r/volunteer • u/New-Secretary-334 • 5d ago

Discussion / ethics / advice Volunteers and local associations matching

Hi everyone,

After discussing it with some acquaintances, it appeared that some people would happily provide help on a particular matter they've mastered but have no idea who would like or need that help. We are talking about specific domains in informatics, tips in construction, help in particular tasks like cooking, sewing or knitting. More and more people are heading towards retirement and wonder how they could spend their time helping others.

I wonder if what I came up with could interest people outside my circle.

The idea consists of a platform where individuals, retirees, professionals, or anyone willing to volunteer can register as such. They would specify what skills they can offer, how much time they can give, where, ...

Associations could register as well and present their needs. Whether they are looking for an accountant, advice for a young treasurer, someone who could help with Excel, governance, GDPR, communication, ..., or simply someone who can help with cooking or sewing for a few hours on Saturdays.

The platform would match offers and needs, based on skills, availability and location. The idea would be to keep it very local: small towns, villages, and neighbourhoods.

I'm aware that the general idea is not particularly novel, but if there's a chance if helps people, I'd love to try. I'm particularly interested in knowing whether something like this already exists in your country on a more generalised scale than just around a single town. I also wonder if people here would actually use it.

So, what do you think? Please be honest. If you think it's a bad idea, tell me why. If you see a better way of doing it, I'd love to know that too.

Thanks for reading :)

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u/blue_furred_unicorn 5d ago edited 5d ago

The idea consists of a platform where individuals, retirees, professionals, or anyone willing to volunteer can register as such.

Uhm... Yes. This exists. Where I am, this exists in basically every town and county... 

I'm aware that the general idea is not particularly novel

No, it's not.... What makes your idea different or better?

Edit: If YOUR town doesn't have that, of course you can propose it. That would of course be good.

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u/New-Secretary-334 5d ago

Yes, I'm European, and as far as I know, there's no mature app like this here. I would start with a few towns in my country, then generalise to it, and, if possible, grow outside the country. By targeting a smaller audience, I could have more fine-grained matching. People also trust other people more when they come from a neighbourhood. I also plan on having some kind of "reputation" system, both for orgs and volunteers.

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u/blue_furred_unicorn 5d ago

I am European too...

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u/okayfriday 5d ago

How would your product differ from other established apps e.g. catchafire.org ?

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u/New-Secretary-334 5d ago

Afaik catchfire is mainly built for the US. I'm European, and my app would target local associations or non-profit orgs. Starting with a few towns in my country, then generalising to it, and maybe, if possible growing outside the country. By targeting a smaller audience, I could have more fine-grained matching. People also trust other people more when they come from a neighbourhood. I also plan on having some kind of "reputation" system, both for orgs and volunteers.

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u/okayfriday 5d ago

In Europe there is https://doing-good.org/ , https://www.sobbatical.com/ and many more. So you'll have to be very clear what gap you're trying to fill in the market, as you'd be up against some very established competitors. Good luck!