If I had an extra hour or a few hours a day when I had free time, I wanted to help people online, something like support or something like that.

Why do I want this? The answer is: It brings me pleasure when I manage to help someone at least a little. And also when I listened to people on the Internet, just random people, they didn't even ask for help, I somehow instinctively felt that they had some kind of problems by the tone of their messages, and in the end I managed to cheer them up at least a little.

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[–] 23 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Good thing to do! My tip: volunteer off-line. Help people live in the real world.

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  • [–] 7 points 1 month ago

    Assuming you're able, I second this. Elderly and infirm will be grateful for an hour of errands, meal prep, dish/laundry washing. Young, able may appreciate an hour of babysitting or reading to children.

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  • [+] [S] 2 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (4 children)
  • [–] 4 points 1 month ago

    An organization with some structure might be a better fit.

    Community theater? They always need stagehands, set builders, etc.

    Same for community bands and orchestras. A librarian or personnel manager for a group like that is as good as gold.

    Conservancy? Help protect your local wild lands?

    Find a cause you care about and an organization that works for its benefit and call them to offer some of your time.

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  • [–] 3 points 1 month ago (1 child)

    I'm sorry that happened! Possibly he wanted to retain his independence as long as possible or sensed a threat (muggers offer "help" before mugging). It's always best to ask if you can be of assistance, and a simple, "Are you sure? It's no trouble," if declined is enough reassurance without being pushy. If the offer is declined a second time, a cheerful and sincere "Okay, have a great day/evening!" is an unakward way to take your leave.

    I'm not sure how to volunteer online, unless you want to record audio books, you could upload to YT, or place a few free ads around to social media/local radio offering typing, proofreading, tech support, etc. But I have a feeling free tech support may consume more time than an hour.

    It's good of you to want to offer your services. Thank you for that.

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  • [–] 9 points 1 month ago
    [+] 4 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)
    [–] 4 points 1 month ago (1 child)

    a few hours a day when I had free time, I wanted to help people online

    I have heard that many open source code maintainers are in real need recently.

    (But beware: they are even prouder than that old man from your story, so check your attitude properly)

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  • [–] 4 points 1 month ago

    Depends on your interests:

    As far as some sort of one-on-one support service, I'm not too sure of online services for that (beyond helping out in specific forums when people ask questions).

    You can help out with a variety of different research projects over on the Zooniverse:
    https://www.zooniverse.org/

    You can help by contributing to the map around your area: https://www.openstreetmap.org/

    Help out with research on wildlife in your area:
    https://www.inaturalist.org/

    Contribute to Wikipedia:
    https://www.wikipedia.org/

    If you feel passionate about consumer rights, you can contribute to the wiki here:
    https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Main_Page

    If you like to tinker with electronics, check out Fulu Bounties and get paid for helping to get around DRM on refrigerators or on an Xbox. This has the potential to help a lot of end users as well as prevent E-waste. https://bounties.fulu.org/

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  • [–] 3 points 1 month ago

    What I started last year is contributing to OpenStreetMap via StreetComplete. It makes it extremely easy to contribute. Just go on a walk and occassionally pull your phone out and wander around to find the places that need more info.

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