AAfter such a difficult 2020, one thing has become crystal clear: strong communities are what get us through tough times. Mutual aid networks and volunteer organizations work hard to address the challenges faced in communities and around the globe. But they need help to remain sustainable. Want to become a better global citizen? You can start with the device you’re using to read this email. If you have an old laptop or tablet laying around, donate them to students in need through Comp-U-Dopt, a nonprofit that provides refurbished computers to low-income students in U.S. cities. Unfortunately, virtual learning will be our reality for the near future. But students around the country still lack computer access at home. To help bridge the digital divide, The Webby Awards is partnering with Comp-U-Dopt. Donate today and give a machine you no longer need to a student who does. We’ve also highlighted four tech tools (including a couple Webby Winners, of course) to help connect you with great causes, supercharge your charitable giving, and inspire you to take action. Here’s to brighter days in 2021 and beyond.
The first step for any new volunteer is finding an organization or project that’s looking for help. JustServe makes the process easy: Register on the platform to browse through listings of all kinds of service opportunities in your area. Once you find one that interests you, JustServe provides all the details on how to sign up, so you can spend more time volunteering and less time searching.
Charity Miles might be just what you need to stick to your exercise routine this year. This free app (a 2014 Webby Winner) tracks your activity and donates money to one of over 40 charitable partners for every mile you move. Download the app, and your next run or bike ride will help support organizations doing great work in areas like public health, the environment, and education.
You’ve likely heard of (and maybe even attended) the Global Citizen concert series, but there’s a lot more to it than just music. Check out Global Citizen’s two-time Webby-winning app, which empowers you to take action on one of the world’s biggest issues—poverty. Download the app to learn more about the causes of poverty, join in actions to address them, and earn points to enter drawings for exclusive prizes.
Is shopping a form of community service? It is with Coin Up. Choose a cause you care about, link your debit or credit card, and Coin Up will analyze your transactions and donate the spare change (at least $5 a month) to your chosen organization. Now you’re shopping for more than just yourself.
As a little reward for all that volunteering, treat yourself to a new mechanical keyboard from WASD. They’re fully customizable—you choose the layout, key colors, and even the switch type—and they’re a great way to spruce up your home office.
