Volunteer events, remote opportunities, and member-led projects
Looking for a meaningful way to serve from home, join a scheduled activity, or lead a project in your community? The Global Volunteer Recognition Program offers and curates flexible volunteer opportunities for students, families, working adults, pageant titleholders, community groups, and volunteers around the world.
Most featured projects can be completed on your own schedule. GVRP membership is not required to participate in most projects. Active members may also share an upcoming project for calendar and social media awareness and pursue member-exclusive project-impact recognition.
Community Emergency Preparedness Project
Help a school, library, senior program, neighborhood group, Community Emergency Response Team, or community organization share accurate emergency preparedness information or collect requested preparedness supplies.
Choose one service route
- Digital route: Ask a community organization what preparedness information its audience needs. Create an approved one-page guide, translated resource, accessible checklist, or social graphic using official sources.
- Outreach route: Help an organization distribute its existing emergency preparedness materials online or in the community.
- Group route: Coordinate a small preparedness-supply drive using a list confirmed by the receiving organization.
How to participate
- Identify and contact a real organization or community group before creating materials or collecting supplies.
- Ask what it needs, who the intended audience is, and how the finished work will be used.
- Use current information from National Preparedness Month resources, Ready.gov community involvement guidance, or the receiving organization's official materials.
- Submit the work for approval before distributing it.
- Save the organization's request or approval, the completed material, screenshots or photographs, and a record of active service time.
Related Volunteer Achievement Badges: Health Supporter Badge, Awareness Advocate Badge, Digital Volunteer Badge for online work, Project Planner Badge, Local Impact Badge, and Monthly Spotlight Badge.
Service-hour reminder: Preparing your own household emergency plan is valuable, but personal preparedness time should not be recorded as volunteer service. The volunteer portion must benefit an organization, group, or community beyond your household.
Colorado Springs Volunteer Opportunities for Students, Teens, and Young Adults
Looking for volunteer opportunities in Colorado Springs? Students, teens, young adults, and families can explore local organizations, participate in eligible remote projects, or organize a service activity around a confirmed community need. Start with the options below, then check the organizer's current openings, age requirements, and registration instructions.
Student and teen volunteering
Explore opportunities that fit your age, interests, school schedule, and transportation. Library service, food-bank projects, and approved school or community activities can provide starting points.
Before beginning, ask your school or service coordinator whether the activity qualifies and what documentation is required. A parent or guardian should review participation requirements for minors.
Explore Pikes Peak Library District teen and adult volunteering
Young-adult and college-student volunteering
Look for a one-time activity or an ongoing role that fits your availability. Consider community events, hunger relief, library service, or a project that uses your communication, organization, creative, or technology skills.
Ask the organizer about orientation, time commitments, available roles, and how it confirms completed service.
Remote volunteering from Colorado Springs
You can contribute from home through eligible online research, transcription, humanitarian mapping, or approved digital projects. Review the ongoing remote opportunities on this page and choose a platform whose requirements match your age and available technology.
To support a local cause remotely, ask a Colorado Springs organization whether it needs a flyer, accessible resource, translation, or another digital task before creating it. Online service may benefit a local or worldwide community, depending on the project.
Family and group service
Families, student clubs, and community groups can explore a scheduled volunteer activity or coordinate a project requested by a receiving organization.
Care and Share Food Bank offers Colorado Springs volunteer opportunities, including food sorting and packing. Review the selected activity's age and supervision requirements, and register before attending.
Turn this month's project into local service
Use the featured monthly project as a starting point for helping the Colorado Springs community. Contact a local school, library, neighborhood group, or community organization to confirm a need and agree on a useful task.
- Identify the organization or community group you want to help.
- Ask what work is needed and whether you can complete it remotely, in person, or with a group.
- Confirm instructions, permissions, supervision, and how the finished work will be used.
- Complete the approved task and record your active service time, contribution, and results.
Local resource note: The outside organizations linked here manage their own opportunities, applications, schedules, and participants. Inclusion is for reference and does not indicate a GVRP partnership or guarantee an available placement. Contact the organizer directly to confirm current details.
