Why Digital Nomads Should Work For Nonprofits As They Travel — How To Get Started
Recently digital nomad numbers in the United States have swelled to over 10 million. Of these workers, around one-third have only worked this way for less than a year. Today, even as physical offices are reopening en masse, many still expect digital nomadism to become a common setup. According to a CNBC report about telecommuting work-tourism, being a digital nomad is an appealing option for millions. This is because of the flexibility, opportunity, and ability to easily marry business and pleasure that this model offers. No longer just a niche, digital nomads are poised to become the norm.
But being a digital nomad can be beneficial for more than yourself. As the world rebuilds following the pandemic, digital nomads can become important allies. For many nonprofits with programs centered on local wellbeing, foreign digital nomads can help make a difference.
Why Digital Nomads and Nonprofits Are A Perfect Match
Unlike most local volunteers, digital nomads are typically privy to a more agile lifestyle. This is highly beneficial for nonprofits that often need to pivot their tactics given the challenging times. For instance, while other volunteers may be limited by their 9-5 jobs, digital nomads can adjust their schedules accordingly. This is especially critical for nonprofits that deal with disaster assistance.
Digital nomads also have the advantage of being adept at both essential hard and soft skills. For the former, this includes skills in IT, content creation, and marketing—all of which are among the most popular careers for digital nomads. For the latter, this includes communication, organization, and self-sufficiency, which are all in-demand digital nomad skills. As such, digital nomads can actively contribute to both internal and external efforts.
Finally, joining a nonprofit is a great way to give back to your host country. Digital nomads enjoy the local facilities, sights, culture, and natural resources. While many tourists choose to give donations in cash or in-kind, for digital nomads staying long-term, volunteering time and skills may be a more valuable form of aid.
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
How To Start Your Nonprofit Journey As A Digital Nomad
Key Points
Familiarize yourself in the nonprofit structure
First, educate yourself on what a nonprofit is. This means familiarizing yourself with their organization and working structure. In Maryville University’s blog post about nonprofits, it’s explained that nonprofit organizations cover a wide range of projects such as providing food, bridging healthcare, and supporting education efforts. Unlike NGOs or for-profits, nonprofits don’t have public shareholders or stocks. This means they can’t generate profit for purposes other than to maintain staff and fund programs. Some nonprofits are also tax-exempt, though the people who work with them (like digital nomads) are not. Once you know how nonprofits function, you can accurately assess which ones are legitimate and worth volunteering for.
Check if your skills are aligned with the nonprofit’s needs
Second, try to see how your skills can be specifically useful. For example, a nonprofit teaching young girls STEM will benefit more from a digital nomad in IT. Meanwhile, a nonprofit raising awareness online about clean water can do well with a social media content producer. While you can just directly ask a nonprofit what help they need (since all help is welcome!), doing your own research streamlines the process. This is appreciated since most nonprofits have a modest staff. To check how your skills can complement a nonprofit, you can easily check online websites for updates.
Just as being a digital nomad is becoming commonplace, so should the initiative to help. By offering your time and skills to local nonprofits, you can make your stay more meaningful and memorable. If you are interested in being able to Work and Live Anywhere In The World we hope this article helps.
Consider the sustainability of your nonprofit work
Last, take into account which nonprofit work is most sustainable for you. While well-intentioned digital nomads may be tempted to sign up for various initiatives, this may not always be the most realistic. Remember that the time you give to a nonprofit is time spent away from paying work. In many cases, local and foreign volunteers even pitch in for costs. Therefore, before you commit, consider how a project will affect you personally. One way to do so is to check the local cost of living. This varies greatly and can inform how much time you can afford to give. To illustrate, Andrew Williams’ list of the best countries for remote work notes how rent in Mauritius is just around $400. Conversely, rent in the Czech Republic is about $1,700. Considering elements like this in advance can help you make decisions that are more practical for everyone in the long run.
Just as being a digital nomad is becoming commonplace, so should the initiative to help. By offering your time and skills to local nonprofits, you can make your stay more meaningful and memorable. If you are interested in being able to Work and Live Anywhere In The World we hope this article helps.
Contributed by Halsey Bower for remotetribe.life
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