovels and watering cans. It’s also important that everyone wears a mask and gloves while working in the common areas of the garden.

Community gardens can help to make nutritious foods more accessible in low-income areas Often times obesity and poor nutrition are issues that face these communities. A beautiful garden can help increase the number of fruits and vegetables that people have available to them. Furthermore, by composting the amount of neighborhood waste and be reduced. Not only will the animal life and biodiversity in the area begin to thrive, but the air and soil qualities will also rise.

Growing a garden and building stronger community ties go hand in hand. There are even correlations made between the safety of a neighborhood and whether or not there are shared things such as gardens.

Not only is urban gardening a wonderful way to impact the health of people in a positive way, but it’s also a great way to turn a vacant lot into something useful for everyone. In fact, there have been reports made that show neighborhoods with vacant lots are much more likely to see high crime rates, disease, and mental health disorders. An empty plot of land even decreases surrounding property values and can often become an illegal dumping site. Community gardening can truly empower people in the community.

Finally, urban agriculture or community gardening teaches residents, particularly young people, all sorts of useful skills. These skills include planning, food production, and responsibility. Once the garden is created volunteers can even begin selling any extra produce at local farmers’ markets. Community gardening can be one small way to make a difference in your area, both socially and economically.

Outstanding Animal Organizations in 2020

By Jerry Swon

On June 4, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

The noblest of causes revolve around helping those who are helpless, those who cannot help themselves. That is why caring for in-need animals is such a worthwhile, rewarding, and all-around wholesome endeavor. And that is why they are seriously deserving of recognition.

There are so many wonderful organizations that are deserving of recognition. One of the most impressive, however, is the African Wildlife Foundation. So many African countries are fighting a war against poachers, hunters who would take the life of African wildlife to sell parts of their bodies for quick cash. The African Wildlife Foundation works tirelessly to help protect the lives of rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, lions, cheetahs, and gorillas, just to name a few, and 87% of the donations they receive go toward implementing the foundation’s many helpful programs.

Another awesome foundation helping animals, and one that is perhaps closer to home for many, is Alley Cat Allies. Nearly 3.4 million cats enter the American shelter system per year, and 1.4 million of those cats are euthanized. Alley Cat Allies is an organization that works to combat those startling statistics, and one of their most successful initiatives is TNR-Trap, Neuter, Return. Community cats are trapped through humane methods, fixed, and returned back to their communities to live out their lives without being able to reproduce. This way, the cats are neither euthanized nor can they contribute to the mass amount of feline homelessness and euthanasia.

Of course, wild and domestic animals are not the only ones who need help. Animal Equity is an international organization that fights against animal cruelty across a wide variety of species, including farm animals. They oppose large factory farms and instead promote family-run farming, and they investigate facilities in order to ensure the humane treatment of animals.

Other noteworthy organizations include Bald is Beautiful Dog Rescue, Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, and Flying Fur Animal Rescue, all of which are doing their part to fight against so many injustices that animals face worldwide.

Although it’s difficult to think about, there are animals being mistreated, neglected, and abused at this very moment. These organizations, along with countless others, do their part to put an end to that abuse and, therefore, deserve immense recognition, far more than this article can provide.

Virtual Fundraising Ideas

By Jerry Swon

On May 8, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

The social distancing regulations are still in effect in most states, although they have been loosened in some parts of the country. That being the case, it’s not business as usual for many companies and organizations, including nonprofit organizations. Many nonprofit organizations are reducing their fundraising efforts significantly or completely as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. If this is true for your nonprofit organization, remember that all is not lost. The virtual world has not changed, and you can still utilize it for your fundraising efforts. Here are three ideas.

1. Virtual Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser

A virtual fundraising campaign can be built using existing social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, and others. A fundraising page can quickly be designed using these networks, and the word will quickly get out to those interested in participating. When each individual involved in the fundraising has a social media account of their own, the word will get out even faster. Each person involved can create their particular fundraising page on any one of these platforms and connect with a multitude of people and organizations willing to donate.

2. Virtual Discussions Fundraiser

The social isolation people have to endure can be used to the benefit of your fundraising attempts. You can use virtual meeting tools like Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom to set up small discussion groups and center the discussion around topics concerning your cause. Once you have everyone signed in and participating, you can request contributions. It’s up to you and/or your team just how guests will be solicited for donations. You can do this by embedding a link in the meeting system you’re using.

3. Virtual Cooking Lesson Fundraiser

This is a time when more people than usual are willing to sit down and learn new skills. Food preparation has become a necessity for many who regularly used restaurants for themselves and their families’ meals before this pandemic began. Everyone loves eating, and many have had to learn to cook recently. Take advantage of the situation by setting up a virtual cooking lesson fundraiser. Simply live-stream the lessons and use that as a way to pull people in. This kind of fundraising isn’t limited to just cooking, either. There are many creative crafts you can use to get your audience’s attention and, hopefully, financial support.

How to Help Vulnerable Populations

By Jerry Swon

On April 6, 2020

In Blog, Community, Volunteer

The daily headlines are discouraging. Yet, as in times past, Americans are rising up to the occasion by helping fellow citizens in need. However, more help is needed. In this era of social distancing, agencies who need volunteers are adjusting their donation protocols so that those who wish to volunteer can so.

If you would like to contribute to the COVID-19 response, below are five ways you can contribute today.

Donate to United Way’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. It provides access to food, shelter and more to the most vulnerable Americans wherever they live. Your financial support goes directly to those efforts.

Make a financial or in-kind donation to the Salvation Army. It provides food, shelter, childcare, and snacks to first responders, among other efforts. Specific instructions on how to donate can be found on their website.

Ronald McDonald House Charities is accepting financial and in-kind donations that are specific to local and international chapters. Its mission is to support families with housing and meals who are away from home to be with their sick children. In the wake of COVID-19, they are also repurposing space to accommodate medical staff responding to this crisis.

Meals on Wheels is in need of volunteers to deliver meals to senior citizens. They are also accepting financial gifts towards the cost of doing the same. If you’re interested, contact your local chapter. They need your help.

The Red Cross is in dire need of volunteers. The agency is still accepting donations of blood, yet in very different ways amid COVID-19. They need help in many ways, so it is best to visit their website and find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. They even have a need for virtual volunteers, which means you can help from home.

They are also requesting blood donations from survivors of COVID-19. Healthcare providers want to study the antibodies that helped them recover in the race towards a cure for other COVID-19 victims.

Despite the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs, there is still much work to be done, and people around the world need you. What has been shown in times past is that one of the most effective tools during a time of crisis is a helping hand.