Colorado Springs volunteering questions
Where can teens look for volunteer opportunities in Colorado Springs?
Start with Pikes Peak Library District's teen volunteer listings, the City of Colorado Springs volunteer portal, and age-appropriate activities offered by local organizations. Requirements vary by role. Check minimum age, parent or guardian permission, supervision, and registration before signing up.
Can Colorado Springs students complete volunteer hours from home?
Yes, students can explore remote service, subject to the project's age and participation requirements. If the hours are for school, a scholarship, or another program, obtain approval from that program before starting. Keep records of active time, completed work, and the organization or community that benefited.
Do I need GVRP membership to use these local volunteer resources?
No. You do not need GVRP membership to contact the outside organizations listed here or explore their volunteer opportunities. Most GVRP monthly projects also do not require membership. Certain GVRP awards and member benefits have separate eligibility requirements.
Can local or remote service qualify for volunteer recognition?
Local and remote service may qualify when it meets the selected award's eligibility and documentation requirements. Participation alone does not guarantee recognition. Review the award criteria and keep supporting records.
Explore the GVRP Volunteer Events Calendar
View scheduled volunteer events, Featured Member Projects, project reminders, deadlines, and GVRP community activities. Select an event to see details and add it to your schedule.
Lead and Share a Member Volunteer Project
Active GVRP members may lead an independent volunteer project and invite the Global Volunteer Recognition Program Facebook Page to participate as a promotional co-host. Approved events can help more people discover the project and may support a future application for the member-exclusive Volunteer Project Impact Award.
Standard award pathway
Advance submission is not required for the standard Volunteer Project Impact Award. A member or nominator may submit the completed project, the member's individual contribution, documented community impact, and supporting information for review.
Community Engagement Distinction pathway
Advance submission and acceptance through the official Facebook co-host process are required for calendar consideration and the complimentary Community Engagement Distinction. The distinction is available only when the member also completes the project and qualifies for the Volunteer Project Impact Award.
How to request calendar and social media consideration
- Create a complete public Facebook event through the Facebook Page connected to the project, organization, business, community group, or initiative.
- Include the project date, time, location or virtual participation information, purpose, organizer, registration details, safety requirements, and contact information.
- Invite the Global Volunteer Recognition Program Facebook Page to participate as a co-host.
- Send the invitation far enough in advance for review, preferably at least 14 days before the project.
- Wait for the co-host invitation to be reviewed and accepted.
- Complete the project and submit the results and documentation required for the Volunteer Project Impact Award.
Facebook Page requirement: Only a Facebook Page can add another Facebook Page as a co-host. Members who cannot create an event through a Facebook Page may provide a link to a complete public Facebook event for possible sharing. Only projects accepted through the official co-host process qualify for the Community Engagement Distinction.
Community Engagement Distinction requirements
- Have an active GVRP membership for the applicable recognition year
- Submit the project before it occurs
- Create a complete public Facebook event through an eligible Facebook Page
- Invite the GVRP Facebook Page as a co-host
- Receive approval and acceptance
- Complete the project
- Submit required results and documentation
- Qualify for the Volunteer Project Impact Award
Promotion is not guaranteed: Acceptance as a co-host does not guarantee attendance, participation, donations, newsletter placement, a separate social media post, a specific level of promotion, or award approval.
Independent project and promotional co-host notice
Unless a project is specifically identified as an official GVRP project, it remains independently organized and operated by the member, organization, or community group listed as the primary host. Independently organized Facebook events should include this notice:
This project is independently organized by [ORGANIZER NAME]. The Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ is participating as a promotional co-host to help increase awareness and does not operate, supervise, insure, or assume responsibility for the project. Participants are responsible for reviewing the organizer's eligibility, safety, registration, and participation requirements.
The primary organizer remains responsible for project planning, permissions, supervision, accessibility, participant safety, insurance, legal requirements, background checks, transportation, fundraising compliance, and all other operational responsibilities.
Upcoming 2026 Virtual and Community Volunteer Projects
Each featured project provides a defined service goal, an established volunteer platform or real beneficiary, suggested documentation, and connections to eligible GVRP Volunteer Achievement Badges.
