Micro Actions: A New Way to Engage Volunteers

The Power of Micro Actions: Make a Big Impact with Small Actions

It's no secret that many want to participate in some form of volunteering. But the limitations of time, prior engagements, and balancing work and life can often inhibit the opportunity to volunteer.  However, there is a solution: micro actions. 

What are Micro Actions?

Unlike traditional volunteering which can require a significant time commitment, conducted in-person, or have specific requirements depending on the volunteer type, micro actions enables individuals to make a positive impact in a shorter amount of time, from anywhere. 

So what exactly is micro actions and how can it benefit your organization?

Micro actions entails task-based activities that require minimal time commitment from the volunteer. As a nonprofit, your organization can benefit tremendously from this type of volunteering as it allows you to gain long-term support from small actions. 

Benefits of Micro Actions

There are a variety of benefits for both organizations and volunteers. Micro actions is a mutually beneficial activity for both parties! 

• Reach Volunteers Remotely: many micro actions can be conducted virtually, enabling volunteers to participate from wherever they are in the world. Individuals are no longer restricted by location or in-person opportunities making it more inclusive and a more flexible option for those with busy schedules. 
• Flexible Scheduling: micro actions are meant to fit within short timeframes and do not require a significant commitment. This flexibility allows volunteers to complete the actions within their busy schedules. 
• Reduce Cost: offering micro actions can benefit your nonprofit financially by dividing a larger task into mini-tasks that can be accomplished by many people. This cost-effective approach allows your organization to focus resources more efficiently and drive your mission forward. 
• Access to More Volunteers: with the ability to contribute remotely and on their own schedule, you can reach a broader audience of potential volunteers. Micro actions are appealing in this sense and provides a low-entry barrier point to get involved. 
• Long-Term Impact: micro actions is just the first step in interacting with your organization – it acts as a stepping stone for volunteers to develop a stronger connection to your cause. When you cultivate these long-term relationships, you can create a loyal supporter base and ultimately transform them into financial supporters which contributes to your nonprofit's growth. 
• Available to All: micro actions are available to all nonprofits – no matter your size, cause, or location!

Examples of Micro Actions

There's no limit to the types of micro actions you can offer to volunteers! These bite-size acts of kindness can range from quick tasks, like signing a petition, to slightly more involved activities. Each is tailored to meet the specific need of your nonprofit and the level of impact you'd like to receive from the participant. 

Quick Micro Actions 

When volunteers are short on time but eager to make an impact in their community, offering quick micro actions that take less than ten minutes can be very appealing. Here are a few examples of quick activities:

• Signing a Petition: individuals can support causes or advocacy campaigns by signing online or in-person petitions. This can help organizations gather signatures to raise awareness, influence decision-makers, or drive legislative action. 
• Engaging with Social Media: the average adult touches their phone 2,500 times a day. Be one of those touches by encouraging individuals by liking or sharing a social media post. Each engagement sets off of a ripple effect that helps extend your nonprofit's message to a new, broader audience. The more engagement a post receives, the greater likelihood it has of being seen by new supporters, donors, or champions of your cause. 
• Picking up Trash: by completing the simple act of picking up trash whenever and wherever they see it, volunteers can contribute to a cleaner world. Have them simply log it and see the pounds of trash grow! 
• Completing a Survey: surveys are a useful tool that can help you understand your audience and supporters better, drive program development, and inform decision making. By completing a short survey, individuals can provide their voice and help shape future initiatives. 
• Sharing with a Friend: sharing with a friend seems simple enough but it can have a greater influence than we imagine. Telling a friend about your cause can help spark new engagement either by volunteering, supporting financially, or sharing your cause with their network of friends. 

Of course, micro actions aren't limited to opportunities that take only a few minutes to complete. There are numerous opportunities that allow volunteers to dedicate slightly more time and create an impact. Below are examples of activities that take more than ten minutes to complete but no more than thirty minutes. 

• Goods Donations: that simple trip to the local thrift store or food bank may seem like a task to complete, but it can be a micro action too! Donating clothing or non-perishable food items help support your community with essential items. 
• Handing out Flyers: volunteers can help raise awareness by handing out flyers about events, campaigns, or resources by distributing flyers in their neighborhood. 
• Skills-Based Volunteering: tap into your volunteers that offer unique skill sets. Organizations can receive support by offering tasks like translating text, writing a quick social media post, or answering trade-specific questions like legal, medical, and more.  

How to Get Started with Micro Actions

Golden, the most award-winning volunteer management platform, brings volunteers and organizations together to create positive change in the world. Getting started with micro actions on Golden is a simple process. Simply fill out this form with your organization's details and how you need support. One of our dedicated sales representatives will be in touch with next steps and you'll be on your way to creating micro actions!