Getting creative with volunteer opportunities can expand your organisation's reach to a new group of passionate volunteers. While traditional roles are important, adding creativity can invigorate both the positions and how you convey your mission.

Volunteero makes creating opportunities so easy, that it's the perfect platform to get creative with your listings.

We’ve compiled a list of our 20 most favourite creative volunteer roles, that we’ve seen first-hand do wonders for organisations.

Check out our guide for creating an opportunity, take some inspiration from the list below and go forth with your super-charged volunteer recruitment!

1.Events photographers

The benefits here are two fold; not only does someone get a sense of fulfillment by photographing your events, but you also then get a bank of images that capture your work in action, tell a story to your audience and entice additonal volunteers into your organisation.

2. Influencers: Charity shop styling, content creators

Never underestimate the power of local (or national) influencers, you can get especially lucky with targeting recruitment to those who are actively seeking a career as an influencer. If you’ve got a space they can get creative in, maybe with charity shop styling or other content then snap them up.

3. TikTok/ Content creation

This is very similar to the above; everyone is on TikTok now, but is can seem like a whole other world trying to understand how the algorithm works. By actively recruiting volunteers who enjoy/ are able to navigate TikTok then you can easily capitalise on free video content. Think day in the life, packing donations, events live streaming, volunteer stories and more. In seconds, you can convey emotions, raise awareness, and ignite action.

4. Micro volunteering

Can you get creative with some micro-volunteering roles that people can dip in and dip out of as they wish? Even better still are there micro opportunities that people can get involved with at home? In today’s world, a lack of available time can be a barrier to people getting involved with a long term commitment to volunteering.

5. Family Volunteering

Make volunteering a family affair, childcare can sometimes be a barrier for people getting involved with volunteering. So, can you offer opportunities where the whole family can come along? These children have the potential to be your future volunteers, so by offering opportunities to them at a young age your organisation is teaching them how important it is to help your local communities through volunteering.

6. Trustee roles

Lots of people don’t realise they have the skills to be a trustee, this vital role can attract a new wave of board members through creative advertising. Seek specific skills or interests and reassure potential applicants that the role.

7. Street food bank collection

If your organisation relies on donations of goods, then why not ask people to organise street collections? Close proximity to home makes this an attractive opportunity for people with limited time to give, but can create ripples of change through communities.

8. Collection of hygiene products

Similar to the above, encourage collection drives for essential personal care items. A simple act like providing hygiene products can restore dignity to those in need.

9. Window Styling

Got a charity shop window? Attract creative folk who can use their fashion flair for good. Showcase how second-hand can be chic, promoting sustainable fashion choices while raising funds for a cause.

10. Digital inclusion

Offer digital support to people who are unable to use their devices (eg using email, facebook, online shopping, gp appointments) If someone can navigate facebook, then they’re able to teach someone else to navigate facebook. In todays digital world, volunteering to close the digital divide can ensure connection.

11.Packing food parcels or hygiene packs

Gathered some donations? Organise a day for volunteers to come in as a one-off to organise and package up parcels.

12. Office fundraisers/ bake sales for your charities cause

13. Gardening or sprucing up green space

On behalf of older people or at your venue (if you have a space that people visit). This opportunity can attract green thumbs and garden enthusiasts, cultivate joy through nature and brighten up spaces.

14. Mentoring

Draw on the skills of potential volunteers who have an expertise that can offering mentoring to a beneficiary of your organisation. Creating mutually beneficial relationships like these in a safe space

15. Workshop deliovery or taster sessions

Lean into having volunteers deliver one off workshops relating to their skills or expertise. Perhaps a volunteer could run a tik-tok master class to your volunteer team, an art class for mindfulness or creative writing workshops that you can use to promote your cause.

16. Buddy roles

To help people build confidence. This might include volunteers helping someone to travel independently, attend a new session or try a new activity; often a little companionship can boost someone’s self esteem and help them achieve personal goals.

17. Chatterboxes and empathetic listeners

Have volunteers gather at community cafes, group chatty cafes or similar schemes. A simple conversation with an isolated person can really brighten their day and make a difference to their mental wellbeing.

18. Driving roles

Volunteer drivers can make a massive difference with easing the load (pun intended) when delivering items, donations or meals across your community.

19. Community clear ups

A good old fashioned community clear up or gorilla gardening can instill pride in the area and spread joy across neighbours all while doing a good thing. This one can be particularly appealing to corporate volunteers or youth programmes.

20. Fun days or events

Having volunteers help to set up or ensure the smooth running of your events are a great way to attract new faces to the organisation. Helping out at one of these events feels exciting, fun and rewarding.

Embrace these creative volunteering ideas to reshape how we engage with our causes.

By thinking outside the box, we can empower ourselves and others to make a lasting impact because after all, there is a hero in all of us.

Have you got an idea to add to the list? Get in touch and let us know!