October 2026: Animal and Wildlife Support Project
Goal: Support animal welfare, wildlife research, or an approved shelter need through a digital, at-home, or community-based project.
Choose one service route
- Wildlife research: Choose an active animal or wildlife project from Zooniverse's current project directory and complete classifications.
- Remote shelter support: Contact a shelter or rescue and offer to create an adoption profile, approved flyer, social media graphic, translation, or another digital item it confirms it needs.
- Community support: Coordinate a supply drive using the shelter's current wish list, or complete an approved on-site volunteer activity.
Recommended documentation
Save platform contribution records, screenshots, photographs, or written confirmation from the organization. Record only active service time.
Possible badges: Animal Ally, Digital Volunteer, Creative Service, Project Planner, Local Impact or Global Impact, Service Explorer, and Monthly Spotlight.
November 2026: Hunger Relief and Community Food Support
Goal: Help a food bank, pantry, meal program, or community organization respond to hunger through an approved volunteer task.
Choose one service route
- Remote route: Ask a food bank or pantry whether it needs help with a flyer, translation, resource list, donor thank-you messages, data entry, or another remote task.
- Drive route: Coordinate a food or essential-item drive using the receiving organization's current needs list.
- In-person route: Sort, pack, distribute, deliver, garden, or serve through an approved food bank or meal program.
Use the Feeding America food bank finder or identify another established hunger-relief organization.
Possible badges: Hunger Relief, Local Impact, Digital Volunteer, Project Planner, Team Builder, Kindness, and Monthly Spotlight.
December 2026: Holiday Gratitude for Those Who Serve
Goal: Create meaningful expressions of appreciation for deployed service members, veterans, first responders, and their families through an established volunteer program.
- Review the current Operation Gratitude volunteer-from-home opportunities.
- Choose a currently accepted activity.
- Follow all content, material, packaging, mailing, and deadline instructions.
- Save photographs, active service time, and mailing or delivery confirmation.
Possible badges: Holiday Helper, Kindness, Creative Service, Project Planner, Team Builder, and Monthly Spotlight.
International alternative: Volunteers outside the United States may complete a similar project for an established veterans, emergency services, peacekeeping, humanitarian, elder-care, or community organization in their country.
Ongoing Virtual Volunteer Opportunities From Home
These established platforms offer additional ways to volunteer online. Availability, eligibility, verification, and age requirements are determined by each organization and may change.
MapSwipe
Review satellite images and contribute to humanitarian mapping from a phone or web browser.
Possible badges: Digital Volunteer, Global Impact, Service Explorer.
Smithsonian Digital Volunteers
Transcribe and review historic documents and collection records.
Possible badges: History & Heritage, Digital Volunteer, Service Explorer.
Zooniverse
Support people-powered research through active science, nature, climate, history, and language projects.
Possible badges: Digital Volunteer, Service Explorer, and cause-specific badges.
Be My Eyes
Use the free app to provide real-time visual assistance when a blind or low-vision user requests help.
Possible badges: Digital Volunteer, Kindness, Global Impact.
United Nations Online Volunteering
Adults age 18 and older can apply for skill-based online assignments.
Possible badges: Digital Volunteer, Global Impact, Service Explorer.
Create a Verified Local Project
Ask a school, nonprofit, library, shelter, food pantry, community group, or public agency what remote or at-home task it currently needs.
Possible badges: Project Planner, Local Impact, Creative Service, Team Builder, or a cause-specific badge.
Choose carefully: Confirm that an organization is legitimate, the task is currently needed, and you understand its privacy and safety requirements. Never pay an application fee simply to volunteer.
How to Track and Document Remote Volunteer Hours
Accurate records help show what you did, who benefited, and how much active time you contributed. Documentation does not automatically make an activity eligible for an award, school requirement, scholarship, employer program, or other purpose, but it makes your service easier to evaluate.
| Record | What to include |
|---|---|
| Date and active time | Start time, end time, and total active service time. Do not count breaks, shopping, waiting, or personal activities. |
| Organization and project | The organization, platform, project name, and a direct link when available. |
| Work completed | A specific description of the task, quantity completed, skills used, and intended beneficiary. |
| Proof | Screenshots, photographs, contribution history, confirmation emails, supervisor verification, mailing receipts, or approved finished work. |
| Impact or reflection | A short explanation of the need addressed, the result, and what you learned. |
Volunteer Achievement Badges and Member Recognition
Completing a project does not require a GVRP membership or badge purchase unless a specific opportunity states otherwise. Volunteers who want additional recognition may apply for an eligible Volunteer Achievement Badge after completing the badge requirements and gathering proof.
