Towards A New Form of Volunteering 2.0: A Survey at Apsopad International
Ahmed Iraqi · Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review · 2025
Objective: This study explores the growing phenomenon of digital volunteering and its transformative impact on nonprofit organizations and their volunteers. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, it focused on the case of APSOPAD International, a moroccan humanitarian NGO. Method: The study utilized a quantitative approach, employing a structured survey to collect data from volunteers at APSOPAD International, and aimed to evaluate volunteers’ preferences for digital versus physical volunteering by examining critical factors such as flexibility, engagement, and perceived challenges associated with each mode. It was distributed electronically to 50 volunteers, with an equal split between those engaged in physical and digital volunteering. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that digital volunteering significantly enhances flexibility, allowing nonprofits to engage volunteers across geographical boundaries. However, it presents challenges in building strong social bonds, echoing existing literature on the difficulty of replicating in-person interactions in digital environments (Cnaan and Handy, 2018). While digital volunteering proved cost-effective and enabled broader participation, issues such as inadequate digital infrastructure and the need for updated management practices persist (Kaufhold and Reuter, 2016). Research Implications: The study suggests that nonprofits can enhance volunteer engagement and operational efficiency by integrating digital strategies into their volunteer management frameworks. However, it also underscores the need for stronger digital infrastructure, improved digital literacy, and innovative management practices to fully leverage the benefits of digital volunteering. The results highlight a critical gap between volunteer engagement in digital spaces and traditional social exchange models (Blau, 1964), suggesting future research to explore solutions for enhancing social interaction in digital contexts. Originality/Value: By providing a current analysis of digital volunteerism during a global crisis such as COVID-19 pandemic, this research expands the growing body of literature on nonprofit digital transformation.