From today people using Android smartphones will be able to access YouthNet’s online volunteering database, Do-it, through a mobile application.
+U, as the mobile app is known, has been developed by Sony and was the final concept that came out of its Open Planet Ideas initiative last year which asked the public for ideas about how technology could be used for good. The application code is open source and is available to other organisations in Europe to develop their own app.
The app hopes to encourage more micro-volunteering and as part of the project YouthNet has been working with charities to explore what sort of micro-volunteering opportunities could be offered.
Emma Thomas, chief executive of YouthNet said: “The development of +U provides huge potential for the sector to develop the way that we encourage and motivate people to volunteer.”
She added: “For those who might be new to volunteering, being able to try short-term or one-off opportunities can be the first step to undertaking more regular volunteering activity which ultimately benefits local communities.”
After downloading the app users can search for volunteering opportunities in their local area, share their activity on Facebook and earn badges.
Do-it launched in 2001 and now hosts about 1 million volunteering opportunities. It has more than 700,000 people registered with 130,000 visitors to the website each month.
Last year vInspired, formerly v, the National Young Volunteers Service launched its vinspired app for Apple, Android and Blackberry devices. It also offers volunteering opportunities, searchable by post code, with nearly 1,000 charities and community organisations. So far it has been downloaded more than 5,000 times and v is currently working on the second generation of the apps which will launch later this year.
For the link to download the code and a guide on how to adapt the application click here.
In the YouTube video below Sony explains the development of the idea.
Click on the images below to see screenshots of the app.