Compare Volunteer Achievement Badges and proof requirements. Achievement Badges are optional, separately purchased recognition products. Submissions are reviewed, and project completion does not guarantee approval.
Active members may also apply for the Volunteer Project Impact Award after making a meaningful contribution to a project that produces a documented community benefit.
Previous 2026 Volunteer Project Ideas
These earlier themes may still inspire service, but volunteers should confirm that the receiving organization still needs the work before beginning.
August 2026: Back-to-School Hunger Relief
Decorate approved Sack Supper bags to encourage children receiving evening meals through Kids' Food Basket. Review the current Kids' Food Basket decorating instructions before beginning. Save photos and mailing or delivery confirmation.
January: Kindness and Encouragement
Create cards, letters, or encouragement materials for a nonprofit, hospital, school, senior program, military-support organization, or other confirmed recipient.
February: Awareness Advocate
Support an established organization's approved public-awareness campaign using accurate sources and authorized materials.
March: Literacy and Mentorship Support
Tutor, mentor, read, transcribe, or create an approved literacy resource through a school, library, youth program, or literacy organization.
April: Earth Month Action
Complete an approved cleanup, conservation, citizen-science, or environmental education project.
May: Mental Health Support and Awareness
Support an established mental health or wellness organization through an approved awareness, resource, outreach, or encouragement task.
June: Volunteer Appreciation
Help a nonprofit, school, public agency, or volunteer program recognize and retain its volunteers through approved thank-you letters, graphics, certificates, or an appreciation activity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Volunteering
What is remote volunteering?
Remote volunteering is service completed away from a traditional volunteer site, often from home using a phone, computer, mail, or at-home project materials.
Can I volunteer from home for free?
Yes. Many remote volunteer opportunities are free and require only internet access or materials you already own. Some at-home projects may involve optional supplies or postage.
Do I need a GVRP membership to participate?
No. Membership is not required for most GVRP monthly projects or outside opportunities listed on this page. Membership may be required for certain GVRP awards and benefits.
Can remote volunteer projects count as service hours?
Remote service may count when it is meaningful, completed for a genuine volunteer purpose, accurately tracked, and permitted by the organization or program reviewing the hours. Confirm eligibility in advance.
How do I verify virtual volunteer hours?
Record the date, active time, organization, project, task, and impact. Keep screenshots, contribution histories, photographs, confirmation emails, finished work, mailing records, or supervisor verification.
Are these opportunities available worldwide?
Many digital opportunities are open internationally, but each organization sets its own country, age, technology, language, and eligibility requirements.
Can students and families participate?
Many projects are appropriate for students, families, and groups. A parent or guardian should review platform terms, privacy rules, and age requirements before a minor participates.
Can I earn a Volunteer Achievement Badge?
Possibly. Volunteers must complete all current badge-specific criteria and submit acceptable proof. Badges are optional, separately purchased recognition products, and approval is not automatic.
Can these projects satisfy court-ordered community service?
Do not assume they will. Obtain written approval from the court or supervising authority before beginning any remote project.
How often are new volunteer projects added?
GVRP features a new service theme each month and may add scheduled events, partner opportunities, and ongoing remote projects throughout the year.
Does a member-led project have to be submitted before it occurs?
Advance submission is not required for the standard Volunteer Project Impact Award. It is required for calendar consideration and the Community Engagement Distinction.
Does a Facebook co-host invitation guarantee promotion?
No. Invitations are reviewed before acceptance, and specific placement, reach, attendance, participation, or donations are not guaranteed.
Who operates and supervises a member-led project?
Unless identified as an official GVRP project, it is independently organized and operated by the member, organization, or community group listed as the primary host.